Nikon Coolpix 5200 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Nikon Coolpix 5200 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Introducing the first digital camera to remove redeye in the camera--the Nikon Coolpix 5200. This metal-bodied compact digital camera features a thinner body and more stylized feature than its predecessors (the Coolpix 2200 and 3200). It offers a resolution of 5 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and image storage in the 12 MB built-in memory or Secure Digital memory cards.

Optics and Resolution
The 5.0-megapixel CCD lets you capture spectacular images at resolutions up to 2,592 x 1,944 (a 15 MB file) and print enlargements at sizes up to 16 x 20 inches. It also features 2,048 x 1,536 (3 MP), 1,600 x 1,200 (2 MP), 1,280 x 9,600 (1 MP), 1,024 x 768 (PC), and 640 x 480 (TV) resolution modes. The retractable 3x Nikkor zoom lens has a focal range of 7.8 to 23.4mm (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format), and features aspherical elements and an ED glass element. The Coolpix 5200 also has a 4x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at three different settings: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 pixels. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand (either in internal memory or on external memory cards).

Enjoy in-camera red-eye reduction

More Features
Nikon's exclusive in-camera redeye fix function analyzes image data and corrects typical instances of redeye in less than 3 seconds. It's activated when the camera is set to redeye-reduction flash mode, where the typical preflash first minimizes the redeye effect. The camera then analyzes the picture using powerful image processing and analysis technology, which is completely automatic and transparent.

The 5200 features a 3x optical and a 4x digital zoom

You have a choice of automatic, preset, and seven manual white balance modes. Additionally, the Coolpix 5200 divides the shooting area into segments to determine the most appropriate setting for the faithful capture of colors. There's also a white-balance bracketing function, which takes a series of three shots at different white-balance settings with just a single press of the shutter release.

Other features include:

• 1.5-inch, 110,000-pixel LCD and real-image zoom viewfinder
• Built-in flash with redeye reduction, auto, anytime flash, flash cancel, and slow sync modes
• 15 scene modes, including four with Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Sports); others include Sunset, Close Up, Museum, Beach/Snow, Fireworks Show, Back Light, Party, Copy, Dusk/Dawn, and Night Landscape
• Best Shot Selector (BSS) takes a series of shots, then automatically picks and records the clearest one
• Macro shooting capability as close as 1.6 inches

Printing

Get as close as 1.6 inches in macro mode

The Coolpix 5200 is PictBridge-compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your printer without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages in case something goes wrong.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored in either the internal 12 MB flash RAM memory (with a capacity of approximately 10 high-resolution images) or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either Macs or PCs via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based PC running Windows Me/2000/XP or Mac running OS 8.6 or later without your having to install any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL5), which has an approximate battery life of 150 frames. It measures 3.5 by 2.3 by 1.4 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without the battery or memory card.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Nikon Coolpix 5200 digital camera, a hand strap, USB and A/V cables, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery (EN-EL5), a battery charger (MH-61), a quick-start guide, and an instruction manual. The CD-ROM features PictureProject photo management software, VideoImpression to edit QuickTime video files, and Panorama Maker to stitch together a number of images captured using the Panorama Assist Scene Mode.
Customer Review: Go with Nikon!
I just received my Nikon Coolpix 5200 a couple of days ago and I'm already in love! This is my second digital camera and already I know that we will have many memories together! I like that this camera is small and compact but still has the ability to take amazing pictures. I love the variety of different modes - such as party mode, sunset, and even firework mode. This makes it versatile and easy to use. Out of all the cameras that I looked at while shopping around, I chose this one because of the built-in red eye reduction. I feared that this camera would be a piece of junk because of the low price but I was wrong. Buy this camera, you won't be let down!!
Customer Review: Nikon is best
Compare 5 MP sony, kodak, cannon camera, you will see diffrance in Nikon is quality , clear and best color on a objects. Not only on computer or LCD screen it looks good, specially take a print out, you will find print out came out from Nikon is a best. Check prices

Nikon Coolpix P4 8MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom

Nikon Coolpix P4 8MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom

For those looking for a feature-packed high-resolution digital camera comes the Coolpix P4! The 8.1 megapixels and 3.5x optical zoom allow you to get in close and catch every small detail while the vibration reduction feature keeps your shots crisp and blur-free. Use the bright 2.5" LCD to preview and fix red-eye right in the camera. Then transfer them to your computer or print them without your computer with PictBridge! With these features and more, the Coolpix P4 is sure to satisfy anyone looking for impressive digital photographs in a small package! Shooting modes - Auto, Programmed Auto, Aperture Priority Auto Mode, 9 Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait [Face AF], Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Night landscape, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks show, Close up), 7 Scene Modes (Party/Indoor, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Back light, Museum, Copy, Sports), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Date imprint, Self-timer (3, 10 sec.) Attach up to a 20 second voice memo to your photo 23MB internal memory; SD Memory Card Slot Transfer images via included USB cable or an optional card reader (sold separately) An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high resolution abilities. PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) - 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches / Unit Weight - 5.9 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)
Customer Review: Solid compact digital camera - bypass P3 and get P4
A good solid digital camera that accomplishes what it sets out to do which is to take EXCELLENT photos. Forget the features in these types of cameras (I prefer to use my dSLR whenever possible, but lets face it, its rarely practical to take a 5 pound camera with your everywhere). I tend to be a Nikon-brand snob (except for the excellent Canon s50/60/70/80 series) because the lenses are superior and the shots terrific. This is a camera designed to pop into your pants pocket or your backpack or purse, and go...The results are excellent. THe software included average. Bypass the 100.00 pricier P3 (which is the exact same camera with totally useless WiFi built in driving up the price) and go for the P4. The Vibration Reduction works! Took many photos from a moving boat the other day and everything was sharp and clear. Great color saturation. Good wide to zoom range coverage. A bit chunky in your hand, which feels great -- you don't feel like you are holding a deck of cards and shooting from a box...Highly recommended.
Customer Review: The best of everything in a compact package
I bought this camera earlier this summer (2006) to take on a trip to Sweden because I wanted lots of versatility but without the bulk of my 3-year-old Sony digital. There are tinier cameras out there, but after some research I didn't find any with all the functions and range of capabilities of the CoolPix P4 (and the Nikon name, I admit, was also a selling point). The vibration reduction proved itself extremely useful: I took lots of photos from a moving bicycle on a dirt road (using one hand!) and they came out beautifully. I was also doing genealogical research while on this trip, and found that by using the "museum" scene function together with the macro dial setting I could take crystal clear color photos of 150-year-old archival documents using available light; this worked even better than the b/w of the "copy" setting an earlier reviewer mentions. Outdoor photos in a range of light from dawn to dusk, especially if I made use of the scene functions, came out with true-to-life, rich color; indoors I could often go without flash in surprisingly low light, but if needed, the flash in automatic setting seemed well-balanced, not washed out. I've been very happy with the quality of photography and with the ease of use: It works fine as a point-and-shoot you can hand to a kind stranger to take your photo, but also has the bells and whistles to please a much more sophisticated shutterbug. If you want a compact camera that can give you SLR-worthy results, I highly recommend this one. Check prices

Nikon Coolpix S5 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Nikon Coolpix S5 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Style meets performance with the Nikon Coolpix S5 Digital Camera. The sleek, stylish and compact design fits easily into your purse or pocket and still produces stunning pictures. 6 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens combine to create stunning photographs. Create picture perfect portraits with the One-Touch Portrait Button to activate the Face Priority AF feature to automatically find and focus in on a subject's face while the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically removes most occurances of red-eye. Use Pictmotion to create an in-camera slideshow with your own music! Finally, use the included COOL-STATION dock to sync your camera to your PC or Mac. With these features and more, the Nikon Coolpix S5 packs tons of features into a stylish package that anyone can enjoy! Rotary Multi Selector makes feature selection fast and easy Voice memos In Camera Red-Eye Fix Face Priority AF automatically finds and focuses in on the subjects face for stunning portraits 23MB Internal Memory; SD Memory Card Slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high resolution abilities. PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer USB and A/V interface (A/V with COOL-STATION) Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) - 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches / Unit Weight - 4.8 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)
Customer Review: better than ever
I've had the S5 about two weeks now and payed about $150 less than the S1 I bought a year and a half ago...that one went swimming with me by accident. So far, I've notice a few substantial improvemements. 1) faster time from button pushing to picture. So much so that I've been waiting for it to take the picture long after it already has and I'd missed it. 2) Considerable improvement in the movie mode (15fps before to 30fps now) and the playback no longer requires a microscope. 3) the definition has improved even more so than the 5.1mp to 6.0 megapixel bump would suggest. Lastly, the controls are far better positioned and thought out for ease of use.
OVERALL: When the D200 is too big, this S5 is pretty durn close to perfect
Customer Review: S5 Rates High
I just bought a Nikon S5 and it hasn't been out of my pocket since it arrived in the mail. This is my 3rd Nikon but first digital camera. I am struggling with the limitations of digital over film but I think this camera is great. It produces beautiful images and I find it easy to manipulate. The camera is small and the photographer has to be careful not to get fingers in the photo as it has limited space to keep hold of it while taking the picture. A person with big hands might not be comfortable with this camera. The LCD is huge which is fantastic, but the biggest drawback is that the LCD is difficult to see in bright sunlight. All of the features are easily accessible, and the menu is reasonably intuitive. Like most digital cameras there is a maddening delay between pressing the button to take the picture and the camera actually capturing the subject. After the 2-3 flashes for red eye reduction, many of the people in my photos have moved onto a different expression or react to the intensity of the flash. The body design and the metal case make it tough, I have smacked it around kayaking and rock climbing and it is holding up under the abuse. I gave it 4 stars because it's not perfect but it's a nice little camera. Check prices

Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lens

Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lens

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Lens / D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use Nikon's digital SLR camera series 2 Inch Color LCD screen Self-Timer - Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration Storage (Number of frames per 256MB SD Memory Card, image size L) - RAW approx. 33, FINE approx. 70NORMAL approx. 137BASIC approx. 258, RAW & BASIC approx. 29 **We suggest getting a 512MB memory card or larger for more flexible use.** Video Output - Can be selected from NTSC and PAL Interface - USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Shutter - Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter,30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb Flash Control - 1) TTL - TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensorBuilt-in Speedlight - i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) SB-800 or 600 - i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)2) Auto aperture - Available with SB-800 with CPU lens3) Non-TTL Auto - Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800 Unit Dimension (WxHxD) - Approx. 5.2 x 4.0 x 3.0 inches / Weight - About 1 pound without battery or lens Tripod socket
Customer Review: Advantages of its own and a great price.
The Nikon D50 is the company's entry-level digital SLR, with a lot to like, including simplified operation, improved high ISO performance, and lots of features for one of the lowest prices of any camera in this class. (With any luck, prices will drop further with the introduction of the $999 D80 and the prices of the D70s dropping too. You can already buy a D50 for $550, which is scarcely more than many less sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras.

The 6.1 megapixel resolution of this camera is more than sufficient for most photography, especially if you make prints no larger than 8 x 10 inches or compose tightly to eliminate the need for cropping. If you can get by without owning the latest and greatest camera, the D50 will serve you well at a bargain price.
Customer Review: Nikon d50: everything I had hoped for in a digital slr.
In addition to the advantages of digital (the camera can hold 300 high quality photos) and the use of all lenses made for the Nikon slr is the very good quality of the pictures and the ease of handling in the non-auto mode. You couldn't ask for more. Check prices

Nikon Coolpix S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Wi-Fi Capable)

Nikon Coolpix S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Wi-Fi Capable)

Style meets wireless performance with the Nikon Coolpix S6 Digital Camera. The sleek, stylish and compact design fits easily into your purse or pocket and still produces stunning pictures. 6 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens combine to create stunning photographs. Create picture-perfect portraits with the One-Touch Portrait Button to activate the Face Priority AF feature to automatically find and focus in on a subject's face while the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically removes most occurances of red-eye. Use Pictmotion to create an in-camera slideshow with your own music! Finally, use the included COOL-STATION dock to sync your camera to your PC or Mac, or wirelessly transfer images to your wireless enabled PC or Mac! If you want to avoid using a computer, you can even wirelessly print your images without ever turning on your computer! With these features and more, the Nikon Coolpix S6 packs tons of features into a stylish package that anyone can enjoy! Wirelessly transfer or print your images as they are shot via 802.11b/g speeds up to 20m away (Wireless printing requires PD-10 Wireless Printer Adapter) Rotary Multi Selector makes feature selection fast and easy Voice memos In Camera Red-Eye Fix Face Priority AF 23MB Internal Memory; SD Memory Card Slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high resolution abilities. PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer USB and A/V interface (A/V with COOL-STATION) Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) - 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches / Unit Weight - 4.8 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)
Customer Review: Great!!!
This is an excellent digital camera!!! The picture quality; features; design. 5 stars well earned
Customer Review: Excellent Camera
I bought this camera around the beginning of July and have used it several times already. I've upgrade from a Nikon Coolpix 3200 to this one due to smaller, sleaker size and more megapixels. This camera takes excellent pictures, in broad daylight as well as in the dark. Red eye reduction is wonderful, however the flash does go off about 4 or 5 times. It's not broken... it's supposed to do that for everybody who thinks their camera has a glitch. Overall, I think this was definitely a good buy and am looking forward to taking the camera on vacation! Check prices

Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Nikon Coolpix L1 6.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Beyond the numbers and behind the specifications, there are some key elements in choosing a digital-camera: Ease of use, Ease of carrying, Attention to detail, Creative potential. Nikon Coolpix L1 has a 5x Zoom Lens that extends from 38mm to 190mm (35mm equiv) focal length for diverse photo applications. A bright 2.5" LCD screen lets you preview and play images without squinting. With automatic, manual, and a menu of different shooting modes, the L1 offers simplicity without compromising your creative potentials. Then, of course, there's Nikon's reknowned reputation. There are lots of numbers but, overall, the L1 takes the lead in this class. 2.5-inch 115,000-dot TFT LCD Monitor with brightness adjustment Media - SD Memory card compatible (not supplied), 10MB of internal memory / For practical use we advise getting an Optional 256MB or 512MB memory card as an initial SD Storage accessory Shooting Modes -- Still - Auto, Scene Assist (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait), Scene (Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back light, Panorama assist), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Color Options, Blur Warning, Date Imprint, Self-timer (10 sec.) / Movies - With sound - TV movie (640) at 15fps, Small size (320) at 30fps, Smaller size (160) at 30fps Built-in Speedlight (Flash) - Range - 1 ft. 8 in. - 11ft. 6 in./0.5-3.5m (W), 1 ft. 8 in. - 6 ft. 7 in./0.5-2m (T); Flash modes - Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Off, Fill flash and Slow sync USB and Audio Video Output (NTSC/PAL) connectors Capture Modes - 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 0.7fps), 3) Multi-shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size) Battery Life (approx) - Approx. 100 shots with alkaline, 400 shots with lithium AA Dimension (W x H x D) - Approx. 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.9 inch
Customer Review: Great Camera
I really like the size of the screen and quality of the pictures. It is really easy to use and the pictures turn out great. The only drawback is that there is almost no chance to take a picture without the flash except in sunlight. Without the flash you get a shakey picture. But overall the camera is exactly what I was looking for.
Customer Review: Do not buy this camera if you have any interest in using the video function.
Nikon typically makes a great product and I love my D70 SLR but in this case they have really let me down. I shopped around and bought into the 6.2 megapixels and 5x zoom Nikkor lens. The still photos are not my main problem (although the monitor can get crowded and saving each shot takes longer than I would have liked). Here is my main problem: the video function of the camera. First, while capturing video there is no way to adjust the zoom. Second, and most importantly the audio that is captured along with the video includes noises from within the camera. This is caused due to the sensitive mic being so close to the lens which is constantly refocusing. The noise that is picked up renders the audio element of the video captures, useless. There is a way to improve the audio quality: by setting the camera up to only focus in the beginning of the shot, which eliminates some of the sound problems picked up but a) does not totally avoid them and b) it has to keep that one focus for the entire shot - potentially a problem depending on what you are shooting. I have to say the images themselves are fine but I wanted a point and shoot with video capabilities (both video & audio) and this camera fails to deliver that. There are many cameras I have seen and used since that do not have this audio problem in the playback of the videos so please look into this before purchasing if this is an important function for you. By the way I exchanged this camera three times so it was not a "bad" one from the bunch, even Nikon explained to me that nothing can be done to avoid this. Their response was that it was not the main, intended function of that camera, so basically, deal with it - may be so but it is there and it needs to be corrected - and I would not make a purchase of this sort from Circuit City or any other chain like them due to the customer service you will not receive. Check prices

Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)

Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)

Requires Nikon or compatible Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) lens / SD Memory Card Slot / USB 2.0 Up to 2,700 images per battery charge - High-Efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and Real-Time Fuel Gauge with Nikon's EN-EL3e Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot Metering. Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II instantly and accurately evaluates brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information, referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Vary the size of the center-weighted area reading and spot metering readings correspond to 11 focusing points 11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functions 2.5 LCD screen ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) - 100 to 1600 In-Camera Image Editing with Retouching Menu Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless Commander option Shooting Modes - 1) Single frame shooting mode; 2) Continuous shooting mode - approx. 3 frames per second; 3) Self-timer; 4) Delayed remote mode; 5) Quick-response remote mode Images are stored on SD figital memory cards Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inch; Weight - Approximately 1 lb. 5 oz.
Customer Review: Nikon hits this one out of the park
Since this camera just hit the streets less than 2 weeks ago, I obviously haven't had this for a super long time, but I moved to the D80 as an upgrade from the terrific D50, and the D80 takes care of every single minor nitpick I had with the D50, and then takes it even beyond that. Moreover, since I moved from the D50 and not a D70-series, I was thrilled that the D80 uses Secure Digital (SD) flash cards, which I used for not only my D50, but for my Casio EX-Z750 point and shoot as well.

As with the D50, the D80 just feels terrific in my hand. I was concerned initially because the ergonomics of the grip have been ever so slightly modified (more like that of the D70s than the D50), and I really liked the feel of the D50. However, once I got the D80 and actually started using it and shooting with it, the concern evaporated quickly. The D80 is a complete success ergonomically... it feels solid and substantial without being excessively heavy. Nikon has really always excelled in this niche, which isn't something that shows up in most reviews or on any test charts. Moreover, the controls are very logically placed, easy to identify and use in real-world photography, and the menus are intuitive and highly functional.

This camera is FAST. It's senseless to really even try to quantify it because the numbers (less than 0.1 second to start up) just don't convey how instantaneous shooting with this camera is. There's no discernible shutter lag, and shot-to-shot time is as fast as you need it to be. The D80 can fire up to 3 frames per second, up to 100 JPGs deep. Amazing for a sub-$1,000 camera.

The things missing from the D50 that the D80 addresses? Backlit LCD, superimposable gridlines in the finder, depth of field preview, one-button bracketing, bright and large viewfinder, one-touch zooming on picture playback, ISO equivalency down to 100, and a snap-on clear plastic cover for the monitor.

As a bonus, some of the in-camera retouching options are fantastic. You can take a color shot, then convert it to B&W with a red filter (still preserving your original image). You can utilize red-eye reduction (in the uncommon instances when it occurs at all), and Nikon's D-lighting is the digital equivalent of dodging and burning, and I love it. There is even a color balance shift function which is fun to play with.

The autofocusing on the camera is staggeringly fast when coupled with the right lens. (I recommend the Nikon 18-70mm DX lens; I'm not a fan of the kit lenses offered with the D80. They're very good optically, but the build quality is lacking for my personal tastes.) Like other Nikon dSLRs, the D80 has an independent AF-assist light (some other cameras rely on the flash unit for this). For AF lenses utilizing the screw-driven focusing mechanism, there is a noticeable increase in focusing speed over the D50. You can also employ an 11-segment dynamic AF grid and select which segment will be used for the point of focus.

A word about the pop-up flash: It's brilliant. Rarely does a camera with a built-in flash get it right so often with such consistency. I took numerous flash photos in sometimes varying and difficult lighting situations, and the D80 nailed it every single time.

The LCD is the best I've seen to date on any camera. Plenty of cameras have 2.5" monitors now, but this one has 230,000 pixels and is gorgeously sharp and detailed. You can view it from any angle in a 170-degree arc. Similarly, the viewfinder is a major improvement over both the D50 and the D70 series. Rather than utilizing a cheaper pentamirror like some of the competition, Nikon elects to use a genuine pentaprism which allows the finder to be nice and bright. Additionally, the diopter control knob with detents for each setting is a welcome change from the slider on the D50.

Image quality is superb, as one would expect from a 10.2 MP dSLR. I like sharp, vivid pictures, and the D80 delivers. Different processing algorithms can be selected in the menu to yield different degrees of sharpness and saturation. I haven't had any of my photos from the D80 printed out yet; only viewed them on a 19" monitor, but they look terrific. The D80 can also shoot NEF (RAW) files simultaneously with JPGs in one of three compression modes. Very nice.

Battery life is exceptional. It's fantastic on the D50, even better on the D80. A six-segment display on the top LCD panel shows you how much life remains, or you can go to the menu and see how many shots have been fired since the battery was recharged, an exact percentage (to 1%) of life remaining, and the battery's "charge life" remaining (since any rechargeable battery has a finite number of charge cycles in it).

I bought the 2-lens package from Cameta Camera (available through Amazon, though you can call the camera store directly and get the same package for $40 less than Amazon charges). For my needs, the Tamron 28-80mm lens is, quite frankly, virtually worthless, so it immediately went on eBay, and I bought a new Nikon 18-70mm DX lens in its place (a vastly superior lens). However, the Tamron 70-300mm Di LD Macro lens that's included is a surprisingly good piece of glass. I've shot nature and architectural-type photos with the D80 and the Tamron 70-300mm and was very pleasantly surprised at the results. The lens seems to be quite clear and sharp, it focuses quickly with no "hunting," and the 1:2 macro ratio is terrific. The short end of the zoom range on the 70-300mm is excellent for portrait work; this is enhanced by the foreshortening effect of the long lens. Coupled with the excellent Nikon 18-70mm lens, I have essentially the entire range of useful focal lengths covered (although those 12-24mm super wides do make me drool a bit!). Like many Nikon users, I'd love to have the 18-200mm VR lens, but I'm unwilling to pay a $200-300 premium over its list price simply because it's hard to find anywhere in stock nearly a year after its release. I'll wait.

As for the D80, though, if you have any interest in owning a serious dSLR, buy this camera and don't even think twice about it. For 2006 and likely for 2007, it's the right choice. The D80 is highly recommended as the perfect camera for the advanced amateur or enthusiast photographer. It bridges the gap between the D50 and the D200 perfectly. Pair this camera up with a high-quality lens, and a good photographer will have a tool with which stunning images can be made.
Customer Review: An Exceptional Camera and a Good Value
The D80 packs 90% of the punch of a much more expensive, professional-grade SLR-type digital camera, at a fraction of the cost. I've had mine for two weeks now. The camera works like a charm. I love it. Check prices