Nikon D80 review
Image Quality & Value For Money
Nikon D80: Image Quality
Nikon D80 Review - Consistent Exposure and Colour
The D80 produces good Raw files, and the new NX software can really help to optimise these. Exposures throughout the test were consistent and the Raw files, before processing, demonstrated this admirably, with few images needing too much correction. In all the images have good colour, consistent exposure and plenty of detail. Which is all we could ask for.
Nikon D80 Review - Noise Control
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The D80's image noise is good throughout the ISO range, though obviously worsens as the gain is raised. At ISO 1600 and beyond it is quite severe, which we’d expect, but again, the in-camera noise reduction is good at reducing this, though we gained better results later on the computer. It’s nice to have control over the noise reduction, though.
Nikon D80 Review - Tone and Contrast
Pictures from the Nikon D80 have a very nice tonality, with smooth transitions, good shadow detail and, if exposed correctly, excellent highlights. JPEGs are practically ready to print, with very little adjustment needed.
Nikon D80 Review - Colour and White Balance
In terms of colour, the images from the Nikon D80 tend slightly to the warm side in the Normal setting, but not overly so, but the in-camera controls can help to correct this if necessary. There’s so much control within the camera, that minor niggles can be easily fixed.
Nikon D80: Value For Money
Nikon D80 Review - Nikon Delivers Again
While the D80 is not the cheapest model on the market, the results and handling from this camera speak for themselves. Nikon has done itself proud to offer this much control and quality for a price that’s not unreasonable. It also has access to the massive Nikon system, which for upgraders is a strong reason to stick with Nikon and consider the D80 for higher-resolution images.
Have your say!
Latest comments
January 22 05:37
nikonian
very good review well done i am going to buy one secondhand
July 23 18:34
David Arrowsmith
I took the plunge and bought A D80 second hand as a partner for my D40. I am very happy with it and have no complaints apart from the usual Nikon tendency to over-expose in bright conditions but this is easily overcome with a touch of exposure compensation. The camera handles well, seems rugged enough even with a plastic body and at last I can use auto-focus with my 28mm and 50mm non- AFS Nikon lenses! If anyone is considering getting a used one of these, don't hesitate. As long as it is in good condition and does not have too many actuations then it is a great camera for a lot less than the current new entry level models. I got mine for £245 with an 18-135mm lens. The D90 replacement is a lot more expensive and is not that much better apart from offering a video mode.
August 11 23:54
HB KAHN
I OWN THIS MODEL ALONG WITH THE NIKON D50..I AM VERY PLEASED WITH BOTH MODELS AS I AM WITH MY SONY MODELS A33 AND 380. I JUST BOUGHT THE NEW SIGMA 50MM F1.4 LENS FOR MY SONY BASED ON YOUR RATING OF IT. I FIND YOUR RATINGS HARD ON THE MFG. THEREFORE, THESE PRODUCTS HAVE TO BE GREAT! CURRENTLY I USE A MINOLTA 50MM F1.7 LENS. AND THAT IMAGE DOESN'T COME ANY SHARPER. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN YOUR RATING OF THAT LENS IF YOU HAVE THOSE OLD RECORDS....
November 16 18:21
john mitchell
I have a Nikon D80 and I am considering a Sigma 150-500mm lens. It states in the lens review that HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is required on the camera. Does the D80 have this functionality?