-Built-in flash: incredibly even flash exposures; -Precise spot-metering; -multiple custom functions; -tons of features (like most current autofocus cameras) -grid lines in viewfinder

-autofocus assist lamp (one day, they'll think of something better...sound waves, invisible lasers, etc.). Still, it's a normal feature for this level of camera, so never mind. -custom functions in the LCD display are just numbers... you need to have the manual handy in case you want to know what you're changing. -no leader-out rewind (not a huge deal) -lenses seem to be slightly larger or more expensive than Canon (on comparable focal lengths)

After using my dad's Maxxum 3xi for years, I finally went mad at the pathetic autofocus and the terrible lens on it ("Power" zoom...why???). After going through film school, I needed a camera that had pro-type features and something that was more of a precise tool than the 3xi. So I finally settled on the N80. This is a GREAT camera. The deciding factors for me, in comparison to the Elan7, were mainly spot-metering, and body size/weight. Honestly, Nikon and Canon are just as good these days, at least from a features point of view. It's just a matter of learning how to use the tools. If you've got time for that, and you aren't yet crossing the Sahara for National Geographic, this camera will probably take you as far as you need to go. Granted, autofocus is probably faster in the F100 and F5. Everything on the N80 is easily accessible. My one gripe is my own forgetfulness: I keep forgetting to change the metering mode back from spot to matrix, and thus resulting in some oddly exposed shots. Get the 50mm f/1.8. When your friends look at your pictures and say, "My pictures are never that...sharp!" you'll know I was right...

Customer Service

Not yet required

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Maxxum 3xi (Argh)

Lightwight. Quick + easy selection wheels. Choice of metering and lock. Great flash. On-demand grid-lines useful. Seems pretty well-built. DOF preview. Silent-rewind option is goood. Built-in flash is useful, I hate carrying more than I have to.

Focusing can grind a bit, its not as 'snap-fast' as the Canons. I've had issues with the battery meter. I doubt its a fault but I typically get a half-roll warning of a dead battery which can be really annoying. The clip-on battery pack (MB...) could be more useful with a side button/wheel. As it is it seems pretty useless. The continuous shooting is I think slower than Canons of the same price-range. I have had a few films with long scratches down them - gotta check the film back every time. The view thru the viewfinder seems a bit cramped, but then its not a f5. Daft system of custom functions represented by numbers. On-demand gridlines should have a seperate button (maybe combined with the lcd-light).

I needed a replacement for the F65. This is basically the same camera but more rugged and with a few extra features: spot/center/matrix metering and manual ASA selection (the reasons i upgraded from the f65). It has performed great in many situations. I keep it in center-weighted and manual focus. I've tried a few Canons, and the focus is definately faster on them (and quieter, unless you're using one of the relatively rare Nikon Silent lenses). A pro friend has had problems with his Canon's flash - this has definately never been a problem with this camera, although exactly what the flash is doing is left fairly obscure in the manual. Close fill-flash usually needs something white over the flash and -1.5 power. Overall a great camera.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

F65, F3, F90s, Canon 7E

Ease of use for the beginner. Excellent AI in the autofocusing, metering, etc. Lightweight.

Don't know enough to rate a weakness. Would however like it to put exposure information on the film edge of each picture on the negative so it can be used as a learning tool.

I am going whale watching this summer and was looking for a good SLR to take pictures. The only cameras I have ever used before are the POS point and shoot kind. I never really liked them because of bad focusing, bad exposure, etc...Also I am a very cheap person, but I wanted something pretty darn good. My choices were the Nikon N80 or the Contax NX. I chose the Nikon for the wider range of lenses and the lower price. I was not disappointed. After running 2 rolls of film through (Kodak MAX 400 and Kodak Portra 400UC), I have been extremelly pleased. Letting the camera go on its own and determine exposure and speed, I think one can take pictures along with the best. Using the automatic features I am using it to teach me how to judge and set things myself. Since I am not a seasoned photographer, I hope that my simple review will help those out there like me decide on a great camera to own. If you want a point and shoot camera, get this. Not only will you learn, you will get quality pictures time and time again.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

POS point and shoot...Really wouldn't call them similar though.

Relatively easy to use. I purchased the F80 with my wife in mind who wanted to have something close to 'point-and-shoot'. It does that and a lot more. The biggest strengths: excellent flash photography, ease of use and excellent picture quality.

One weakness has to be the fact you can't set the camera to wind the film and leave the tobgue out. I would like to have the opportunity to switch films if the situation requires it. But you're kinda stuck with whatever you happen to have loaded at the time.

After years of using my old Pawn Shop Minolta (which cost me $300) I decided to upgrade to something with a few bells and whistles. After using the F80/N80 for a few years I have to say I have been really happy. I used to think my photos looked pretty good... now they bring out the 'WOW!' factor.

Light and has almost all of the features anyone could want.

Not many. Sync speed could be faster, and the construction could be beefed up a bit.

This is my second N-80, which I bought as a back-up body for the magazine shoots I do. I can't say enough really great things about this camera. It is nearly as functional as an F-100, but without the weight or bulk. Combined with a battery converter/grip, it can't be beat.

Customer Service

Nikon service reps are typically rude. This is the one thing I really don't understand about Nikon. They make this really great equipment, but don't seem to care about their customers.

Similar Products Used:

N-65, F-100, others.

Price vs. features. Light weight. Quality build.

Need manual for custom settings. No mirror lock up, may cause vibrations on tripod shots.

I had an F100 but it was stolen along with all my lenses and accessories. I decided it was time to go digital so I bought a Fujifilm S2 but since I wasn't ready to give up 35mm altogether I bought an N80 on ebay. The N80 is impressive even compared to the F100. All the best features are there at a price that won't shock you. It doesn't have the magnesium chassis or water tight seals, but I love the reduced weight around my neck and I don't intend to put it through the rigorous tortures a pro would. I like the on demand grid lines, I had to purchase an "E" screen to get that on the F100. I'm not happy that it won't auto expose with manual focus lenses, but since all mine were stolen, I can't see buying any new ones anyway. I like the pop up flash even though I purchased a SB-80DX for use on my S2 and N80. The pop up flash may be useful for fill flash in the day or should I get caught without the bigger speedlight. Sadly, like the F100, you need to carry the owners manual around so you know what the custom settings mean. Some cameras give you abbreviated hints as a help. Nikon should look at this in the future. Also the N80 has no mirror lock up. All in all a great camera capable of taking professional quality photos at a bargain price. Bound to be a top selling workhorse for many more years.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F100

It's really too bad that most people use big, clunky, slow zoom lenses with this camera, especially if they're of the optically nondescript consumer variety. The N80 just begs for a simple, small, fast prime. The new 50mm f/1.8 "D" lens is perfect for it. A prime (single-focal-length) lens improves the N80's performance and makes it more pleasurable to use, sez me. I use the N80 with the 35mm f/2, often swallowing my pride (gulp) and setting it on "P" mode. This transforms this neat, quiet, light little camera into what you might call MOAPAS...the mother of all point-and-shoots, a really fun and capable combination. I wrote a review of this camera, the F100, and the Maxxum 7 that will be published on photo.net, luminous-landscape, and steves-digicams on April 6th, 2003, so I won't go into the other things I like about it here. But I think for anyone who a) is coming from a point-and-shoot or an "entry-level" SLR, b) can't afford an F100, or c) wants a light, handy, carry-around camera for all-purpose street, family, scenic, and snapshot shooting, this is a highly, highly recommendable body.

On demand grid lines, matrix metering, D.O.F. preview.

Non compatability with M.F. lenses. Plasticky feel. Focus hunts. Made in China!

A good camera by todays standards. I have an old 601 that I bought new over 10 years ago that feels more solid, focuses better with no aids and is compatable with most lenses available. This is my 2nd F80. Yhe first one locked up after only two rolls of film, refusing to focus or meter, and kept rewinding after only a few frames. The Camera spent months at Nikons U.K. service Dept. and came back with the same faults. Eventually I persuaded Purdys to replace it. The one I have now performs O.K. but obviously the gap between consumer and Pro. Cameras has widened. Handling improves with Battery Pack.

Customer Service

Long service times, (12 weeks+)

Similar Products Used:

F601, F2, FG, FM2.

**Many features **Bright viewfinder with gridlines that can be turned off **Built-in Flash is great

I can't really find any? I'm used to the old Minolta/Canon bodies of the late 70's that weighed as much as a bag of hammers! However, all the new cameras are very lightweight but I'm sure they will holdup over time

I decided to finally upgrade over the years after having used a Canon TX and a Minolta SRT-201, both manual bodies. Since we will be going to Alaska in 2003, I wanted a new automatic camera that would simply peform and easy enough for my wife to use too. I looked at the Canon Rebel 2000 and others, but decided that Nikon was far superior. After about a month now and several rolls later, the camera is in a word...excellent. I also bought the 28-80mm Nikkor AF 3.3-5.6 G lens too which is also outstanding for the price. Others might knock the 'G' lens, but the pictures are really excellent. Overall, the camera is excellent and easy to operate and outperforms everything else I looked at for < $500 range with the Nikkor lens.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

Canon TX Minolta SRT-201 Canon Freedom Zoom

light weight , good ergonomics ,grid line viewfinder ,exposure compensation easy to set up,metering systems,cable release,on-camera flash

over complicated focussing system with too many choices which are not explained very well in the instruction manual,body does not feel very robust compared to the f-90 and especially the fm2 which seemed indestructable

needed to replace my ageing and ever more temperamental f-90 ,and because of the price i chose the f-80 rather than the f-100. have used it for 9 months now and no regrets,compact size and great ergonomics make it a joy to use. accurate focusing and exposure 95% of the time and light weight,especially with 20mm and 50mm lenses that i tend to use a lot ensures that it's easy to carry around all day ,even with a 28/105 its not too restricting.the f-90 was a heavyweight.it feels flimsier though, but it hasnt fallen apart yet.used mainly for street and travel shots and i'm very pleased with the results i've got with it.on camera flash means even less to carry around and although its not so powerful,its better than nothing and certainly better than carting a larger gun around that tends to unbalance the camera.

Customer Service

not used yet,

Similar Products Used:

f-90,fm-2