Nikon - D80 Digital Camera Review

I absolutely love the Nikon D80!  When I bought this camera back in fall 2007,  I really wanted a more expensive camera, such as the D200 (or, now, D300) but couldn't justify the cost since I hadn't been taking shots (at this level) for years.  My old film SLR was a dusty bookend up on the shelf.  I didn't want too much camera with complicated esoteric menus and features that I would never use, but I DID want something that could take professional looking shots that I could use in my artistic/promotional work.  After spending way too much time reading every review, I decided that the D80 (then, in 2007, around $900 without lens) would "have to do." It did more than just do.  It became a tool that catapulted me into semi-pro work with little learning curve.

Ease:  As someone who hadn't picked up an SLR in a few years and who is allergic to instruction manuals, this camera was simple to jump in and figure out.  Sure, there are features that I haven't used because it requires an entire afternoon of reading the manual and playing with menu buttons... but, overall, the D80 is intuitive.  Turn it on, play around and get great shots.

Photo quality: crisp, high res and very sharp color.  I have used shots in publication, at events and as artistic prints.  Looks like I am using a much more expensive camera.

FYI/Disclaimer: a lot has to do with which lens(es) you purchase. I went with a good quality zoom 18-200mm so that I could shoot in a variety of situations without having to haul around and change lenses. I am now ready for more and will buy separately. Nikon has such a large selection of compatible lenses in a wide range of prices - this camera can be improved upon bit by bit as you can afford new toys.

Cons: This camera (or, rather, the lens I now have) does NOT like low light.  Even with the different auto settings provided, shots can be fuzzy, too dark and grainy, even on the night setting.  Very often, the camera won't even shoot... and the auto flash won't pop up if its too dark or object is too far away in low light. This is the only area I can't intuitively figure out and need to crack the book... and purchase a different lens.  I did purchase a separate high quality flash but that's another review...