OK, here you go. It feels much like D50 (size) and at the same time
as a baby D200. Build quality is great. I found it comfortable to
hold, well may be a bit short, or should I say - asking for a
vertical grip? LCD is the same as D200, large and bright. Controls
are well put except maybe the delete button, but again, after 2
days with D80 I had to get re-accustomed with my D70 control
layout, so probably its a matter of geting used to. AF is fast, my
Sigma 150 mm macro, that hunted on D70, focused much more
accuratly. All the other lenses (several Nikkors) focused with no
problems, quickly and firmly.
What struck me is the image quaity. It's as close to D200 as it
gets. Metering and AWB is 100% spot on (it was especially noticable
in comparison to D70 shots). On my D70 I usually shoot with +3 or
+7 exposure correction and almost never use AWB. D80 lets you leave
those control alone. Noise is low. And I mean, REALY low. It's
actually better then D50. I liked the function that allowed to
limit the highest ISO in Auto ISO. It would be very useful on D70,
but on D80 you're pretty fine with ISO 1600, so this limiter makes
sense only if you want your images absolutely silky-smooth. OK what
else. AF-S/AF-C switch button is something I was dreaming about.
Closest subject AF works fine, handy for action shots. Oh and one
more thing - D-lightning really works! That was a pleasant surprise
for me.
Downsides? Hmmm... Really can't think of any. 5 mins after I picked
this baby up, I knew I'd get it as soon as it hits stores. Mind
you, I'm in no way afflicted with Nikon
as it may seem from this
over-positive review. Btw, there's another new digital SLR right
now on my hand. Another brand, let's say THE closest D80
competitor. And Nikon feels head and shoulders above in terms of
image quality and build quality.
Hope it helps!
--
Alexander '2poisonS' Sidorovsky
