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Nikon N80 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

Nikon N80 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

List Price:
Your Price: $489.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A whole new world
Review: I've been a manual camera user for the longest time but decided to find out about AF before I lose my eyesight. I'm glad I picked this Nikon. The features save lotsa time, the focusing is sharp and even, the flash works wonders and I am having a ball. True, good photographers can find objections to the camera, but also good photographers can shoot with ANY camera. I won't abandon my manual Minolta, because it's better suited for carefully prepared and staged shots, but this Nikon has all I want in a camera to carry around. It's light and fast enough to shoot at the unexpected. In short, a great buy!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great for newbies to the Nikon System
Review: I've used this camera for a little more than a month now and love it. Construction and control sequences far superior to the Canon ElanIIE from which I switched; also feels sturdier without being unwieldy. Same for Nikon lenses, which are the equal or better of Canon's in terms of clarity and sharpness, though without Image Stabilization and super-quiet USM autofocusing - but, then I tend to focus manually when possible anyway, so no big loss. Didn't have a stockpile of older Nikkor lenses, so loss of metering with them is a non-issue. Excellent flash and metering systems. Insanely easy to use for anyone used to modern electronic cameras, don't even need to read the manual. Only provision for mirror lockup would make me happier with this camera. I recommend for any quality-conscious advanced amatuer who wants to balance control with automation.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great Camera, Doesn't work properly with manual lenses
Review: Just purchased a F-80 (same thing in Europe) after using a F-301 (N2000) for 15 years. This is a great camera, with most of the features of the F-100 at a third of the price.
The metering is excellent, AF is very fast (the noise comes from the lens), and the bracketing is easy to use. Also has a standard shutter release socket (save $$$) and works with most nikon flash units.

CONS:
If you own manual (non-CPU) nikon lenses you can use them, but not metering (not even the good old CW). So carry a good hand meter and put the camera in dumb mode.

Flash sync only 1/125.

Body is not the F-100 (feels plastic, but it's light)

BUY the MD-16 (AA battery adapter) if you are going to use the AF a lot, specially with long lenses (eats the batteries fast)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: worthy of pro-status!!!!
Review: Lets put things in proper perspective when writing reveiws. The N80 was not introduced by nikon as a replacement for the F5 or F100. Both of these cameras are undisputed professional models. the N80 made obtaining similar, and some identical features from the pro models available to anyone who had $$$-$$$ to spend on an SLR. This in comparison to $$$$-$$$$ for the F100 and F5. The N80 is a performer. It can tackle all but the most demanding of photographic situations. Invest in good quality lenses, and save money on the camera body, if you do not plan to take over 2.5 frames per sec., fast action flash photography or planning to abuse your camera body.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: OK - it's not THAT bad
Review: Now that I traded my N80 in for a terrific lens, I feel like I should modify my previous review a bit. I must have been in a bad mood when I wrote this:

I've been using manual Nikons for several years and bought an N80 because I figured I must be missing something by not having autofocus and auto-everything. I shoot nature photography, a lot of closeup stuff, and I have a wide range of lenses, but only one AF Nikon. I like to bracket my exposures. One thing I wanted from the N80 was a metered flash. Well, I wish I had done more research before parting with [price]. The controls on the camera are extremely tiny and difficult to maneuver. To bracket photos, you have to adjust several knobs and dials. Bracketing is much simpler on my manuals. The advantage to having AF is minimal (focusing manually really isn't that difficult). Worse, the built-in flash doesn't work at less than 2 feet. I shoot a LOT at less than 2 feet. Also, I can't use my extension tubes, which I love. Also, my AF 400 mm Tokina lens doesn't work right with the camera. So to get more use out of the N80 I have to buy more AF lenses and another flash ([price] with extension cord). Sheesh! I'm going to sell the N80 at a loss and stick to my FE and FE2.

ADDENDUM --
One thing I should make clear is that when you have the N80 set on manual, bracketing is VERY easy - a pleasure, in fact. Also, the sophisticated metering makes bracketing less of a necessity. What I found difficult and complicated was "automatic" bracketing (you can set the camera to fire off two or three shots in a row, changing the exposure each time). By the time I made all the adjustments needed to set the camera up, I could have easily done the same thing manually. (A big part of the problem, as I said above, is that the controls and switches are very tiny and difficult to use.)

So, IF you do not already have a collection of manual lenses, the N80 is not a bad camera. But the fact that I could not use it for macro work made it pointless for me to own.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: had it for months, and can't complain!
Review: Originally, when I decided I wanted an SLR, I thought that I would be happy with the Nikon N65. However, after surfing numerous websites and talking to the salespeople, they convinced me that I would be happier with the N80.

I thought they were wrong. I thought they said it solely to sell the camera. But I was wrong.

I've had this camera since August 2002, and haven't had a problem yet. It's heavier than the N65 or the rival Canons (or at least the ones I was shown). Many people think that's a downfall, but for me, it was a plus. It fits well in my hands. The images that come from it are gorgeous. The controls are intuitive (at least to me).

All in all, I'm glad I spent the extra cash and went with the N80. As my love of photography grows, I know that my camera will grow with me.

Plus, it's all black and looks way cooler than the N65! ;)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the best cameras ever made
Review: That "Converted Canon Guy" doesn't know much if he only gives this camera three stars. It has nearly all of the features of the Nikon F100, one of the highest rated professional cameras ever made. It is an amateur camera with professional features, without the high cost and weight. The only thing I would change is the top flash synchronization speed of 1/125 sec. It would be better if it were 1/250.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Camera
Review: That "Converted Canon Guy" don't know much to give this camera 3 stars (did someone already say that?). Bought this camera a few months ago and have not looked back. For the beginner or professional, this "baby" F100 will serve you well. Has a good auto focus system, matrix metering (10 sensors), spot metering, built-in flash and weighs almost nothing. Make sure you get a good lens; the Nikon 50/1.8 is a great starter. You could also try something like a Nikkor 28-105 mm or 24-120 mm lens and you're all set for many a great photo (at least, you can't blame the camera).

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Camera
Review: This is a great camera for the amateur, the serious amateur; or even a great pro-camera backup. This camera shares many of the technical innovations used in the F-5 and the F-100 for about the third of the price of a F-100. This is not a pro-camera and not built like one (not a metal body), if you hate plastic you will not like this camera. Having said that, the weight you save is a dream when your carrying it all day. The control placement is perfect for me and I like the feel in my hand. There is plenty of room for you to grow as you become more familiar and confident. When you want you can use this camera in manual mode, auto mode and a few in between. The auto-focus is fast and does well in low light settings. In auto mode the exposure seems to be perfect and unless I'm playing the camera does a much better job then I could do. The picture clarity and definition to me is perfect. I would also recommend that you invest in a good quality lens and not a cheap lens (Nikon makes some cheap ones also). I have owned this camera for a few months and shot approximately 30 rolls of film without a hitch. This is my second Nikon purchase and I would recommend this camera to anyone.


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