nikon n80 review

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Average Ratings

Photograph Quality	9/10
Features	9.5/10
Ease of Use	8/10
Value for Money	8.7/10
Overall rating	8.3/10

83% Recommended5 out of 6 Reviews

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  • Humanhoover.'s review
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By Humanhoover. on 15th Oct 2002

Humanhoover.'s Ratings

Features	10/10
Value for money	10/10
Overall value	10/10
Humanhoover.'s recommendation

Good Points

5 Multi-point focus,
Range of metering options (matric, CW & spot),
In-built flash,
Depth of field preview,
LCD screen illuminator,
Good build, handles comfortably,
Gateway to using Nikon system of lenses & accessories,
Metal lens mount,
Easy to use, gives great shots,
On demand grid lines.

Bad Points

Doesn't meter with Nikon's older lenses.

General Comments

Nikon has a winner with this little beauty, the N80. It is packed to the brim with features galore. You can use a variety of metering options (3D matrix, centre weighted, & spot), so it has got enough ground for the beginner to expand to intermediate level. You can vary the focal point with a selector at the film back door, and lock it so you don't change the setting accidentally. Many photographers love the depth of field preview with allows you to see how much is in focus in front of and behind your subject. I found the LCD screen illuminator VERY handy for night photography, where one press of a button, you can check your settings. As expected, it has exposure compensation, exposure bracketing, and even flash compensation. The in-built flash comes in very handy without you having to carry around a separate flash unit. The build quality is good for a camera of this price. It isn't flimsy, although it doesn't have the full range of sealing that the Nikon higher priced professional models have (like the F5 or F100), however, this being an advanced amateur / intermediate level camera, the build quality is more than sufficient. It has 2.5 frames per second advance rate, which is sufficient for most users. Not terribly fst, but not snail pace either. Nikon has a vast range of lenses and accessories, and the F80 is well placed for the owner to enter into the Nikon system. Apart from professional camera bodies, there are many SLRs which now have polycarbonate lens mount, but not on this baby! Still has the metal lens mount, which allows it to undergo frequent lens changes without the owner having to worry about wear and tear. One of the most useful features is the on-demand grid lines. Set using the custom dial, this lays a grid over the viewfinder, greatly assisting in composition, especially for architectural shots. There are 18 custom functions which can be set.

This camera is feature packed, and is a testament to Nikon's strength as an SLR builder. The ergonomics are equally impressive, the grip feels great in the hand. In summary, this is an excellent camera, with plenty to keep the keen photographer amused. Having some features passed down from its higher end relatives like the F5 and F100 means that the F80 will not disappoint the owner. As for reliability, well, my F80 has done about 100 rolls of film and is still going strong. Definitely recommended!!!!!!!!

Total Respect: +13