it give me all i really need

no sutter release on the mb-16

great camera! the data imprint (80s) function is exellent!amatuer' best buy and can act as a back up for the pro. using f5 or f100, if weight is their concern.

Customer Service

not yet...

Similar Products Used:

f70,f4,eos300,eos3

1) EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH shutter release and total lack of "mirror slap" vibration! (2) Very comfortable feel. (3) Very easy to use - don't have to think.."now how do I set that?" (4) Controls quick, straight forward, conveniently placed. (5) And did I say Smooth Shutter release/NO mirror slap? How does NIKON do that anyway? (6) Can see the whole image and data in the viewfinder w/glasses on (a very big plus for me).

(1) For the money, they should have included HS Synch Flash, 1/3 stop adjustmet/bracketing, and 4 fps. If Canon can do that with the 7/7e, there is no reason why NIKON couldn't have done that as well for the same price range. (2) HS flash is offered on lower priced MINOLTA's... again.. not someting used every day, but to have to pay go into the F100 price range to acquire these goodies on NIKON is frustrating.

Really great camera (just got it but appreciate it more each time I pick it up). I shopped long and hard, trying Minolta's "7", Canon's 7/7e, Nikon N70 before settling on the N80. My resons for choosing the N80:
(1) I loved the Minolta "7" body. Amazing host of features for the dollar, and the "feel" to me was really good (& I could see the whole frame w/glasses on). However, when trying it w/the new 24-105 lens it still appeared "noisy" and not "smooth" (such as when using depth-of-field preview). Focussing was almost "grindy" (is that a word?). And finally I was very disappointed that Minolta had done so little with lens technology (such as HSM or IS type advancements) in the past years. Sigma doesn't even offer HSM for Minolta.
(2) Canon: Great smooth lenses, HS flash, 4fps.. BUT: Could not see the whole frame w/glasses on, LCD screen NOT LIT, and while very very quiet, mirror slap/jerk (unlike NIKON). The biggest drawback was not being able to see the whole field and data through the viewfinder w/glasses on.
(3) N80: I actually brought home a new N70 first (for a week). While the interface could have been mastered... "why bother" and it was unlit, so in the waining light you had a real problem? The N80 is simply the smoothest shutter release (NO mirror slap/vibration) I have ever felt. NIKON has always seemed to have this mastered. NIKON VR lenses coming on, HSM available in NIKON mount, Could see the whole frame and data, lighted LCD display, depth of field, and just plain feel (and that shutter release). It had the features I will use the most and a feel (that for me) was GREAT.
RATING: 4 rather than 5 stars due to no HS synch and slow fps where other mfg.s offer it in that price range.
One final comment: I get a tremendous kick out of the people that compare "pro" cameras (or consumer priced lenses) w/cameras & lenses in this price range... not sure where they are coming from w/those comparisons... they are worth a chuckle though.. gotta have a sense of humor!!
Good shooting!!

Customer Service

None needed. Owned NIKON before (manual FM's) and never needed service even with rough treatment.. Don't expect problems but all are warranteed with extended service policies.

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(1) While shopping: the Minolta 7, the Canon 7/7e, NIKON N-70.
(2) Traded in a Minolta 650, multiple lenses and 3500xi flash on the N80.

Intuitive controls,that have good resistance (weighted nicely).
Does almost everything an F100 does with one exception (viewfinder gridlines thats an added plus).
Solid camera (Not as plastic-ky as some make it sound (but this was not built to be a pro camera).
Can use AA if MB-16 added to camera.
Nice to have built in flash (did I really say that?)

Loss of function with older manual focus Nikons.

Slow Motor drive (subjectivly feels slower than claimed 2.5fps)
A bit small esp handgrip area which leads to the next one;
Could have used AA batteries.
Lack of shutter release with MB-16 battery pack

This is not a camera made for the pro. So it is lighter and smaller. However it still feels solid and it feels like a Nikon.
You can figure out how to use it because the controls are positioned well and labelled properly. Just like SLRs of old....you pick it up and use it (and you can dare to leave the manual at home).

Pros dont like it (or maybe its pro wannabies?) but this camera is for amateurs and advanced amateurs. Most of these people look after their gear and hence will make it last.
If you have many Nikon manual focus lens you need to use then dont buy this camera.

Customer Service

Not needed and hopefully never.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS Rebel X
Canon AE1 Program
Nikon F3

A high quality Nikon product for a reasonable price.

None

Upon buying my new Nikon N80 body, I was advised by my camera shop salesman to include with my new purchase, a Nikkor 28-105MM f/3.5-f/4.5D zoom (made in Japan not Thailand). What a combination! Having all older Olympus Zuiko lenses for an Om10 I am once again starting from scratch. However let me say that the combination that was supplied by my shop was right on the money. Anyone that is going to make a significant purchase in the $500 hundred dollar range or better should do their homework and find out what it's going to take to 'tweak' out the N80. And as a tradesman and not a 'white collar professional', money is always a concern. It is no secret on the part of Nikon that there is no better functioning lens to accompany this camera than the Nikkor 'D' series. To fully enjoy the full auto features and maximum range of the camera. And the lens was almost as much as the camera, but as Momma always said, "You get what you pay for." I figure if I do an upgrade every eighteen years or so, I want to do it right! Next, Nikon's reputation is second to none, and let's face it unless your shooting 'super speed', over 4000's of a sec than you should look for a Canon. However I have to say that my Olympus Om10 was maxed out at 1200ths of a sec, and it was'nt until now that I realized any kind of difference. I would also like to say that anyone that purchases this camera should read the directions and if they do they will see towards the end that Nikon suggests shooting several rolls of film before taking your 'wedding or vacation of a lifetime pics'. Sound advice no matter what you buy, "It all else fails read the directions!" I hope that this 'simplified review' helps those of you starting over or just looking to upgrade. And oh yeah to all you "PLASTIC WHINERS".....Get a Grip!!

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Used an OM10 for 18 years. (Loved it) Checked the Canon's out and comparable Minolta's (if there is such a thing today)

DOF preview
spot/center/3d metering

None for the price

I have had this Camera for almoast 6 months now and I am very happy with it. It is easy to switch from fully automatic for quick snapshots to fully manually for more complex pictures. I have shot a great deal of pictures now and I am learning more and more to use the multitude of futures this camera has.This camera is a great for people starting out in photography as well as more experienced photographer .

Similar Products Used:

None

METER,VIEWFINDER,SIZE,SMOOTHNES,FEATURES,BUILD QUALITY, I COULD GO ON AND ON!

AT THIS PRICE NONE!

ALL THE FEATURES MOST USERS WILL EVER NEED AND SUPERB VALUE.ANYBODY WHO MOANS ABOUT IT BEING PLASTIC SHOULD BUY THE F-100 OR F-5 AND IN ANY CASE SOME PLASTICS ARE STRONGER THAN SOME METALS.IT STILL HAS A DIE CAST METAL CHASSIS UNLIKE MOST OTHER MAKES.THIS CAMERA IS SO SMOOTH IN USE AND VERY QUIET FOR A SLR.IN THE MONTH I HAVE OWNED IT I HAVE SHOT SEVEN ROLLS OF COLOUR SLIDE AND ALL ARE SUPERBLY EXPOSED,I AM IMPRESSED.IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CAMERA IN THIS PRICE RANGE YOU MUST TRY THIS MODEL.I HAVE ALWAYS USED NIKON BECAUSE OF THEIR REPUTATION FOR QUALITY,RELIABILITY AND LENS QUALITY AND THE F-80 IS NO EXCEPTION.

Customer Service

NEVER HAD TO USE IT.

Similar Products Used:

NIKON F-801S NIKON F-60 NIKON F-3

Excellent Ergonomics, Access to Nikkor Lenses, Accurate metering, Sophisticated Operating Systems

None

The N80 offers many F100 features in a much lighter(and less expensive) package. This camera makes an excellent companion body for pros using F5s or F100s. It will likely replace the N90 in that role because it offers features and ergonomics which are similar to the F100.

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Pentax PZ-1, Canon Elan 7

great camera

none for the money!

Great camera, gave up my F4s because of the focusing screen and metering on the N80 is superior in comparison. Lightweight too! Quiet and no mirror slap like on the F4s! I think for the money, Nikon once again outdid themselves!

Similar Products Used:

Nikon f4s
Nikon 8008

Smaller size but includes many usable features.
Very smooth shutter release with almost no mirror-slap

Doesn't feel as sturdy(especially compared to an F100)

An excellent intermediate camera that offers excellent features at a reasonable price. I bought this camera for my fiancee and she loves it. The camera size and weight is perfect for her and the pictures she has taken with this camera are some of her best. Do not confuse this camera for a pro-type SLR. The build quality is nowhere close to an F100 but the target group for this one is for the average amateur or advanced intermediate photographer. I think that it fits the bill perfectly for that group.

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

N60
N70
F100

See PhotographyReview's "Description" and "Features" at top of this forum. Covers all the basic pluses of the N80.

Would add that N80 can use the new VR lenses.

Weaknesses none -- However there are a few items I have noted.

1. No "Flexible Program" indicator in viewfinder like the N70.

2. Wish N80's flash had the same guide number as the N70.

3. Wish N80 had lugs for camera staps like F100. The N80's right strap eyelet is behind center of camera body which aggravates the camera to tip downward even with the fairly lightweight Nikkor 28-105 lens.

4. Most cameras in N80's price range do not have mirror lock-up. But I wished Nikon would at haved at least provided mirror lockup with self-timer. Even the Nikon EM had this feature.

5. Little concerned about the "Focus Mode Selector" on front on camera. In "Manual" the tab extends beyond body and bottom edge is sharp, it could snag on someting. I (carefully) used some extra fine 600 wet/dry sandpaper to round off the sharp bottom edge.

6. As others I truly wished the N80 could meter with the older AI lenses.

This a great little camera. I love it's size, weight and features. The N80 has easily replaced my F3 as my primary camera -- which the N70 could not due to no DOF and the user interface which requires you to remove camera from eye level, and two handed multiple button/dial operations to make any kind setting. And the fact that the N70 LCD had no illuminator ment holding a pen light in your mouth in low light conditions.

Some of the negative remarks I've read about the N80 reminds of comments made about the F3 when it first came out. F3 was smaller, lighter and had an electronic controled shutter. They questioned the F3 as to being as "rugged" and dependable as the F2. There were those who felt that no battery dependent electronic shutter camera could be a "pro" camera.

I find no merit in berating the N80 soley because of it's outer shell being polycarbonate. Wonder if these same people refer to the Corvette being a cheap plastic sports car. What do they think bulletproof vests are made from?

For over 15 years I used what I called the "odd couple" -- an F3 and EM. Through the years of backpacking, camping and traveling in all types of climates and conditions the little EM performed flawlessly. And whereas over the years paint wore off around the edges of the F3 exposing the metal covers, the EM still looks almost like new; just a few minor scratches.

N80 is not a "pro" camera and should not be compared to a camera costing two the three times its price. N80 is not perfect, as I noted above in weakenesses. But overall I the N80 is a great camera for the market it was "design" for and doubt any serious amatuer to advance amatuer would regret buying this camera.

Customer Service

Have not need to used.

Similar Products Used:

F w/ FTN Finder
Nikkormat EL
F3
FM
EM
N70