Nikon D80 DSLR officially announced.

Oct 19, 2000
17,860
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Nikon has finally announced the forthcoming D80 DSLR. It seems as if a lot of rumor and speculation was unfounded, as the specs on this camera has surprised many. It seems as if everyone is heavily impressed so far with the feature set. Only two important pieces of info remain to be seen: price and release date.

http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Nikon also announced two new lenses to their lineup, both of which look to be fine additions to any amateurs bag.

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
46
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1st and 3rd links go to empty pages...at least for me they do
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
all about the superzooms now eh?

Is there something wrong with that?

Changing lenses sucks. If I could get a 10-400mm f/2.8 macro zoom and sacrifice 5-7% IQ over three comparable zooms I'd go for it.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
Wow, nice upgrade from the D70. Looks to use the D200 sensor and metering system, ISO 100, 2.5" LCD, Vertical Grip capable, etc... May have to look at this when it comes out...

Nikon D80 Major Features

Exceptional imaging quality

* New 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with the power to capture exceptional sharpness and faithful color at 3,872 x 2,592 pixels size.

* Inherits the industry-leading advanced imaging processing engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras. Color-independent pre-conditioning prior to A/D conversion works in harmony with high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction.

* 3D Color Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in most lighting conditions. Evaluating brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, the system references the data against an expanded onboard database created using data from more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly and accurately calculate the final exposure value for the shot. Variable center-weighted metering and spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available.

* Refined 11-area AF system packs the same number of focus areas available for the professional D2 series into a space-efficient system that features fast, precise operation. Each of the 11 focus areas can be used individually, the center sensor can be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage, and new Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject and activates only those areas.

* ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600 to maximize available light and achieve optimal exposure. Sensitivity can also be set manually between ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1. Three levels of High ISO Noise Reduction are available when shooting at high ISO settings. Long Exposure Noise Reduction is also available when shooting at shutter speeds of 8 seconds or slower.

Optimized and Predictable Results

* Seven automated Digital Vari-Programs easily accessed from the Mode Dial provide automatic operation that optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait.

* Easily accessed image optimization options closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone (contrast) compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white.

Immediate response and fast performance

* Near instant power-up of 0.18 seconds lets photographers respond to any shutter opportunities.

* A mere 80-millisecond shutter time lag (approximate) promotes fast handling.

Swift continuous shooting performance at 3 frames per second* enables the shooting of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or up to 6 RAW (NEF) images.

* Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds or faster, and remaining buffer memory.

* Shutter speeds ranging from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds or bulb setting provide full creative control.

In-camera image editing and effects

* Creative in-camera effects and editing functions available under the new Retouch menu:

o D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while optimizing overall exposure balance.

o Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.

o Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.

o Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D80 to create a new composite image that can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.

o Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
o Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance)
* Multiple Exposure creates a single image within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures to produce imaginative and even surreal results.

Ergonomics for efficient handling and further versatility

* The D80 features a slimmer, more compact body with the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls designed for intuitive operation.

* A large new 2.5-inch LCD monitor with a 170° viewing angle and new dedicated zoom button assist accurate and easy assessment of sharpness by enabling image preview at up to 25 times magnification (for L-size images). Convenient displays include RGB information as a single histogram display or as separate histograms for each color channel.

* Built-in slideshow options include Advanced Pictmotion shows with style selections that control transitions and background music, and that can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television via the supplied AV cable.

* The carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size of the new color-coded menu display makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. "My Menu" lets you customize Menus to display only the items you wish to see.

* Bright pentaprism viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification ensures the clearest view possible for precise composition.

* Nikon's EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers enough power to support the shooting of up to 2,700* images on a single charge, can be recharged at any time and features a handy real-time fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status.

* Achieved under the following test conditions: Fully charged EN-EL3e battery; temperature of 20°C/68°F; Zoom-Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens; continuous shooting mode: continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 second; shutter release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters turned off.

Seamless integration with Nikon's Total Imaging System

* Unprecedented compatibility with Nikon?s lineup of AF Nikkor lenses and digital-exclusive DX Nikkor lenses. (When used with the D80 or any DX Format SLR, all AF and DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle comparable to 1.5x that of 35mm [135] format.)

* Compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System allows the D80 to work seamlessly with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights to deliver the benefits of i-TTL flash control?s advanced monitor pre-flash, accurate measurement for bounce and versatile wireless operation. SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights also offer a Wide-Area AF-assist Illuminator, which aids flash photography in dim light by projecting a pattern of red light that covers all eleven autofocus areas of the D80?s 11-area Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module.

* The optional MB-D80 battery pack adds extended shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e batteries or six AA-size batteries*, the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.

* Compatible AA-size batteries comprise alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium and nickel-manganese batteries.

* PictureProject (complimentary with camera) software features an intuitive user interface that provides fast and easy access to powerful tools for organizing, editing and sharing images. Auto Enhance and other creative functions are readily available via handy buttons, as are Mail, Slideshow and CD/DVD burning functions. Pictures can be organized using simple drag ?n? drop operation, and can be quickly located by name, keyword, or date. Design templates make it easy to produce prints, tailor images to e-mail, or layout several images on a page to produce creative album layouts.

* Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon?s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX's powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

©2006 Nikon Corporation
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: aphex
Wow, nice upgrade from the D70. Looks to use the D200 sensor and metering system, ISO 100, 2.5" LCD, Vertical Grip capable, etc... May have to look at this when it comes out...

So basically it's the same thing as the new Sony but without built-in IS and dust shaker sensor.
 

BRObedoza

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2004
4,133
0
76
this camera is now the frontrunner for my first digital SLR. Still waiting on Canon to hopefully release a new digital rebel in the coming months.
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
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:Q

"11-area AF system"

Still, however many megapixels Nikon wants to stuff into their CCD's, they'll never have anything on my XT's beautifully clean CMOS.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
:Q

"11-area AF system"

Still, however many megapixels Nikon wants to stuff into their CCD's, they'll never have anything on my XT's beautifully clean CMOS.

Most people I've talked to use center AF anyways, myself included.

Have you developed carpel tunnel from shooting with that XT yet? :D :p
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: Mrvile
:Q

"11-area AF system"

Still, however many megapixels Nikon wants to stuff into their CCD's, they'll never have anything on my XT's beautifully clean CMOS.

Most people I've talked to use center AF anyways, myself included.

Have you developed carpel tunnel from shooting with that XT yet? :D :p

A lot of bird shooters at DPR use all 45 points of the 1D's AF system...don't know how that works for them, but apparently they don't have time to get the center point placed on the birds eye while shooting, so I guess the camera magically does it for them. I want a 1D now :)

I have small hands, and I have the battery grip, but this thing is still way too small :p Heck, with the grip it's now taller than it is wide :D
 

fuzzybabybunny

Moderator<br>Digital & Video Cameras
Moderator
Jan 2, 2006
10,455
35
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: Mrvile
:Q

"11-area AF system"

Still, however many megapixels Nikon wants to stuff into their CCD's, they'll never have anything on my XT's beautifully clean CMOS.

Most people I've talked to use center AF anyways, myself included.

Have you developed carpel tunnel from shooting with that XT yet? :D :p

A lot of bird shooters at DPR use all 45 points of the 1D's AF system...don't know how that works for them, but apparently they don't have time to get the center point placed on the birds eye while shooting, so I guess the camera magically does it for them. I want a 1D now :)

I have small hands, and I have the battery grip, but this thing is still way too small :p Heck, with the grip it's now taller than it is wide :D

I personally cannot stand the XT's low number of AF points. I would GLADLY have 45 points because that'd be so useful.

The XT's smallness doesn't phase me too much though beacuse I have small paws :)
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: Mrvile
:Q

"11-area AF system"

Still, however many megapixels Nikon wants to stuff into their CCD's, they'll never have anything on my XT's beautifully clean CMOS.

Most people I've talked to use center AF anyways, myself included.

Have you developed carpel tunnel from shooting with that XT yet? :D :p

A lot of bird shooters at DPR use all 45 points of the 1D's AF system...don't know how that works for them, but apparently they don't have time to get the center point placed on the birds eye while shooting, so I guess the camera magically does it for them. I want a 1D now :)

I have small hands, and I have the battery grip, but this thing is still way too small :p Heck, with the grip it's now taller than it is wide :D

I personally cannot stand the XT's low number of AF points. I would GLADLY have 45 points because that'd be so useful.

The XT's smallness doesn't phase me too much though beacuse I have small paws :)

Then I guess you'd absolutely hate the D70's 5-point AF and the E-330's measly 3-point AF. Feel blessed to have such a powerful AF-system compared to the competition :)
 

spike spiegal

Member
Mar 13, 2006
196
0
0
Is there something wrong with that?

An 18-135 lens is going to suffer bad at the extremes, and be pretty ragged at the wide end unless you stop down a lot. If these cameras actually had sensors bigger than your thumbnail you wouldn't need such short lenses to accomodate wide angle.

I guess if you could actually *see* thorugh an digital APS style viewfinder you could actually have a prayer at manual focus as well.

I'm also waiting on that full frame Nikon dSLR, but we'lll likely never see it.
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
all about the superzooms now eh?

Is there something wrong with that?

Changing lenses sucks. If I could get a 10-400mm f/2.8 macro zoom and sacrifice 5-7% IQ over three comparable zooms I'd go for it.

10-400mm f/2.8 and sacrifice 5-7% IQ? Hmm...

You can't even get an 18-200 f/4-5.6 these days that barely has half the IQ of a combination of, say, a 17-55 f/2.8 IS and 70-200 f/2.8. The best image you can get out of any kind of superzoom these days is the Sigma 50-500 f/4-6.3 that costs a thousand bucks and is the size of your arm. A lens that was 18-200 f/2.8 would cost $4000 and be the size of a small child. I doubt we'll be seeing any good superzooms for a VERY long time...
 

Mardeth

Platinum Member
Jul 24, 2002
2,608
0
0
The new 18-135 seems really intresting. Someone mentioned that it looked bad on paper. Why? I was considering getting the 18-200 but thats pretty expensive. I have the 18-55 kit lens now and think its decent so my standards arent that high.