Product Description
NIKONS NEW D80 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA BRINGS ADVANCED
PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED CREATIVE CONTROL TO PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS
Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, Nikon today
introduced the new D80 digital SLR camera " an impressively featured, high
performance camera that incorporates Nikon's latest digital and photographic
technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to
satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and
preserve special moments. With a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD
image sensor and an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine inherited
from Nikons latest professional digital SLR cameras, the D80 can render images
with incredible resolution, sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in
this class of cameras. And it can shoot these images fast " at speeds of up to
3 frames per second, for up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode),
ensuring that the cameras always ready for the next fleeting moment.
The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument,
powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a picture with an imperceptible
shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area
auto-focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a
moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to
any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The D80s large,
bright 0.94x viewfinder affords a remarkable view not found in many digital
SLRs, making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The cameras
rechargeable battery can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also
providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the
battery at all times. And like all Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D80 feels
solid and substantial while being both compact and comfortable. But more
experienced photo enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative
controls and features that make photography with the camera so much more
enjoyable and rewarding. Its new Optimize image menu, for instance, offers
complete control over the look and feel of your pictures, allowing you to boost
saturation and create pictures with vivid color, or shoot black-and-white
pictures with a choice of four filtration effects, or even create your own
custom look that expresses personal style and creativity. Other creative tools
include an all-new image Retouch menu for in-camera image editing, built-in
i-TTL flash control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of
Speedlights, as well as over 32 Custom settings to customize several attributes
of the cameras performance.
The Nikon D70 and D70s cameras proved to be extraordinarily successful due
to the excellent value they offered to passionate photo enthusiasts when each
was introduced. They offered an ideal balance of features, performance,
innovation and price, making them appealing to a very broad range of
photographers. With the introduction of the D80, Nikon is significantly raising
the bar for a camera in this class, said Edward Fasano, general manager for
Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. By bringing high-end features and
technologies inherited from our professional line of cameras to the passionate
photo enthusiast, while making the camera simpler and more enjoyable to use, we
believe the D80 will represent the sweet spot for anyone looking for a new
level of digital SLR camera performance and value. Paired with the new 7.5x
18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, the D80's performance and
versatility becomes even more compelling for consumers, he added.
Unrivaled Image Quality
At the heart of any digital camera lies its image processing
engine " a sophisticated processor that determines, among other things, the
overall color rendering and image quality of pictures taken with the camera.
One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon's own high-resolution
image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from Nikon's
latest professional digital SLR cameras, including color independent analog
pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms,
which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color
and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly
accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power
consumption, assuring more pictures per battery charge.
The D80 also benefits from Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, to
ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each
scene, input from the system's frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically
referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual
photography to calculate final exposure value. Variable Center-Weighted
metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available,
as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated
exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make
the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photography
enthusiasts.
Speed to Burn
One of the hallmarks of Nikons digital SLR cameras is how fast
they operate, not only when capturing images, but also when processing them.
The D80 proudly carries this tradition forward. Not only is the camera powered
up and ready to shoot in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts at blazing speeds
when the shutter button is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time of just 80
milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to
100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), the camera is ready to shoot
whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. Images
shot are processed instantly and recorded rapidly to the inserted SD memory
card. Preview images are also displayed near instantly.
The D80s new 11-area auto-focus system also fulfills its role in the overall
speed of the camera, delivering fast and precise focus under varying shooting
conditions. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF
Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system with center area wide-frame operation
adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in
getting the desired shot. An all-new Auto-Area AF mode measures all eleven focus
areas and automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject.
Creativity Comes Standard
The Nikon D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level.
For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of features and tools to
empower all kinds of users, ranging from the novice to the seasoned pro, to
pursue their creative vision, instantly and right from within the camera.
D80 photographers will enjoy the cameras built-in Multiple Exposure mode for
unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor
results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom
preference of the photographer. Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast),
color, saturation and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal,
Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White. The
black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange
filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.
The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in-camera
editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when theyre not
busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include:
- D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions
of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights
of the picture
- In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the
annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
- Trim: Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce
smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater
efficiency for specific end purposes.
- Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken
with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG
file. This feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus
effect with two similar images
- Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied
to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic
picture, either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype
- Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the
effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the
inserted SD card. A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be
used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera.
For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of
digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital
Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program
modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly
increase the chances of taking a great photograph. In Portrait Mode, for
example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and saturation
levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the
background images to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera
sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports,
Night Landscape or Night Portrait.
The D80 also offers creative ways to share pictures, with its built-in
Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control
transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or
complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.
Creature Comfort
The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from Nikons
extensive experience designing successful SLR cameras for over 50 years. As a
result, the camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates
several new features that enhance its usability. The D80 features a large and
bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view
possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment
control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The
viewfinder's integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist with
composition.
A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide
170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview
of your images is easy with a new dedicated Zoom button, magnifying images on
screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in
evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include
single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and
highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the
carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on
the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to
display only selected items using the new "My Menu" set.
The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true
to Nikon's commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of
all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.
System Strength
With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility
with Nikons extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed
to take advantage of many of the technologies built into Nikon accessories. The
D80s powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with Nikons Creative Lighting
System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL
mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple flash photography. Compatible
Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-800, SB-600 and
Nikon's Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200.
The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikons extensive
selection of AF Nikkor lenses as well as new DX Nikkor lenses, which are
designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. Nikkor
lenses, famous for optical superiority, add to the D80's ability to deliver
outstanding images.
The D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 battery pack available, extending
the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability.
Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable batteries or six AA-size
batteries, the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative
buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more
comfortable.
The D80 is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for
purchase separately), Nikons highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo
editing solution designed to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF
(RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access
to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX's powerful
photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF
files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.
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