Product Description:
The Nikon D80 digital camera is here!Building on the extraordinary success of the D70/D70s, Nikon introduces the new Nikon D80(TM) digital SLR camera -- an impressively featured, high-performance, high-value camera that incorporates Nikon's latest digital photographic technologies; it offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful images. With a new 10.2 megapixel (effective), DX-Format, CCD image sensor, plus an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine transferred from Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras, the Nikon D80 can capture images with incredible resolution, extremely sharp detail, and vibrant colors that are unmatched in this class - or price range - of camera.It shoots fast - at speeds up to 3 fps (frames per second), for up to 100 consecutive shots in JPEG Normal mode, ensuring that the camera is always ready to capture the next fleeting moment.The Nikon D80 contains a 10.2-Megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD Imaging SensorNew high-res Nikon image-processing engineThe D80 can start up almost instantaneously - 0.18 seconds - with an extremely fast 80ms shutter responseThe D80 can shoot continuously at up to 3 fps (frames per second) and up to 100 consecutive JPEG imagesTake up to 2,700 images per battery chargeNikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot MeteringThe Nikon D80 offers In-Camera Image RetouchingBuilt-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless CommanderThe back of the Nikon D80 holds a 170-degree wide angle view, 2.5-inch LCD color monitor11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functionsSeven Digital Vari-Programs plus Programmed Auto with Flexible Program, Shutter-Priority Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto and ManualImage Optimization FunctionsLarge, bright 0.94x viewfinderBuilt-in Slideshow function with PictmotionAlthough sturdy enough for the outdoor photographer, the Nikon D80 works with the grace and efficiency of a fine-tuned instrument. There is not waiting for this camera; it powers up in only 0.18 seconds and captures a picture with a miniscule shutter lag time of 0.08 seconds (80 milliseconds). A new 11-area, auto-focus system allows focusing with precision, and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The Nikon D80's large 0.94x viewfinder provides a bright and accurate view not found in many digital SLRs, making critical composition easier for the photographer. The D80's rechargeable battery can last up to 2,700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the battery. And, like all Nikon SLR digital cameras, the D80 is solid and substantial, while being comfortable to hold. But more experienced photo enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative controls and features that make photography with this digital camera so much more rewarding. Its new Optimize Image menu, for example, provides complete control over the look and feel of your photographs. It allows boosting saturation and creating photos with vivid color, or shooting black-and- white pictures with a choice of four filtration effects. It even allows creating your own custom look to express your own personal style. Other creative tools include an image Retouch menu for editing images in-camera, built-in i-TTL flash control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of Speedlights, as well as over 32 settings to customize many different attributes of the camera's performance.The Nikon D80's Unrivaled Image QualityAt the core of any digital camera lies its image processing engine that determines, among other things, how colors are rendered and overall image quality of photographs taken with the camera. One of the key advances developed for the Nikon D80 is Nikon's own high-resolution image processing engine that inherits its technology from Nikon's latest professional Digital SLR cameras. This includes color-independent, analog pre-conditioning and high-precision, 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce accurate images with incredibly faithful tone and color reproduction. A new dedicated processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels while also achieving lower power consumption. This assures more pictures before the battery must be recharged.The Nikon D80 also benefits from the exclusive, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, which ensures accurate exposures, even in the most difficult lighting conditions. The digital camera evaluates (rather than just measures or averages) the true content of each scene. Input from the D80's frame-wide, 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes to calculate an accurate final exposure value. Variable, center-weighted metering and spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and bracketing of auto-exposure. Sophisticated exposure automation, together with options for complete user control, make the Nikon D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photographers.The Nikon D80 Has Speed to BurnOne of the trademarks of Nikon's SLR digital cameras is how fast they operate when both capturing and processing images and the D80 carries forward this tradition. Not only does the digital camera power up in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts without delay when the shutter is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to 100 consecutive shots, the camera is ready to shoot whenever a special moment appears. Images shot are processed and recorded instantly to the internal SD memory card. Image previews are also displayed almost immediately.The Nikon D80's new 11-area auto-focus system also contributes to the speed of the camera, delivering fast, precision focus under all shooting conditions. With a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system adds effective focusing options that will give greater confidence. An all-new Auto-Area AF mode evaluates all 11 focus areas, and automatically determines which are on the primary subject.Creativity Comes Standard with the Nikon D80The Nikon D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level. For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of tools and features for all levels of users, from the novice to the seasoned professional.Nikon D80 photographers will enjoy the camera's built-in Multiple Exposure mode for unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom preference of the photographer. Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and- White. The black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in- camera editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when they're not busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include: - D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights of the picture. - In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash. - Trim: Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes. - Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG file. This feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus effect with two similar images. - Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic picture, either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype. - Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the inserted SD card. A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera. For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly increase the chances of taking a great photograph. In Portrait Mode, for example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and saturation levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the background images to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Landscape or Night Portrait. The Nikon D80 also offers creative ways to share pictures, with its built-in Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.Creature Comfort - The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from Nikon's extensive experience designing successful SLR cameras for over 50 years. As a result, this digital camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates several new features that enhance its usability. The Nikon D80 DSLR features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob that also makes it easier to fine tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder's integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist with composition.A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra- wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview of your images is easy with a new dedicated Zoom button, magnifying images on screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new My Menu set. The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true to Nikon's commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.System Strength of the Nikon D80 - With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility with Nikon's extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed to take advantage of many of the technologies built into Nikon accessories. The D80's powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple flash photography. Compatible Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-600, the SB-800 and Nikon's Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200.The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon's extensive selection of AF Nikkor lenses as well as new DX Nikkor lenses, which are designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. Nikkor lenses, famous for optical superiority, add to the D80's ability to deliver outstanding images.The Nikon D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 battery pack available, extending the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable 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.The D80 DSLR is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for purchase separately), 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 TIFF and JPEG files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.The Nikon D80 will be available beginning September 2006.View or Download the Nikon D80 DSLR BrochureAdobe Reader Required