Nikon have announced the introduction of the D80 digital SLR, a replacement for the hugely successful D70s; Simon Stafford offers his first impressions.
We now know what was lurking in those dark shadows of the flash animation shown for the past few weeks on the Nikon web site as it proclaimed - "More power. More control. More versatile. More excitement. New 10.2 megapixel D-SLR addition to the lineup" that has had Nikon enthusiasts, around the globe, speculating - the new Nikon D80.
I expect quite a few must have pinched themselves on seeing that Nikon had, at last, adopted such a proactive approach to marketing one of their products, and clearly timed it to coincide with the launch of the 10.2mp Sony Alpha 100 digital SLR - the digital SLR market has just become a lot more competitive, which can only spell good news for the camera buyer! What follows is a summary of my first impressions of the D80 based on a pre-production sample made available to me, and the specification published by Nikon - it is not intended as a review.
I should start by saying that contrary to statements from some observers, who have suggested that the new D80 will join the current line up of Nikon D-SLR cameras, including the D70s; the D80 replaces the D70s model, production of which has already begun to wind down, to allow Nikon to divert production capacity to the new model to build up stock, although the D70s will remain in the Nikon line-up until the end of 2006. So where does the new D80 sit in the Nikon range?
Several key items stood out following a first read of the specification: use of Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (first seen in a Nikon D-SLR camera with the D50), although the D80 is able to support the new generation of Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards based on SDA 2.00 specification as well, providing, in time, capacities of between 4Gb and 32Gb, and adoption of a 420-pixel sensor for TTL metering and flash exposure control, as opposed to the 1,005-pixel sensor fitted in the D70s and D200 models, which positions the D80 toward the consumer end of the D-SLR market. The D80 can record either compressed NEF Raw files or JPEG files; it does not offer the option to record uncompressed NEF Raw files. Nikon state that the D80 is capable of maintaining 3 frames per second for up to 100 JPEG (Fine / Medium), or six NEF Raw images. Inclusion of the Digital Vari-Progam modes will satisfy the point and shoot requirements of the less experienced user, who will probably not notice a few of the other slight shifts in specification, such as the lowering of the maximum flash sync speed to 1/200 sec., and reduction of the top shutter speed to 1/4000 sec.
From there on the D80 begins to look more, and more like a D200: although, apparently, the CCD sensor is a new chip and not the same as the one used in the D200; it has been designed by Nikon and manufactured by Sony. The full resolution is 3,872 x 2,592 pixels; each photosite (pixel) is just 6.05µm x 6.05µm square. The 2-channel output from the sensor supports signal processing at a 12-bit depth whilst still in an analogue form before conversion to a digital file using 12bit algorithms by the analogue-to-digital converter (ADC); this system is a modified version of the one used by the D2Xs, and D200. Nikon claim the processing chip used in the D80 has faster performance and lower power consumption to help reduce the power drain on the battery. A single EN-EL3e lithium-ion rechargeable battery (common to D50, D70-series, and D200) powers the D80, and the camera can display the level of remaining charge, number of shots since last charge, and overall battery condition.
The start up time is quoted at 0.18 seconds (for all intents instantaneous) with a shutter release lag time of 80ms (somewhat slower than the 50ms of the D200). No figure has been provided for mirror blackout time although I would expect this to be in the range of 100 to 120ms.
The D80 uses the Multi-CAM 1000 AF module with eleven auto focus sensing areas (the centre sensing area is a cross type, whilst the other ten are all line-type areas), although only the centre sensing area can be configured to cover a wider area for broader coverage, unlike the D200 that support seven wide areas. In addition to AF-S (single-servo) and AF-C (continuous-servo) the D80 has a third auto focus mode, AF-A (auto-area), which assess focus information from all eleven AF sensing areas, and then selects which ones to use. One useful innovation is the addition of a focus mode button located on the top of the camera to the right of the control panel that is used in conjunction with the main command dial to select the required focus mode. The viewfinder display of the D80 replicates that of the D200; it offers a 95% view of the total image area with a high 0.94x magnification, which compliments the Brite View Mark II focusing screen to provide an incredibly bright viewfinder image. Grid lines can be displayed if required.
The white balance options should satisfy the most demanding user, with options for Auto (white balance is assessed TTL using the 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, colour temperature setting (Kelvin), Preset, and white balance bracketing possible. The large 2.5" monitor screen allows a viewing angle of up to 170°, and provides a clear view of the displayed image(s) and menus. In single image playback the image can be enlarged up to 25x (equivalent to 400% view). Another new innovation on the D80 is the use of a single button to increase, and another single button to decrease the degree of magnification of the displayed image, rather than having to press and hold a button whilst rotating a command dial - a simple but very effective modification!
The 3D Colour Matrix Metering II is another feature also found in the D200, although a 420-pixel RGB sensor performs TTL metering in the D80, as opposed to the 1,005-pixel sensor of the D200. The D80 also offers centre-weighted metering (with user variable area) and spot metering (covers 3.5mm diameter circle - approx 2.5% of total frame area). The same 420-pixel RGB sensor also controls flash output. The D80 is fully compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, including i-TTL flash control, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV Lock and Auto FP High-Speed Sync, and support for the features and functions of the SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights. The built-in Speedlight of the D80 can be used to control, wirelessly, up to two groups of remote Nikon Speedlights (SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 only).
The base sensitivity of the D80 is equivalent to ISO100 and can be set in steps of 1/3EV up to ISO1600. Beyond this point there are three further, high ISO settings, each at an increment of 1/3EV, offering a maximum sensitivity equivalent to ISO3200 approximately. Associated with the sensitivity settings there are three, user selectable levels of high ISO noise reduction, and a long exposure noise reduction feature that is available for any exposure with duration of 8 seconds, or more.
In addition to the familiar Nikon camera control menus the D80 has the ability to allow the user to customise any of the menu displays to show only selected items in a feature Nikon refer to as My Menu. Essentially, you open the My Menu option and highlight the menu you wish to customize. The menu will open with a check box beside each option - to select an option to appear in the customised version of the menu you just ensure the box is marked with a check (tick) mark. In addition to customizing of the menus the Custom Setting menu and Shooting menu both have options to display full or abridged versions: this allows the user to have all thirty-two options displayed in the Custom Setting menu or just ten, likewise the full shooting menu of fourteen options can be reduced to just seven.
The D80 adds a multiple exposure function to its shooting options; you can create a single image within the camera from up to a maximum of three consecutive exposures.
The D80's consumer camera credentials are underlined by the inclusion of seven, fully automated Digital Vari-Programs, with options for Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night Portrait. In each case the selected program option automatically biases white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), colour, saturation, and hue settings in an effort to render the best possible result for the chosen subject matter, or shooting situation.
In contrast to the fully automated options of the Digital Vari-Program options. The D80 offers a user-selectable menu of image optimization options, which comprise Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White. For the first time, Nikon have extended the level of control over the image optimization settings, beyond just the Custom option. Whilst the Custom options allows control over settings for saturation, tone (contrast), sharpening, colour mode, and hue, the Black-and-White option allows control of sharpening and tone (contrast), as well as providing a filter effects menu that emulates traditional red, orange, yellow, and green contrast control filters used for black-and-white photography.
Other innovations included on the D80 include: a histogram display for the separate red, green, and blue channels as well as the composite channel, a rotating dial diopter adjustment in place of the sliding switch used on the D70-series, renaming of the Enter button to OK to conform with the menu display, and the ability to display the ISO sensitivity setting in ISO Auto by pressing the Function button. In the hand the camera feels very solid despite its compact size and low weight. A few buttons have migrated to new positions compared with the layout of previous Nikon D-SLR cameras in this class; the OK (previously Enter) button is now below the multi-selector switch, the bracketing button can be found at the front of the camera on the shoulder of the lens, below the flash button, and the shooting mode button is located beside the control panel LCD on the top of the camera, just in front of the new button for selecting the focus mode. Otherwise the layout of controls is familiar as it follows on from previous camera designs.
Nikon have also announced that the D80 will be complimented with its own dedicated, optional battery pack, the MB-D80, which can accommodate one, or two EN-EL3e batteries, or alternatively six AA size batteries. It also features an additional shutter release button, duplicate main and sub-command dials, and AE-L/AF-L button to improve shooting when the camera is held vertically, or used with larger, heavier lenses. The camera also has a terminal for the Nikon MC-DC1 electric cable release that enables the user to release the shutter remotely without the need to touch the camera, and it is compatible with the Nikon ML-L3 infrared remote release, which can also be used to control the release of the D80 shutter remotely.
Finally, Nikon have announced the introduction of two new lenses: the AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED, and the long rumoured replacement for the AF 70-300mm f4-5.6D lens, the AF-S VR 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (both lenses will be reviewed in due course). The former will be offered with the D80 body as a camera kit option, as will the current AF-S DX 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G. The D80 camera body, camera and lens kits, and the AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens are expected to be available from early September 2006. The AF-S VR 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is due for release during October 2006.
Nikon D80 Specification
The basic specification of the new D80 is set out in the following table, with details of the D70s and D200 alongside for the purposes of comparison. Significant differences are highlighted.
Feature | D70s | D80 | D200 |
Effective Pixels | 6.1 million | 10.2 million | 10.2 million |
Format | Nikon DX | Nikon DX | Nikon DX |
Sensor | CCD | CCD | CCD |
Image Size | 3,008 x 2,000 | 3,872 x 2,592 | 3,872 x 2,592 |
ISO | 200 - 1600 | 100 - 1600 | 100 - 1600 |
High ISO | No | Yes (+1/3, +2/3, and +1EV) | Yes (+1/3, +2/3, and +1EV) |
Storage Media | CompactFlash | Secure Digital | CompactFlash |
Storage System | Compressed NEF, JPEG | Compressed NEF, JPEG | Uncompressed NEF, Compressed NEF, JPEG |
White Balance | Auto, 6 manual settings, and Preset | Auto, 6 manual settings, Kelvin, and Preset | Auto, 6 manual settings, Kelvin, and Preset |
LCD Monitor | 2.0" 130,000 TFT LCD | 2.5" 230,000 TFT LCD | 2.5" 230,000 TFT LCD |
Interface | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
Chassis | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Metal Alloy |
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Viewfinder eye-point | 18mm | 19.5mm | 19.5mm |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.75x | 0.94x | 0.94x |
Autofocus | Multi-CAM 900 | Multi-CAM 1000 | Multi-CAM 1000 |
AF areas | Five | Eleven (1 wide) | Eleven (7 wide) |
AF modes | Single, Dynamic, Dynamic with closest subject priority | Single, Dynamic, Auto-area | Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, Dynamic with closest subject priority |
Metering Sensor | 1005-segement RGB sensor | 420-segement RGB sensor | 1005-segement RGB sensor |
Exposure Metering | 3D Color Matrix, CW, Spot | 3D Color Matrix II, CW, Spot | 3D Color Matrix II, CW, Spot |
Exposure modes | 7x Digital Vari-Program, P, A, S, and M | 7x Digital Vari-Program, P, A, S, and M | P, A, S, and M |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 EV | +/- 5 EV | +/- 5 EV |
Exposure bracketing | Yes - 2 or 3 exp. Increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV | Yes - 2 or 3 exp. Increments of 1/3 to 2EV | Yes - 2 to 9 exp. Increments of 1/3,1/2, 2/3, 1EV |
Shooting modes | Single, Continuous, Remote | Single, Continuous, Remote | Single, Continuous-low, Continuous-high, Mirror lock-up, Remote |
Max shooting speed | 3 fps | 3 fps | 5 fps |
Shutter | 30 to 1/8000 sec. +Bulb | 30 to 1/4000 sec. +Bulb | 30 to 1/8000 sec. +Bulb |
Flash Sync | 1/500 sec. | 1/200 sec. | 1/250 sec. |
Auto FP Hi-Speed sync | No | Yes | Yes |
Flash control | TTL flash (1,005-pixel sensor) | TTL flash (420-pixel sensor) | TTL flash (1,005-pixel sensor) |
GN (m/ft - ISO100) - manual | 12/39
(17/56 - ISO200) |
13/42 | 13/42 |
PC sync | No | No | Yes |
Self timer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Depth-of-Field preview | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power | 1x EN-EL3e | 1x EN-EL3e | 1x EN-EL3e |
Battery Meter | No | Yes | Yes |
AC adapter | EH-5 | EH-5 | EH-6 |
Battery grip | No | MB-D80 (2x EN-EL3e, or 6x AA | MB-D200 (2x EN-EL3e, or 6x AA |
Remote Release | MC-DC1 cable, or ML-L3 IR remote | MC-DC1 cable, or ML-L3 IR remote | Nikon 10-pin accessory terminal |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 140 x 111 x 78
5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 |
132 x 103 x 77
5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 |
147 x 113 x 74
5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 |
Weight (g/oz) | 600 / 22 | 585 / 21 | 830 / 29 |
Clearly Nikon needed to draw a distinct line between its mid-range, semi-professional, D200 and the D80, which is aimed squarely at a very broad base of photographers from family users, to hobbyists, and enthusiasts. The requirement with the new camera was to strike a good balance between features, performance, and an attractive price point. It looks very much as though this has been achieved. The D80 offers a remarkably good specification, which draws heavily on many features and functions found on the D200, although some of these have been modified, or restricted, whilst keeping its feet planted firmly on the consumer market floor with a variety of options that will find instant appeal with the less experienced user, all wrapped up in a camera body that offers easy comprehension and intuitive operation. A full review of the D80 will follow in due course, as soon as a full production model becomes available.
© Simon Stafford
August 2006
Posted on: Wednesday 9 August 2006
40 Churton Street
Pimlico, London
SW1V 2LP, England
Telephone: +44 (0)20-7828 4925
E-mail: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Closed on Public and Bank Holidays
Registered in
England & Wales.
Registered office:
40 Churton Street
Pimlico, London
SW1V 2LP, England
Company Reg. No. 5652450
VAT No. 872 2684 03