Nikon D80 > Reviews > D80 is fun but serious!

Author's product rating:   

Picture Quality	Excellent
Range & Quality of Features	Excellent
Ease of Use	Easy
Overall Look & Design	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	This camera combines the best of Nikon SLRs with digital technology  .
Disadvantages:	The camera body is a little heavier than some rivals .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have had the pleasure of owning a Nikon D80 for almost three months now. My previous experience lay with Nikon SLRs (35mm) and a digital Coolpix 4500. I loved the digital photo world but so missed the advantages of my SLRs. The D80 spans both worlds in an expert and competent manner.

My pictures tend to be of landscapes, close-ups of plants and flowers and the occasional fun shot of my young niece. I can now choose the right lense for the job rather than put up with digitally enhanced zooms, although I rarely change away from the Nikon DX 18-70mm I bought with the camera. The results are just so clear and crisp. I had a landscape printed poster size recently and the guy in Jessops asked me which camera I used.

Nikon seem to have learned and moved on to a system of understandable on-screen menus providing endless options. The instruction manual is well set-out and understandable.

The refresh rate is so fast that the unexpected smile from my niece - just after I've taken her picture - can now be captured!

The camera is a little heavier than you would expect, particularly if you have handled Canon's latest digital SLRs but it is well balanced and feels just right!

This camera is a little more expensive than some rivals offering similar facilities but, in my opinion, it is well worth paying the extra pennies for Nikon quality.