Why to buy a Nikon D80
The D80 provides nearly identical image quality to the D200 (and is on the heels of the D2X/D2Xs) in a lightweight, inexpensive package. The D80 offers comforts for the new DSLR user while maintaining a feature base suitable for professional work.
The D80 shares some “Camera DNA” with the D50, in terms of the following…
- Overall feel and handling
- 420 segment matrix meter
- Less aggressive highlight avoidance than other Nikon DSLR’s
- SD Card storage
The D80 is truly a multi-role camera, equally comfortable shooting candids indoors with the pop-up flash, to tracking sports action with 11 autofocus sensors, to portrait shooting and everything in-between. While lacking the instant speed and responsiveness of the D200 and D2X/D2Xs, the D80 qualifies as a reasonable backup for either.
D80 Advantages over D200
Trick in-camera editing modes for red-eye, cropping, filters, and B&W effects
Lower price for comparable image quality
Automatic AF-S / AF-C mode “AF-A”
1.5lb versus 1.8lb D200
D200 over D80
D200 1/250 flash sync vs. D80 1/200
Larger JPEG and RAW buffer
CF cards available in larger sizes than SDHC cards
Memory banks for Shooting Menu and Custom Functions
Uncompressed RAW
5fps on D200 versus 3fps on D80
Group dynamic autofocus
Shorter mirror blackout time
Lower shutter lag
Timelapse modes
1/8000 max shutter speed versus D80’s 1/4000
D200 can meter with Manual Focus lenses
Similarities between D80 and D200
Image Quality
High ISO Noise Reduction
LCD Size
Viewfinder magnification
Built in flash