Nikon D80

[raypg]

Are you a Nikon D80 user? I am, and so far it´s great. What you think about this camera?

[Lotus954]

I was very spoiled by my Nikon F100 and N80 film cameras so when I bought what was then the most advanced digital I could afford, a D70S, I was really, really disappointed in the quality of the image. I even sent the thing back to Nikon to see if it was calibrated right. Finally, I just sold it on ebay and bought a D80. What a world of difference. It's an awesome camera. I was about to give up on digital if this one didn't work. I'd highly recommed the D80 to anyone. The colors are gorgeous, the images are crisp and you can be as automatic or non automatic as you want. I don't like the Capture NX software that came as a free trial. I'm sticking to CS2 for editing. Surprisingly, there has been next to no touchup needed with the shots I've taken. Absolutely love the camera.

[theusher]

This is one of the cameras I'm considering along with the Pentax K10D. The D80 images seem to be top notch, but I don't like the fact that it doesn't have built in IS, and nothing that cleans the sensor like the K10D or the XTi. Also at higher iso's the D80 appears to meet it's weak point, where the XTi does pretty well.

This will be my first DSLR, I currently have a Canon S3 IS which I use in semi-manual modes. I guess you both would give the D80 very high marks then? Any weaknesses you notice?

[willielieb]

I am also a proud owner of a D80..
This is my fifth digital camera, I started with the point and shoots then I bought a Minolta Z3 and last year I bought a D50. Nothing wrong with the camera but I was looking for the option to use the built in flash as a master flash. I sold the D50 and got the D80, now I can play with three flashes..

[rob0222]

I am also a D80 owner. It was a Christmas present and now I can't put the darn thing down. This is my first DSLR ever...as a matter of fact, my first any camera ever. Never even owned a point and shoot. That means I don't have any expectations of what my D80 should produce (picture quality wise) compared to another camera. What I do is compare my pictures to the ones on this forum and I know I have a lot to learn.

[Sazee]

I just recently purchased the Nikon D80 a couple days ago with a 135mm Lens, and I thought my film SLR camera was fun... this is even better. The freedom you have with this camera is amazing and you can produce excellent quality photos. I have only scratched the suface with all the features and I'm looking foward to the countless hours spent taking photos with this amazing camera!

[rob0222]

When shooting in the Digital Vari-Programs mode (auto) the focus area is selected automatically from a choice of Single-Area, Dynamic Area, and Auto Area. However, when shooting in Advanced Modes (manually setting shutter speed and aperture) the camer allows the shooter to select from the said above.

What are you guys using and why??

Thanks..

[Sodaman420]

Rob,
If you mean which modes I'm using (manual, automatic, aperture priority, shutter priority etc) I would think most of us here would be using manual, because having the DSLR controls at the tip of your hands, and not using them, would sort of be like wasting it's talents. I have friends who just leave it on automatic because they are lazy, and the photos come out excellent still, but it is much more satisfying and fun to use the manual mode, or one of the priority modes. If you don't use them, it's sort of like having a big, heavy, albeit nice, point and shoot camera :)
I am still quite the noobie photographer but I recently found this site and can't wait to learn more. The D-80 is what I purchased with an AF-S Nikor 18-70mm, F/3.5 lens. It's alot of fun, even though at the moment I can only afford this one lens. Not so great for sporting events because it doesn't get very close, but it is nice for gatherings like parties (Took mine to a big hotel hall and got alot of nice pics)
Being able to select which part of the picture to focus on is a nice feature, you use the little control pad (the one shaped like a game boy d-pad lol). It gives you quite a bit of control and it is easy to use.
If I'm not mistaken I think there is a mode that lets the camera follow a moving subject, keeping it in focus. I forget what it's called but I'm sure someone else will know. (Then again it might be on another camera, so double check for both of us lol)
But overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. Going from a point and shoot (Pentax optio s40) to this was a great step, and so much fun. I should dare to say you will not be dissappointed!

[Saralonde]

Not a Nikon user (I have a Canon :) ), but I think Sodaman is right about using the creative (manual) settings on your camera. When I first got my XT I was a little nervous about using anything but the automatic settings. Then I decided what was the use of having this camera and not using it to its full advantage? So I just jumped in and stopped using automatic settings altogether. Now it's just manual, AV and TV. Definitely enjoying my camera more!

[incurable-hippie]

I use, and am totally in love with, a D80 which I bought just before Christmas.

Mmmmmmmm!

[rob0222]

Rob,
If you mean which modes I'm using (manual, automatic, aperture priority, shutter priority etc) I would think most of us here would be using manual, because having the DSLR controls at the tip of your hands, and not using them, would sort of be like wasting it's talents. I have friends who just leave it on automatic because they are lazy, and the photos come out excellent still, but it is much more satisfying and fun to use the manual mode, or one of the priority modes. If you don't use them, it's sort of like having a big, heavy, albeit nice, point and shoot camera :)
I am still quite the noobie photographer but I recently found this site and can't wait to learn more. The D-80 is what I purchased with an AF-S Nikor 18-70mm, F/3.5 lens. It's alot of fun, even though at the moment I can only afford this one lens. Not so great for sporting events because it doesn't get very close, but it is nice for gatherings like parties (Took mine to a big hotel hall and got alot of nice pics)
Being able to select which part of the picture to focus on is a nice feature, you use the little control pad (the one shaped like a game boy d-pad lol). It gives you quite a bit of control and it is easy to use.
If I'm not mistaken I think there is a mode that lets the camera follow a moving subject, keeping it in focus. I forget what it's called but I'm sure someone else will know. (Then again it might be on another camera, so double check for both of us lol)
But overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. Going from a point and shoot (Pentax optio s40) to this was a great step, and so much fun. I should dare to say you will not be dissappointed!

I was actually referring to the FOCUS AREA SELECTION, not the SHOOTING MODE.

My shooting combo is usually Aperture Mode along with the Single Focus Area, but the pictures that I make are not tack sharp. I’m usually shooting people on the move. I was wondering if I should switch to Dynamic Focus Area.

Thanks.

[Sodaman420]

Ohhh I get it now, haha. Sorry for the confusion. :-x
Yeah, um, it depends on the situation.Dynamic shoot mode would definitely be a great idea, to have it keep autofocusing for you.
Heck, try it out man.
Digital is free, afterall ;)
and if it sucks, let us know.
lol
if it works, then go with it :D
But, I usually shoot with just the one focus area, as I do not shoot that many action shots. But if I do, I will let you know.

[Noelmd1]

Hi i am thinking of buying a d80, it will be my first dslr i currently own a nikon8800 and i was wondering what lens to buy with it, would you stick with a nikon lens or would you buy a different make.