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Nikon D80 ReviewSeptember 14, 2006 |
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Introducing the Nikon D80 10.2 megapixel camera
It has been nearly 3 years since the D70 was announced but during that time, Nikon has released 3 additional models - each with a distinctive target audience: D2X (professional, announced 9/2004), D50 (consumer, announced 4/2005), and the D200 (prosumer, announced 11/05). With such a strong lineup, there seemed to be little need for a D80 as the D200 was available for those needing more for their photographic endeavors and the D200 could serve as a zero-compromise backup body for the full-time professional but there is always room for value which this is, a feature rich camera reminiscent of the D200 living, breathing in a consumer body. What's in the box?
First impressions The body is smaller than the D70 it replaces, but not too small. The D50 is a very good indication of size since according to the specifications, they only deviate about a millimeter in each dimension. Other noticeable changes are the generous LCD screen and viewfinder sizes and a peek through the viewfinder will reveal the CAM1000 autofocus module that comprises of 11 sensors vs 5 of the CAM900. Just on a physical basis, it appears to be a hybrid of the D50 and D200 but if function had a face, it would be the D200's twin brother (well, not quite) Key Features
Image tests
Excellent image quality is a given, but how well does the sensor perform when pushed to higher sensitivities? Beyond ISO 800, detail degrades rapidly but at 10.2 megapixels, ISO 1600 will still produce decent standard prints. The last two samples demonstrate the in-camera noise reduction set to HIGH vs NR set to OFF. Although difficult to tell from these samples, the NR set to off still has some mild NR processing. NR set to NORMAL or LOW is probably best suited for most situations since I feel NR set to high is a bit too aggressive in reducing noise. The in-camera processing menus were very intuitive and easy to use. The edited files are saved with different file names so not to overwrite any originals. Dynamic Subjects One of the new features implemented in the D80 is AF-A. This mode automatically selects the appropriate focus mode for you - Single Servo Mode (AF-S) vs Continuous Servo (AF-C). This will require more testing on my part, but my less-than-stellar results on moving subjects hasn't dissuaded me from this potentially useful setting yet since operator technique is a big part of it.
The Runway I had the opportunity to shoot a Fall Fashion Show that featured the Cherry Hill Mall Style Squad hosted by Chloe Dao, the winner of season 2 of Project Runway. During this shoot, I tested AF-C and metering capabilities.
As you can see from the photos above, lighting was less than optimum for acquiring consistent exposure due to skylights that produced beams of harsh light, however it did create a dramatic effect on some of the images. Setting the D80 to continuous drive, continous 3fps shooting mode and aperture priority @ ISO 400 yielded some interesting results but I will need to confirm if this was merely the D80 showing its limitations. Basically, the metering doesn't seem to react to changing light conditions in continuous mode. Again, I'm not sure if this is working by design or it will be addressed in a firmware update.
Given the circumstances, the D80 coupled with the 70-200mm VR performed very well throughout the event. Next time, I'll be sure to bring a monopod!
Bells and Whistles Nikon decided that the D80 owners should have a custom function button, too. This button is conveniently placed where your middle finger rests and can be mapped to any one of the following camera features without having to move your eye from the viewfinder:
* This is what I chose to map it to. The ability to use this mode on the fly offers so many advantages when metering becomes critical. I also use it as a reference tool to confirm manual settings. Another feature that extends the D70's capabilities is the Auto ISO setting (or ISO Priority). On the D70 you had little indication of which ISO the camera was using. The D80 now allows you to select a max ISO; 200,400,800,1600. This is especially useful when you know you want to avoid ISO 1600 but need your aperture and shutter speeds consistent. The D80 also adds another dimension to the Wireless Flash Commander mode. Although the D70 built-in flash acted as a wireless commander, it can only control 1 group of flashes. The D80 allows you to control 2 distinct groups of flashes - this means that you can achieve greater depth and have more creative options with the ability to set different exposure settings for each group of flashes. Nikon has many articles and how-tos regarding their speedlights along with recommended techniques for their 'Creative Wireless System'. In addition to the D80's robust flash capabilities is the modeling flash that emits constant light so you can see how the highlights/shadows will affect your subject before taking the shot. This button is mapped to the DOF preview button and works with the built-in flash as well as any other satellite lighting you may have. D80 vs D200 Although the D80 and D200 have a lot in common, the D200 takes a feature of the D80 and ups it one. For example, the D200 has 5fps vs 3. The built-in wireless commander can control 3 groups of flashes vs. 2. The Auto focus has additional modes (zones) to track action better. The durable D200 body is metal and weather sealed. Those who work in the field covering events like weddings may opt for the D200 because of the available WT-2A wireless radio transmitter - the D80 has no such accessory. The list goes on. As Nigel from Spinal Tap says, "The D200 goes to 11". Soo good but.. Proudly, Nikon has kept its f-mount for 4 decades. This means your current D80 body can accept generations of lenses (not all lenses will provide full function or compatibility) but ironically their support for NEF (RAW) is not-so-good. This issue is evident with the D80 specifically because owners of previous versions of Nikon Capture ($100) are now forced to use Nikon NX. The remote control features of Capture have also been abstracted into a stand alone product, Nikon Capture Pro. Why the fuss? Nikon placed a vested interest in the entire photographic process including digital workflow so they are encouraging their user base to embrace it as well - their way. I've tried NX and it seems to be promising with a state-of-art interface but admittedly I'm an Adobe person so I'll sit this one out. I will be watching the development of NX closely as Nikon has their heart in the right place so we'll see how their software initiative pans out in the midst of stiff competition. It's probably also worth mentioning that NX/Capture loves to overwrite Adobe's NEF plug-in and it doesn't restore it when uninstalled. Tsk Tsk. I have mixed impressions of the new generation 3D Color Matrix Metering II . It's too smart (apparently not in continuous mode - read above). After years of learning to 'see' how the camera sees and adjusting the camera settings accordingly, I'm finding that the D80 compensates exposure based on its guess of what you are trying to photograph. So what Nikon marketing is saying is true "...referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography..." This isn't so bad, afterall I get my custom function mapped to spot metering when I want it. This is a perfect example how this camera can appeal to all audiences. Conclusion It's hard to find any fault with the D80. Only the mere existence of the D200 does it remind us what the D80 strives to be. The upgrade path from both D50 and D70 is clearly the D80 with its advanced features and SD memory requirements. The only downside is that early adopters who have established workflow or enjoy working with NEF will need to wait for 3rd party vendors to support the D80 among other accessories that will trickle in over the next few months.. but it's well worth the wait. This camera was purchased from Allen's Camera in PA. When shopping for new camera equipment and accessories, it's always good to refer to resellerratings.com and if you find a deal too good to be true, it probably is! I hope you enjoyed this review as I had creating it.
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Nikon D80 17-55mm f/2.8 DX @ 50mm f/10 1/60s SB800+SB600 +-0ev
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600 NR set to HIGH
ISO 1600 NR set to OFF
Out of focus image (not soft)
Nikon D80 + Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 with optional MB-D80 vertical grip