Nikon
The highlights:
1) 10.2 megapixel. A substantial upgrade from the 6mp of the older cameras, performance should be very comparable to the highly regarded D200 camera;
2) 11-point AF system. Similar again to the D200 in performance (though not as easy to change);
3) Large viewfinder (.94x magnification). Again, taken from the D200, this is a clear improvement over the previous cameras. Spec wise, this is also better than all the competition, even though other, personal preference factors need to be taken into consideration (such as layout of LCDs and focusing points).;
4) 2.5″ LCD. Not only is it larger, it can also be viewed at a much wider angle–particularly handy when locked to a tripod.
The camera is small for Nikon (about like the D50), but has a good, firm grip for those with medium to larger hands. Controls are well thought out–easy to get to and use. Dampening of mirror noise is better than its competition.
Nikon’s use of the SDHC format should be commended. These small cards will have no real disadvantage to the older CF hards once the HC versions start hitting the shelves, and should relieve the danger of “bent pins”.
Things you’ve liked about previous Nikons have been retained. The D80 uses inexpensive wireless & wired remotes, and it still allows the built-in flash to control other Nikon Speedlights remotely.
Compared to the competition, the Canon Rebel XTi & Sony Alpha 100, the Nikon starts a bit in the hole, considering it’s the most expensive camera (by $200 & $100, respectively). The XTi offers a nice “anti-dust” hardware & software solution; while the Sony offers in camera stablization. Both use the rear LCD for info status. While many may prefer the traditional LCD on top (like the D80), the rear LCD does have the advantage of being considerably larger text for older eyes (and on the Alpha, rotates when you rotate the camera for verticals). Too bad the D80 doesn’t give you this option as well.
The XTi is smaller and lighter, maybe too small for many people. The XTi also does not offer wireless capability with the built-in flash (like D80/A100). It’s battery (hence capacity) is a bit smaller.
The Alpha 100 being Sony’s first modern digital SLR means that getting lenses and accessories my be a bit more difficult (even though it uses a lot from the older Maxxum cameras). It’s also a bit noiser in its operations.
The D80 adds more AF choices than either of the above cameras, has nice enhancements like grid lines and double exposures. It also comes with a protective cover for the rear LCD.
Lens considered, they greatly outnumber those offered by Sony, especially in any considered “professional” class. While Canon can compete in “Pro” grade with Nikon (particularly in longer length lenses), Nikon has a bit of advantage in wider angles for digital. Nikon only offers one size digital sensor, where as Canon must offer two series (for 3 different chip sizes).
Is the D80 worth the money? For anyone with Nikon lenses, undoubtedly. My recommendation for anyone with Canon EF or Minolta Maxxum lenses: look at those cameras first…but be sure to look at the D80 before you buy.
Lens review: Tremendous! The Nikkon 18-135 gives everybody what they want, an affordable lens with above average quality.
First, the 18-135 range is excellent for a kit lens, equivalent of a 27-200 in 35mm photography. It looks great, zooms smoothly, and balances well. The Silent Wave focusing motor is quiet, quick and smooth, and allows immediate manual focus (no hunting for switches). The internal focus is great for anyone using polarizing filters, and allows for a more efficient tulip shaped lens hood (supplied).
Second, the image quality is really good. The aperture is of average size, so don’t expect images to leap out like big aperture lenses, but quality is good throughout the range.
Third, Nikon always includes a better than average 5 year warranty in the US on their lenses.
The only negative is that I always choose a metal lens mount to a plastic one, although the latter keeps both the weight and cost down.
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The D90 isn’t just another DSLR joining Nikon’s Editors’ Choice–acquiring lineup (although it certainly delivers the same superb image quality); it’s also the first DSLR in the world to record video. Although the recording itself is clumsy, the 720p video appears aesthetical, and the 12.3-megapixel photos are even more in order. And with fast all-around accelerates, this mid-range DSLR is a winner.
Design and Interface
In an attempt to make DSLRs less intimidating, a few companies have loosed a few seriously lightweight models freshly. Suffice it to say, in sizing, weight, cost, and target user, the D90 isn’t among those cameras: At 2.4 pounds with the battery, 18-105mm lens, and SD Card, you’ll definitely prefer to apply the strap.
The good intelligence is that the D90 experiences hardy in the hands. As always, Nikon’s rubbery ergonomic grip and thumb indentation make it easy to hold. And for a camera so advanced, you learn your way around pretty quickly. The mode dial and dedicated exposure, autofocus, and continuous shooting options are self-explanatory, thanks to their accompanying icons.
On the back up, flanking the brightly 3-inch LCD, which was brought across from the higher-end D300, are buttons for playback, menu alternatives, white balance, and ISO, besides as a five-way navigational pad and button for switching between Live View and the optical viewfinder. We love the D90’s viewfinder, not just because it’s sharp, but because the rubbery lining arrives comfortable to press against our eye.
On the opposite side of the camera from the battery compartment and SD Card slot are power, A/V out, USB, and HDMI ports, the latter of which you can use to connect your camera to your HDTV and immediately watch clips. There’s also a port for the GP-1 GPS unit (price TBA), which allows users to geotag photos. Inside the camera, Nikon’s built-in sensor-cleaning system keeps dust off (this feature, also, trickled down from the D300).
Live View
The D90 has Live View, a standard feature in point-and-shoot cameras but, ironically, a premium one in DSLRs. This feature allows you to see the action in the LCD as you frame it and adjust settings. Unlike earlier DSLRs, we were able to focus just as easily with Live View as with the optical viewfinder. Taking pictures in Live View did cause shutter lag, all the same. Whereas the D90 snapped photos almost instantaneously when applying the view finder, about 5 seconds elapsed between pressing the shutter and being able to take another picture. It snapped the picture in time; then again the picture lingers on the screen for a few seconds before the D90 readies itself for another shot.
