Nikon D80 Details

Nikon D80

Nikon D80 Details

Manufacturer's Description

One of the key advances developed for the D80 is its high-resolution image-processing engine. At its heart is a dedicated new high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also consuming less power than its predecessors. It also inherits advantages developed exclusively for Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras, combining color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved 12-bit digital image-processing algorithms. The result is natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. The level of performance attained allows the new engine to rapidly and efficiently process the 10.2-megapixel resolution images captured by the DX-format CCD image sensor.Optimized to capture sharp details, the 10.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor yields extraordinarily high-resolution images, providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively or print impressive enlargements.Consistently dependable exposure is the hallmark of Nikon's exclusive 3D-Color Matrix Metering II. Refinements for the D80 include its inheriting the advanced exposure evaluation system from the Nikon D2XS and D200 digital SLR cameras. Brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance information is evaluated, with the results referenced against the expansive onboard database of exposure data from over 30.000 actual photographic scenes, and the final exposure value calculated - instantly. Variable-size center-weighted metering is also available, as are a choice of 11 spot meters linked to each of the 11-area AF system's area sensors.The D80 features extensive range for sure performance through diverse lighting conditions. Sensitivity can be set manually between ISO speeds of 100 and 1600 in 1/3-EV increments, or boosted even higher using the HI-0.3, HI-0.7 or HI-1 settings. Automatic sensitivity adjustment (ISO AUTO) is also available offering the freedom to concentrate on composition while the camera selects the right sensitivity for the shot.Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural coloration by matching white balance to the light source of the shot. Other flexible options include a choice of six specific manual settings with fine-tuning (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference.The D80 inherits Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module that recently debuted in the D200. Refinements to this new 11-area AF system ensure consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting conditions, all while the addition of effective new focusing options instills photographers with greater confidence to get the desired shot. For example, while the system is able to use each of its 11 focus areas individually, the center sensor can also be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage. Refinements to the programming algorithms that control lens focus action further improve system response and focus precision, along with subject acquisition and tracking abilities.The Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those areas. During AF measurement, all focus areas that lie within the range of proper focus blink for easier confirmation.Nikon's advanced color reproduction system optimizes the three available color modes to best match the subject or intended use for the image.The D80 starts up in approx. 0.18 seconds, so it's ready to shoot immediately. Its short shutter release time lag of approximately 80 milliseconds helps ensure instant response while shooting, as does the fast and precise focus of the new 11-area AF system with AF-assist illuminator. Images are processed and recorded extremely quickly. Preview images are displayed instantly.Capable of shooting a rapid 3 frames per second in continuous bursts of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or 6 RAW (NEF) images, the D80 makes it easier to stay on top of the action or to capture those unexpected, yet precious picture opportunities. Refinements to achieve this performance include improved processing speed, optimized buffer memory handling, as well as higher data transfer rates.Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 30 sec. can be selected manually or used in conjunction with the automated program modes. Bulb and time options as well as flash-synchronized shutter speeds of up to 1/200 sec. further enhance the digital photo experience.Easily accessed optimization options closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom or Black-and-white options.Multiple Exposure feature creates a single image within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures, producing an effect that resembles multiple exposure techniques used with film.The EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery with increased energy capacity delivers enough power to shoot as many as 2.700 images per charge. The battery can be recharged at any time, and it now features an accurate real-time fuel gauge system that displays the percentage of remaining charge, number of shots since last charge and overall status of battery service life.Exclusive in-camera image-editing features under the new Retouch menu help ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom. D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while achieving overall exposure balance. In-camera Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash. Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.This Nikon D80 camera is packaged with 18-55mm DX Zoom Nikkor lens.