Awesome control with 18 custom settings Several auto-focus and 3 metering modes Light weight and small size Nikon quality optics cable-release socket Pop-up flash serves well for fill

Really none to speak of - Body seals could be better, auto frame advance could be faster, Matrix-metering can be fooled in some quirky situations, but what auto-metering system can't be? All in all, for the price - cannot be equalled by any other 35MM SLR on the market, let alone beat.

Before purchasing this N80, I had almost exclusively used a Canonet G3 35MM rangefinder from the 1970's. Oh, I would borrow a friend's SLR over the years (Canon, Nikon, Minolta) if I needed more functionality, but the rangefinder served me pretty well. I did a lot of research and spoke with many fellow photographers, from amateur to professional before deciding on the Nikon N80, and I have not been disappointed. The camera is a joy to use, takes razor-sharp images even with the standard kit lens (contrary to some comments in other reviews - Nikon doesn't make ANY junk lenses from an optics standpoint), and gives me all the control I will ever need. I also purchased the SB-50DX flash unit, which operates IN CONJUNCTION with the pop-up flash on the camera, and works beautifully. Shortcomings are really nitpicks - no mirror lock-up, cannot use infrared film, no leader-out rewind. Certainly for a camera in this price range, nothing comes close. Nikon has packed pro-level featurs into a camera with a moderate price. Complaints I've seen about build quality and autofocus speed really are ridiculous when you look at the price of this camera. If you really need better, then go spend 3 times the cost for an F100. Personally, for most people I don't think it's worth the extra cost.

Customer Service

Never had the occasion to use it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Nikon n90, Nikon F100

Metering is dead on. Light and quick handling. Custom function grid.

3 frames per second is a bit slow for sports. No vertical shutter.

For the past five years I have bounced back and forth between Nikon and Canon for my everyday work. I still have a Canon EOS 3 that I shot just for the fun of it. But mostly I rely on my Nikon equiptment. The N80 with the MB-16 battery pack is a great value for the money and you can't beat the 18 custom functions. I find that for just shooting on the go,the N80 meets all of my needs. I bought this camera as a backup to my F100 and a Nikon FE2 with a MD-12 motordrive, but now these two cameras back up my N80. The focus is fast with good lenses (why buy a great camera just to shot through plastic lenses) and the 10 segment matrix metering works great under many lighting conditions. The camera is lighter than my other cameras, but the N80 holds up perfectly if I'm shooting a 200/f2.8 or a 35/f2. This camera allows you to have total control with exposure control for both the camera and a flash. I underexposed the pop-up flash by 1.5 to use for fill light and the rear curtin flash sync works on the pop-up. This saves me from carring a Nikon SB-80 everywhere I go. Overall this camera will work for 99% of the shooting conditions you will encounter...Unless you are living in a rain forest or in the middle of a war.

Customer Service

Good results.

Similar Products Used:

F5, F100, Canon EOS 3.

I guess price is DECENT.

Basically I have been overloading my brain with reviews on the internet concerning the N80, (and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to do so.) Now it is my turn. The N80 is NOT a good camera for the price, (no wonder there's a rebate!) It has a very cheap-y feel to it, and don't EVEN get me started on the lens which is COMPLETELY unacceptable. Also, don't even bother with the 28-80 for it is quite flimsy and the focus ring is seems very unstable. I returned that, and got the 28-105, (which is SUPPOSEDLY a stronger made lens.) Please correct me if I am wrong, but that was plastic as WELL!! I just returned everything and am giving up. I would suggest the F 5 and get NOT get a zoom lens for a decent one's going to cost you. I'll probably get a 17 or 24, 50, and 70 or 80 lens. Good luck, and you probably shouldn't buy the N80. A camera is something that should be a part of your life and soul, "How much is that worth?"

Strengths Excellent value (features / price) Intuitive, logical (at least for me) control layout (just about like I would have designed it). True spotmeter (a BIG advantage over the Canon Elan 7/7E if you shoot a lot of static compositions (e.g., scenics) with transparency film). On-demand gridlines useful for guiding viewfinder alignment when shooting subjects with strong horizontal or vertical elements. Light weight great for taking wherever I go (“First Rule of Photography” – have a camera with batteries and film (or digital media these days)!!!. I’m so glad Nikon kept the manual cable release (less expensive, more rugged than electronic).

Weaknesses The explanation of AF modes in the owner’s manual is AWFUL and CONFUSING and I never fully understood it until I discovered Ken Rockwell’s fantastic website (www.kenrockwell.com) and reading how the essentially similar F-100’s works (this is also an excellent site for reviews of other Nikon cameras and lenses, plus great tips for becoming a better photog). Viewfinder isn’t 100% (more like 90%) so be sure to “fill the frame” with subject a bit “tighter” than you think it needs to be for it to turn out correctly cropped in the final frame. AF speed isn’t quite as fast as the Canon Elan 7/7E, but shooting action in “Continuous Servo” mode and “follow-focusing” helps a lot, as does using fast enough film for decent shutter speeds. Focus area selector button (selects active AF point out of 5 available) on the film door tends to get accidentally pressed too easily by my nose when shooting fast and furious, so I generally lock it on whatever AF sensor I need when shooting action (but then have to unlock it to change AF sensor position if subject movement dictates and relock, which is tough to do under pressure). Battery meter doesn’t give much warning before it goes from the “Full” to “Dead” icon. (Always carry spares!) Need to remember the Custom Function #s used most (e.g., #4 turns gridlines on and off). Inability to set exposures in 1/3 EV steps. Of course the Elan 7/7E shares this limitation. This is a BIG limitation when shooting slide film (being able to br

My previous experience with 35mm film photography was with a Minolta SR-T-100 given to me as an 8th grade graduation present and my wife’s Pentax point-and-shoot. When I needed to get back into photography to shoot photos to accompany news pieces I write for a national magazine I wanted to buy the least expensive setup that would get the job done. However, after looking at “entry level” cameras like the N65 and Canon Rebel 2000 and reading many of the helpful reviews posted here (a great educational tool I might add), I decided that stepping up to an N80 or Canon Elan 7/7E was worth the small additional incremental cost. Almost immediately after purchasing my N-80 and a 70-300 f/4-5.6 D ED lens I began obtaining transparency (slides) good enough for publication! This was due in good measure to Nikon’s excellent 10-segment “matrix” evaluative metering. I shoot sailboat photos (white hulls and sails) from powerboats in the highly reflective water environment which is a metering nightmare. Like many reviewers here, my choices were basically between Canon and Nikon. Neither is “better”, just “different”. I agree with one reviewer who said it’s more a matter of learning how to use the tool you’ve purchased. I think Canon currently has a better overall lineup of lenses though, and Canon seems to be first out with the latest innovations. The Canon Elan 7 and 7E (eye control focus version) represent interesting choices, as they have a few features that are really cool like the A-DEP (automatic depth-of-field) mode in which you tell the camera (by placing the AF sensor and pressing the shutter) over the nearest and farthest subjects you need in sharp focus and the camera sets the aperture and focus. Also, the Elan 7E has “eye control focus” in which infrared sensors track eyeball movement to select the active AF sensor, which makes selecting the active AF point quick (of course, if you avert your gaze, it will go off to another AF point just as easily). I asked my ophthalmologist if this was hazardous to eyes – he replied, “Do you think Canon would sell it if it was?” The N-80 has 5 AF points and interestingly the Elan 7/7E has 7. There are two more horizontal AF points on the Canon Elan 7/7E, and the outer ones are a little farther out. I wish both had two additional AF points vertically that were farther out. I tried photographing sailboats once with an Elan 7 and the 35-zone evaluative meter (oddly the same one used in the lower Rebel 2000) was all over the place compared to the approx. 90% accurate (in my experience) 10-segment matrix meter in the N80. This is one of the reasons that I decided to stay with Nikon in this price range. Another was that the N80 has a true spotmeter, which is really handy when shooting scenics with slide film. Also, the N-80 balances against my face much better when shooting both horizontal and vertical shots than the Canon Elan 7/7E, which helps reduce camera shake. I don’t miss the “amateur” modes the Elan 7/7E has, as I shoot aperture priority almost exclusively to control DOF (along with focal length to control perspective). Several reviewers have compared the N80 to the F-100. Initially I thought the N80 was a “bargain” F-100 (you can get two N80s for the price of one F-100), but the F-100 has a few really useful features like being able to set exposure compensation and bracket in 1/3 EV increments (which is essential for transparency shooters like me), much better AF system (three cross sensors instead of one on the N80) that is faster and locks on quicker, and much faster film transport speed (4.5 fps vs. 2.5, which is really not fast enough for bracketing three consecutive shots before the action has changed enough that you are no longer shooting the same composition!) Still, for things like scenic work the N80 is great with its’ three metering options that includes a true spotmeter (be sure to aim at something that approximates 18% medium gray that is in the same illumination as your subject). Unfortunately, although the F-100 is billed as an entry-level “professional” camera its’ dust sealing in the rear film area is the same as the N80s – no gasketing at all. However, I haven’t really experienced any excessive dust buildup so far that some reviewers have complained of, but I’m not shooting in dusty environments much either. Recently I acquired a 50mm f/1.8 prime (after reading all the great reviews about it here) and will be acquiring a 24mm f/2.8 prime (again due to all of the rave reviews here) because of its’ high quality and light weight for scenics. I’m contemplating upgrading to an F-100 but will keep the N-80 body as a backup. I’m not quite convinced that upgrading to a D-100 instead is justified, as a D-100 is basically a $1500 digital N-80 and the N-80 loaded with professional slide film (e.g., Fuji’s Velvia) and an inexpensive prime like the 24mm f/2.8 will give better image quality, especially when you blow it up past 8 x 10. Still, I love photography, and

Customer Service

Factory service (Melville, NY) is fast and courteous. Tech support from Nikon’s website via e-mail is fantastic (much more knowledgeable staff than Canon has manning their phones). I had a problem with my first N80 within the warranty period and Nikon replaced it (Nice job, Nikon!) Optional 2-year Nikon factory extended warranty available (Canon offers 4 year extended factory warranty for the Elan 7/7E).

Similar Products Used:

Canon Elan 7E

Ergonomics, DOF preview, manual settings for ISO and focusing, size and lens availability. To me, the perfect SLR.

Nothing is perfect. This camera loves batteries, but not so much I should get the MB-16 adapter. Also, as it was noted by a previous poster, the dust sealing is lousy. Every time I return from a trip I need to clean it very thoroughly, inside and out, because the surface is something of a dust trap. I wish the VF were a bit larger too, and sometimes the controls should be ignored, like when using the SB-28 it tends to warn me about underexposures when there's no reason for it (actually, since I shoot slides, I can tell I haven't had a problem in this area; maybe there's some kind of bug in the program). However, compared to other cameras I've seen, this is a winner.

I always envisioned myself owning lots of cameras and using each for a particular purpose... but then I bought my Nikon F80 (grey version of N80) and that just put an end to that. I don't think I'll ever need another camera. The controls are easy to figure out, their layout helps using them without having to fidget around, it's the right size for my hand and has so many features I don't think I'll ever come to use them all.

Customer Service

As it was said, kind of unnecessarily unkind. Nikon reps aren't really nasty, but they seem annoyed when answering calls regarding their products. They should be happy about getting calls at all, specially when they come from potential Nikon buyers.

Similar Products Used:

No other AF camera.

Value and suitable for wide range of skill levels; will encourage growth

Not Dust Sealed... some trouble with obscuring dust appearing through viewfinder

This camera was the perfect one for me. Unlike purchases for lenses, bags, and tripods which I've always second guessed, the N80 is something I have never regretted. It has all the manual options that a serious photographer would want to use. It's limitations compared to a F100 are unremarkable if you are on a budget. And its construction, focus speed, and extra options (like pushing/pulling film) are worth it if you can afford it over F55-F75. I cannot compare to non-Nikons, but I'm still pleased enough that I don't need to.

Customer Service

Repairing is still extremely expensive

Similar Products Used:

N6006, N8008, N90s, FM10, F4

I've used the N80 for two years now, and although I also have a F100, I find myself using the N80 for most of my shots, especially when I'm in a hurry. Build quality seems pretty good and I like the rubberized gripping surfaces. I wear glasses and the am able to see the full frame and the lighted data. This is not the case with many other cameras, and one reason that I prefer this Nikon to the similarly priced Elan 7e that I also owned. The N80 is very easy to use - I just hate push button controls - and it is easy to switch back and forth between it and the F100. The popup flash that is maligned by many is often useful when I'm taking quick shots of people, both inside and outside. It's not the best action/sports camera at 2.5 fps, but will do in a pinch. If I lost my N80 I would immediately replace it. I may or may not replace my F100, just because it may be slight overkill for me and because the N80 does just about everything it does for less than half the price.

Customer Service

Have never needed

Similar Products Used:

F100, Canon Elan 7e, Minolta 700si, numerous manual focus cameras

not a thing bad yes even build quality you get a cheap pro camera and you WILL NOT OVER GROW IT when you take to the road you'll be thenkfull for the wheit you gain and the money you cuold spend on a better lenses you must have the sb-16 it is a life savier

- light weight - precise matrix, spot and center-weighted exposition metering system - the optional factory-enabled "Philippe-proof" :-) settings that will reset almost everything when changing the film, avoiding unwanted over/underexpositions - useful Vari-bright display - the "semi-automatic" focus, as I like to call it - the grip is really good as-is, and even better with the battery pack

- plastic body (but hey, for that price ?!? - for the most demanding ones, the default 28-80 AF-G lens is so-so.

Excuse my english, I'm a french-speaking-quebecois. But I've been so impressed by the F80 that I had to post a review on my favorite photo site! --> Top-notch does-it-all camera! <-- The feature list is... well... complete! 3 Light metering modes, 3 autofocus modes, easy ISO adustment, about 20 custom settings, flexible cable release terminal, the Vari-bright display, depth-of-field preview button and so on... While the camera is light enough to follow me everywhere, it has almost all of the professionnal assets a camera can have. The flash is well balanced and produces great indoor shoots in every circumstances. One interesting feature it an optionnal setting to activate the focus system with a different button than the shutter release button. Really useful to simulate hyperfocal on a Zoom lens because the focus is locked by the motor between the shoots. You can then adjust your filters easily in this mode. To set the focus again, press the specified button and you're done! It's like a semi-automatic focus. I use this for sports shoots and it works perfectly. I would recommend this camera to all of you serious-amateur photographers out there. The overall price/quality ratio is excellent. (As for Nikon's reputation). The Programmed/Aperture/Speed modes are ideal for beginners and the Manual mode will satisfy everybody needing it.

Customer Service

Never had any troubles with Nikon...

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Maxxum StSi Nikon F55

Well thought-out operating interface. Mostly snappy autofocus Nice viewfinder although not a 100% like F5 Good solid build for a plastic-bodied camera (hefty enough - must be some metal in there somewhere)

The usual kit zoom lens (28-80G) is a very cheap model, not worthy of a camera of this level.

Nice light camera with just about all the bells and whistles you might need. While this camera can be used as a point and shoot, you can also use it pretty much the same way you would use Nikon's two high-end pro SLR. The F80 is in fact a pro camera, except for the lighter consumer build (about the same or better than the Canon Elan 7 which costs about the same). Autofocus works well, although the dynamic continuous mode takes a little figuring out if all you have is the user's manual that came with the camera. One thing that isnt' obvious is that dynamic focus starts out with the focus point that's over the subject you want (you have to select the right focus point for the subject of course), but then focus follows the subject and switches from one focus point to another as the subject moves into them. That's great, except the camera does not tell you which focus point it is using. Keep in mind that when using continuous servo focussing, the picture will be taken when you press the shutter, whether the subject is in focus or not. Flash is easy to use, especially good for fill flash. Controls are intuitive and nicely laid out, although the mode dial and the meter mode dial both seem a bit flimsy (this isn't unlike other cameras at this price point though). Easy to use in manual exposure modes, with enough info on the meter scale to be useful. Not so easy to focus manually if you want to though (no different than other autofocus SLRs).

Customer Service

Not at all impressed by Nikon Canada customer service. They don't seem very interested in consumer-level customers compared to Pentax Canada. Probably would not buy another Nikon because of this. They don't respond to email to tech support sent via their website (2 occasions), and if something should go wrong with the camera, you can expect to be without it for at least a month (dealer says 4-6 weeks).

Similar Products Used:

Various manual and semi-automatic manual focus SLR from Pentax and Nikon