Nikon's 30k-picture on-board database! Best metering/imaging camera at this price, hands down.

Nikon needs to do a better job of marketing their cameras to intermediate users. Canon's awesome website almost made me return my N80 for an Elan 7!

There are a lot of people out there who buy EVERYTHING by the pound. I guess that includes high-tech computerized SLRs!

I never actually had a chance to check out the Elan 7, so I cannot attest to the actual "feel" of the camera. I must admit that after using a Minolta X-700 with motor drive for many years, the Nikon did feel very light, but I wasn't looking for a heavy, pro-level camera. I wanted THE camera that would take the absolute best pictures for under $500, and I was stepping up to autofocus for the first time. Metering is the most important factor to me, and from what I can tell Nikon has the best. This camera uses the same exposure system as the F100 - which I think we would ALL own if cost were not an issue. Match this camera up with some good-quality Nikkor glass, and your friends will envy your PICTURES more than the acclaimed ruggedness of your camera.

I am not a pro, and I take good care of my equipment. My advise to those who are concerned about the N80's plastic body vs. the Elan's metal top is this: I suspect that neither of these cameras could withstand a fall to a hard surface. I had my Minolta X-700 for almost 14 years and NEVER dropped it. That's part of being a good photographer - being able to properly handle your equipment. Pro's buy "drop-proof" cameras because it makes sense, but does it make sense for a recreational photographer to use an F5? The pictures won't be any better (in most circumstances) than those taken with an N-80. Also, In all the years I owned my Minolta, I probably utilized it's 3.5 fps motor drive setting twice. It's just something that most recreational photographers that I know don't use very much. The 2.5 fps provided is plenty. It would be nice to have the Canon's 4 fps for bragging rights, but I wouldn't find much more use for it than that.

I visited Canon's website after I got my N80 and was shocked to see the great 3D cutaway images of the Elan 7's metal cover. I almost thought of returning my camera to B&H to trade it for a Canon! Nikon's website absolutely SUCKS! But then I got my first few rolls developed, and I was hooked. Metering, sharpness, and color saturation were superb! I realized that what I really want is the ability to take great pictures more than the piece of mind that a metal cover offers - which, admittedly, does seem like a good idea. I doubt I'll ever need to find out how much abuse my camera will take, but if I did, I suspect that I would be surprised at the strength of modern polymers.

For those trying to decide which way to turn, I'd say that I would make the same decision again. It seems that Nikon had to sacrifice a stronger body for more advanced imaging quality. But think of what Canon sacrificed in order to include a metal cover and a 4 fps motor drive!

Customer Service

None needed yet.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta x-700
Minolta SRT-101
Minolta Maxxum 600

Great functionality
Simple layout and design
Features inherited from F5 / F100
Great bang for the buck

Waeknesses? You're joking, right?

This is an amazing camera for its class / price range. Very well designed complete with extremely intuitive system layout. Loaded with lots of features. Very good power management. Bought this thing last summer (yes, I know.. Im rather late in writing this review) and I never had any problems with it. A solid and stellar performer. Especially great for someone who is new in the SLR genre and would like a great camera with awesome features at a reasonable price. It won SLR of the year award in the british magazine Practical Photography. Its worth every penny!

Customer Service

None needed so far

Similar Products Used:

N/A

Well build (metal where it counts), easy to operate, enough custom functions for everyone, illuminated display

Not compatible with old lenses, relatively slow motordrive, scary autofocus assist light beam, power hungry.

A very well build camera with the only major drawback that of not being compatible with manual focus lenses which you can buy cheap enough second-handed. I tried the Elan 7E but in my country it was $210 more expensive than the Nikon (Nikon F80+28-80 3,5-5,6 = $525 / Canon Elan 7E+28-90 4-5,6 = $735) which is quite a difference. Also, in the inside of the back of the Canon plastic rules which is not a very pleasant sight.

Reading these reviews I followed the words of many people and also bought the Nikkor 50 mm 1,8 AF which saves lives in low light situations. I don´t think that autofocus is slow as some people claim and photos so far with colour Fuji Superia 400 and black and white Codak T-Max 400 are impressive. For the price you pay you get a very well build and specified camera that you can easily operate after a half an hour reading of the manual.

As a final comment I would like to say that I respect everybody´s opinion in this collumn but I believe that you get the juice of information from the reviews submited by pros, as these people have tested many equipment in many different and sometimes ackward situations. Reading carefully their comments helped me form a better opinion about many products and the purchace of my camera was the finest example. Also this column provides information that no local dealer can, and for this reason it is so unique.

Customer Service

no experience since i never needed them so far

Similar Products Used:

Canon elan 7E, Minolta XTSi

Quick,Fast,Quiet.
Loads of features.Excellent finish. Choice of MB-16.

All parts are made in Japan & sent for assembly in Thailand.
Flash is a little weak.

An excellent camera for the price paid. Don't compare it with a Pro-Camera (i.e, F-100 or F-5). It is purely made for serious enthusiast, advanced amateurs & creative minded photographers.
I bought it with a Nikkor 50mm f1.4(of course after thoroughly checking the reviews submitted here).

Going to buy SB-28 and MB-16.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F-60,F-70.
Minolta X-300s.

Small, Light, Easy to use. Superb Nikon lenses.

None for my intended uses.

After an absence from the hobby for a number of years, I am amazed by the technology. An excellent value for my needs.

Customer Service

None needed.

Similar Products Used:

Canon FTBn, Nikkormat, Nikon EM

Tons of features...too many to list

Haven't found any yet.

I have been using an old Pentax K1000 for several years now. Manual everything, but it does have a light sensor. I found I wasn't using it much because it's not really user friendly. I couldn't get those Kodak moments with it. So I bought a new camera. Now I am a strong believer of the phrase "You get what you pay for". I used this web site and others to get a basic feeling for cameras. I wanted one that would allow me to be creative with shots (multiple exposures or manual operation..the pro-shots) but could just be turned on and I wouldn't have to worry about f-stop or shutter speeds (dummy operation...the amateur shots). I tried a few out, Canon Rebel 2000, Pentax ZX-7, Nikon N-65. I didn't want to break the bank, but wanted a good camera. Now for me, the Rebel's plastic lens mount make me worry, so I dismissed it. The ZX-7 seemed like a nice camera, but was lacking a few features (DOF preview for one). The N-65 seemed like a nice camera until I gave it a small shake (I did say small) when the salesman wasn't looking. I heard something rattle inside. Ouch. I then tried out the N-80. Good feel. Sturdy. Tons of features. I got the 28-105 AF lens with it. Nice glass. Doesn't hunt much (a bit in dim lighting). I love this camera. It is well worth the money. Is it a pro-camera? Don't know..don't care. In my opinion I got more then what I paid for.

Customer Service

Haven't used...no comment

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K1000

Most bang for the buck. I could see no reason spending almost double for the F90. The built in speedlight is great for quick snapshots.

The manual doesn't fully explain the algorithm used when calculating exposure in matrix mode.

I am very pleased with this camera. The meter and flash are both excellent. The fill flash has provided realistic photos that balance well with the ambient light.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FG, FG-20, FA

features and ease of use.

slow 1/125 sync but that is why they make a F-100. The only complaint I have so far is that it is not a sealed camera and collects dust inside very easy due to it's tounge and groove film door.

This is an excellent unit even for a pro to use. I wish it was sealed from dust like the F5 though.

Customer Service

never!

Similar Products Used:

None

Being totally new to SLR photography, I can only state that the list of features on this camera are unsurpassed for the price. While many people complain that the camera is plastic, the truth is that the chassis is a magnesium alloy which has been rubberized for grippability. The plastics used in the other parts of the camera are of high enough quality to be a non-issue for me. It still feels VERY solid, in my opinion.

The primary benefits of this camera are the brain-dead automatic features, which is perfect for me right now. The fact that all the important stuff can be set manually allows me to grow into it as I take more photos.

1. The manual seems pretty convoluted. A more gradual progression of features would be cool.

I can find no weaknesses in this camera.

I'm very excited to explore photography with this camera. The automatic mode is perfect for quick snapshots, but the real beauty is that I'll be able to grow into this hobby as I learn to take advantage of the more complex manual features the N80 has to offer. If you're looking to make a long-term purchase as an entheusiast, this camera is tough to beat!

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

I also looked at the Pentax ZX-7, but the price:feature ratio wasn't even close! Plus, the Nikon feels infinitely more sturdy.

-Includes everything I need
-Custom functions
-Great price
-Good interface
-Compact

-Built-in flash is weaker than in F70

Great camera. Very simple and intuitive interface. At first I was very dissapointed to find out that the exposure lock is controlled with the same button as the AF lock. But then I realized that it can be overriden by one of the custom functions. In general custom functions are great idea, they help you to tune the camera for your needs. Very useful.
I found no weaknesses except for the build-in flash that could have bigger guide number (at least like F70). Also I found the option to select one of the 5 focus segments completely redundand, consuming space. It reminds me the Canon eye-tracking gimmicks.

I would highly recommend F80. I can hardly think about anything missing in the camera: higher shutter speed? Faster flash synchronization? Doesn't worth additional 300-400$.

Similar Products Used:

F50
F70
Canon Elan II