[Dave]

Wondered if any D70 users are tempted to upgrade with the D80 body at a smidge under £700 ? A big saving on the next jump to the D200

Full details of D80 here :- Nikon announce D80

Summary of spec is :-

* 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop)
* Image processing engine (similar to D200 / D2X)
* 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (same as D50)
* 11-area AF system (new version of Multi-CAM 1000, similar to D200)
* Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
* Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
* Mechanical only shutter (maximum 1/4000 sec, flash sync to 1/200 sec)
* Quoted 80 ms shutter lag (short viewfinder blackout; 160 ms)
* Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder (x0.94 magnification)
* Support for SD-HC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
* In-camera retouching
o D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)
o Red-eye reduction
o Trimming
o Monochrome and Filter
o Small picture
o Image overlay
* Multiple-exposures
* Compact body (smaller, lighter than D70/D70s)
* Improved menu user interface (same as D200)
* Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery (provides detailed information, same as D200)
* Wireless flash integration (same as D200)

[Dave]

Well from brief reports I have read, I see the D80 as a stripped down D200 in a plastic body, weighing about 300g less. I'm assuming your going to get the same image quality as D200, so if you don't want the extra fuction or stronger body, it looks like a good upgrade from the D50 or D70s.

Only hope they get the noise issue sorted that seems to be reported by D200 users.

[Dave]

Well Stepheno's on the ball....he's got the Nikon D80 in the Equipment review section before it's even been released

[VikingPhotography]

I think the D80 is a valuable addition to Nikon's lineup and it shows that they're starting to seriously address the needs of enthusiast and semi-pro photographers - most notably in the fact that it is able to take either the MB-D80 battery grip or the new WT-3/a wireless transmitter grip.

The feature list of the camera is very impressive, taking the best parts of the D50 and D200 and then adding the special sauce uniqueness of the D80's new in-camera image editing functions.

There are many disciplines of photography that do not need the blistering speed and bleeding edge performance of the D2 series, or even the D200 - and the D80 is a very good indication of how Nikon is set to address those users, now and in the future.

The only point of curiosity in this is the choice for SD as the storeage medium; I appreciate that a lot of folks using P&S or prosumer cams might be currently using SD media, but it alienates some users in the following ways:

1: The D70/s user who is looking to upgrade their camera and has a bunch of CF cards.

2: The D200 user whom is looking for a reliable back-up body that they can switch to, again already having a bunch of CF cards.

Either user has to factor for investing in the body AND new storeage media. The one bright light in all of this is that Sandisk is aggresivley supporting SD technology with its Extreme II, III, and IV line of SD cards, so pro-grade media is a reality with this format.

I personally wouldn't purchase a D80 since it doesn't fit with my needs - I'll only replace or phase out my existing kit when the D3 series (or whatever it will be called) makes its debut.

I must say, though, that I'll have no trouble recommending the D80 to other photographers - after I've had some time to try it out first, that is... I'm sure I'll run into a Nikon rep soon enough

[Dave]

Would be good to hear a review from one of our members rather than a magazine

[Dutchie]

Not far from getting one now, so I will do my best to give a review.

[Dabhand16]

Dave - I've not yet actually held either the D80 or the D200 (if I did, I doubt I could resist one of them), but my inclination is that I'd probably opt for the D200. The lower the price gets, the stronger the urge.

When and if that time comes, I'd have to have a really good look at the specs first, then handle them. I'm a great believer in when the specs are similar, the one to go for is the one that feels right.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Dutchie

Not far from getting one now, so I will do my best to give a review.

Excellent ....nothing beats real members views on an item.

Graham , just give in .....go hold one

[jeffg]

£699 ???

Prices dropping all the time - £550 at Dixons !!! Almost tempted but really ought to learn to use my D50 first

Jeff

[Sparhawk]

Originally Posted by Dave

Excellent ....nothing beats real members views on an item.

Graham , just give in .....go hold one

Dave
Now just behave yourself, you will NEVER find a member on this great site trying to cajole anyone else to buy a camera would you
Regards
Sparhawk

[Dutchie]

Originally Posted by jeffg

£699 ???

Prices dropping all the time - £550 at Dixons !!! Almost tempted but really ought to learn to use my D50 first

Jeff

Wow, price is dropping nearly daily at the moment, which is good cause I just wait till they are done with that