Great custom features, especially like grid on demand. User friendly with very little practice. light. Good af tracking.

slight cheap feel, but it isn't meant to be used as a doorstop! No metering on non cpu lenses. I didn't realize how big of a deal that was until I considered buying a mirror lens.

Big move up from 20 yr old Minolta with broken meter. Almost intimidating at first. I love the camera now. Spent first three days with camera and manual, no pictures, just practice. In single shot mode was still able to repeatedly get two crisp pictures of Blue Angels during high speed "sneak" pass. That is right close to 700mph at 100ft. My only real gripe is with the lack of metering on manual lenses. But for the market and the price I am quite happy. When I move up to the next step, this will make the perfect backup.

Customer Service

No need yet. That is why we buy Nikon.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta xgm- dug out of parent's attic.

I bought this camera here in Japan about 7 weeks ago and have not been disappointed since. I made the journey backwards from digital (I have a coolpix 950) because I want to try and sell some prints. For the money you can't beat this camera. I would have loved to get an f5 or f100 but they were just too out of reach. For an amateur looking to get an advanced start this is a great camera to start with. By the time you master this camera you will be ready to drop the bucks on a pro slr like the f5. Don't be mistaken but those question its cheap feel. Realize it's not a f5 or f100 and that complaint will not affect you. Do your research and you will come back to the n80 as the best camera in its class. I also recommend getting the mb-16 battery pack. I use rechargeable batteries and it adds some stabilility when holding the camera not to mention adding some aesthetics too!!

There is the metering problem with manual lenses but I don't own any so I have no worries.

A solid perfomer for its price range that will give the serious amateur great features at a great value... period!!

Similar Products Used:

none

Easy control layout
On-demand gridlines
Comfortable texture to camera's exterior
DOF preview (?)
Accessory grip available
Very attractive camera (looks like the pro F100).

Too small
Feels a little flimsy
Can't meter with manual focus lenses
Accessory grip doesn't have vertical shutter release.

A very capable camera in terms of its extensive functions. Excellent metering, AF is fast enough for most shooting, pop-up flash is a nice little plus also. The on-demand gridlines are cool (similar to an E-type screen).

I'll probably be the only person on Earth with this opinion, but I prefer my N70 to the newer N80.

The N70 feels a lot sturdier. It's larger and heavier, so it feels more secure in my hands. The N80 is a little small for me to hold in both hands (and my hands are pretty average size). The light weight of the camera makes it feel closer to the Canons (Rebels, Elans, etc), but that's not a plus for me. The weight of the camera (N70) actually helps me hold it steady.

The controls ARE better laid out on the N80 than the N70, but despite what most people say, the N70 isn't that hard to learn.

The N80 is very stylish-looking, like a small F100.

The DOF preview on the N80 is a plus, but in my opinion, it's not too significant. I'd like to pretend I'm a pro, using DOF all the time; but in reality if you're a big-time DOF preview user you're going to buy the N90, F100 or F5, not a $500 amateur camera body.

I actually do have 2 MF lenses I like to use on my N70, so I do need the MF metering.

I like the idea of the accessory grip. I wish there was one available for the N70. But the big plus of the vertical grip is having a vertical shutter release button (like the grips for the N90 and the F100). Leaving it out on the grip for the N80 is a shame.

I think that if you're new to photography, and starting a new system, this camera would be fine.
If you're a pro, or want to pretend to be one, save up for the N90s or the F100.
I'll keep my trusty space-age N70 for now, though...

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FE
Nikon N70
Nikon N90s

It's a very nice camera, small, light, handy. Especially with the extra batterygrip. The grip is a "must" even if it has no extra release button.
The AF speed with the S lenses (and Sigma HSM lenses) is very good.
The readout with little light is a little bit strange, Nikon seems to think that we are stupid, 1/2 second reads like "low" and no exact time is given. I've not found out if it's a bug or a feature...
The gridlines are nice too.

The AF motor makes the impression to work very hard. But AF speed is still OK. The control buttons have a high degree of "plastic feeling"...

A very good camera for "ordinary people", maybe even for professionals...
Has all the common features of a modern camera, but is not a superb "killer" camera where you might sell your old camera for.
If you have Nikon equipment it's probably the best value for the (AF) money. The minor points are shared with most other new camera's...

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F100, FM2, FG. Minolta 800 Si, 7Xi. Canon 50E, 5.
Olympus OM1, OM4.

F100 @ less than 1/2 the cost

NONE

I've shot 15 rolls of film with this camera. The results were GREAT! This camera has all the features an amateur will EVER need. And the built-in flash is helpfull and convenient. I wouldn't waste my money on a N60, either. Can't compare to Canon....I have to much money invested into Nikon Lenses to even look @ Canon. So, in the Nikon line....the BEST MONEY CAN BUY!!

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

F100; N90s; N70; N60

-Vast array of functions/options
-Built in 3D fill flash
-"Feel" in hands
-Fast autofocus (for my needs, anyway)
-Very similar to F100, featurewise for alot fewer $

-Manual dense, especially when explaining different AF modes. Will need some 3rd party help here.
-No metering with MF lenses (What's up with THAT?)

I got this in lieu of the N70 because I liked the interface much better and did not want the clutter of preprogrammed modes (landscape, action, et al.) A wealth of options that I'm slowly learning to effectively utilize. I think this is a camera that I will not outgrow for a long time.

Customer Service

Not yet needed

Similar Products Used:

Minolta X-700

This camera's strength lies in its array of features and its price point. The AF fast for my needs and the custom features allow you to really personalize your settings for this camera. I found the arrangement of controls to be excellent with almost everything within reach of an index finger and a thumb. The light weight is a plus, the shutter is silent and the film rewind is fast. Also, DOF, Multi-exposure, several modes of bracketing, on demand gridlines, and despite all these high tech features, Nikon was kind enough to include nice things like a manual shutter release, not an expensive 3-4pin system...saved me at least $50.

The body is a little, tiny weenie bit small, but i'm getting used to it. A battery pack would solve this for me. Also, makes shooting an addictive experience!

For what I got in features my money was well spent. I can't think of any other camera that could stack up as impressively, with access to such a wide range of lenses. Definetly worth a look, especially for photography on the move.

Customer Service

not needed yet

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nothing that stacks up, but have used older pentax full manual cameras

- Superb control layout. Very easy to use, everuthing is "in the right place" -- where you expect it to be.
- MB-16 extended grip/battery pack available. It allows you to use AA batteries. Unfortunately, it does not have vertical grip and second shutter release, but still it is a very handy accessory.
- Well balanced: not too light, not too heavy. Excellent feel when coupled with MB-16: it maked easier to handle camera with long lenses
- unlike higher-end models has built-in flash
- does not have stupid preset modes ("portrait", "landscape", etc.) -- great relief!
- viewfinder is a joy to use. Bright enough (not as bright as on N60 though), has on-demand grid-lines, red AF sensor highlight.

Cannot meter with non-AF lenses, does not have mirror lock-up (but F100 doesn't have it either)

Probably the best mid-range SLR, considering its features and price. What can I say -- I love this camera!!

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N60, Canon Rebel 2000

This is an excellent compact, lightweight AF SLR. For its price class it has many extras, including DOF preview, on-demand gridlines (very nice!), and of course all the usual shooting modes from fully automatic to fully manual. There are also loads of autofocus and metering modes to suit almost any need. The autofocus system is very fast and accurate, and works well even in low light with the AF assist light. While it utilizes polycarbonate for lightness (it's actually very tough, despite the naysayers), there is metal where it really counts for stability, like the lens mount and strap lugs. The built-in speedlight is wimpy, but plenty good enough for basic indoor photography and outdoor fill flash. The operations are hightly customizable. All the controls seem well-placed and easy to use. I am left-eye dominant, and although this causes a little bit of conflict between nose and hand, it is manageable and not really annoying.

Well, it's compact and lightweight. A strength if you are traveling, perhaps a weakness if you are large of hand or can't hold a camera steady. The AF assist light it annoying but it works. If you don't like it, it can be turned off in a custom setting. The operating manual is a bit dense, especially in the description of the operation of the AF system. The manual makes this much more complicated and confusing than it really is.

Perhaps the best value SLR in this price class. Interestingly, I wasn't originally considering this camera to replace my vintage manual focus Minolta X-700, but handling the F100 sold me on the N80, which handles much the same but at a fraction of the cost and weight. I mated the N80 body with the Nikkor 28-105 zoom lens and this makes a nice carry-around ready-for-almost-anything travel camera.

Customer Service

I hope not to need it.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F100
Minolta XTSI+ and similar
Canon Rebel 2000 and similar

Except for the MLU it has evrything you need, inlcuind the speed of 2.5 FPS (if you don't shoot sprots). The built is a little unusual for Nikon, but I guess it is acceptable and I disagree with some coments posted here referinf it as low quality since it was made in Thailand.
Small and quiet.

The body is slightly small for large hands. In my case I don't have large hands but being used to the N70 it feels 'funy'

Last December, my 20 year old Canon AE-1 was stolen during a vacation in Orlando, Florida. So I had to get annew camera in a hurry. I visited several dealers in the area and first I was looking to get a new Canon body when I was told that I could not use old the lenses I had it made switch to the Nikon system and went for the N70. After using it for several months I did not end up liking it, no DOF, complicated to take pictures in a hurry and useless vari program decidd to get another Nikon body that has built in flash.
So far (after waiting several weeks to get the N80) I pleased with the change; I believe that the market of people like me with more than 20 years taking pictures (but not pros) is going to be satisfied. I guess the quiet sounds and light built are pluses when you have to carry the camera and several lenses.
One thing that 'feels' odd is the fact of havinf the camera on manual and not touching the lens to change the f stop but via the command dials, but again it takes a little bit geting used.
Since I don't have any non AF lenses I don't care the unsability of non AF lens (Nikon BIG mistake).
If you need a camera quick, get it, you will be happy.
One final note, no matter how good the camera is, it is person behind the body who 'takes' the pictures, be patient and 'look' thorough the viewfinder.....

Customer Service

None so far

Similar Products Used:

N70