Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

So I purchased this camera used, in "good" condition. So, although it seems like that could have been upped to a "like New" condition, I will not let that phase the review. For starters, What I like about the Camera This D-SLR fits very comfortably in the hand. The grip is well molded to fit my average sized hand and makes it very easy to use it for prolonged amounts of time. The buttons are very well placed on the camera, I am able to reach almost all of the ones on the right side with my right hand. This, again, makes it very easy to use for prolonged amounts of time since I do not have to outreach my fingers. Another feature I like about the camera is the interface. The menus are easy to navigate and for anyone who is a novice, there is a setting in the menu that makes it more simplified for you. Scrolling through photos taken is a breeze, I can quickly swap between multiple photos with the wheel, or thumb pad. The camera also has a feature where when viewing photos, by turning the front wheel, it will show you the different Hue densities, Image file info, Highlighted areas, and tools for making small in camera edits such as brightness and contrast. The Lens that came with mine is the 18-135mm lens, so the following information is based upon that. The included lens has an auto focus that VERY quickly snaps to make a very clear image quickly. The auto focus most of the time will focus better than manual. Next, Specific features about the camera The camera can be set to a very wide range of shutter speeds, 30 seconds to 1/4000 of a second to be exact. Inside the menu, you can select a feature that will you to take a double exposure photo, This is not very clearly mentioned, and is definitely a big plus. The camera can be set to take very low resolution images in JPEG format, and also very high res RAW files. a very nice counterpart of this is it will allow you to store a photo as two types as once, for example: the same photo in both RAW and JPEG As stated in the above paragraph, the camera has some simple editing software inside, allowing for simple contrast and brightness adjustments. Next, things I don't like about the camera There aren't many things to not like, If I had to dislike anything it would be the include lens. The lens is HIGHLY sensitive to dust collection. I notice that an extreme amount of dust has collected on the internal lens. (I know the difference between little dust and a lot of dust) The dust is not my fault either, the camera is stored inside a case and the only time it could collect dust is during use. Otherwise, the camera is great!

A great camera with logical user features to make it easy just to get it, use quick start up, and get after it! Then, take the time to read the well organized manual and it gets even better. This camera is loaded with features, and is now well beyond the D40, has many features that appear to be improved from the D70. This one also is well beyond the Canon series at a similar price point, based on camparisons I've done with a 'Canon friend.' The Nikon D80 feels well balanced and solid. The package lens quality is better than average, but is the one thing that someone may wish to 'upgrade' at some point - more just to add focal length. However, given the package price, its a great deal and makes getting great shots in most scenrios easy right out of the box. Downloading is simple and fast, and with the SD card you have the option to save to standard formats (JPEG) or with a larger SD card you can save 'raw' and/or JPEG which gives maximum editing capability. Don't forget, you will need to buy an SD card (I'd recommend no less than 1 GB). And, although battery life has been great so far, if you plan on a full weekend of nature or action shooting, you may wish to order a backup for the very specific battery required.

Having worked my way through an entry level digital camera and a pretty good ZLR, I was ready for more megapixels, more features and more lenses. After much research, I bought the Nikon D80 with the 18 t0 135mm zoom Nikkor lens, in part because I have had Nikons before and had older, manual focus lenses that I could use. It does take wonderful pictures, and the features are amazing, giving you great control with some study and experimentation. But as for the lens that it came with it, big trouble. I bought the camera in August, and it's first break down was in November (yes, first). Nikon repaired it under warranty, but they do not pay the inbound postage, which given age of this lens, only a couple of months old, I felt they should have. Got it back, and I was happy enough, until 200 or 300 photos later, in early February, the lens broke again, same problem. This time Nikon sent me a prepaid mailer, and they have now had my lens in the shop for several weeks. So in the 5 month life of this lens, it has been back at Nikon for repairs for 5 weeks! And they refuse to just give me a new lens, it is so obviously a lemon, so now I basically have a factory reconditioned lens that I paid full price for! I bought this as a starter lens, but I didn't expect it to actually NOT WORK!!! I am so ready to buy other lenses for this camera, but can't quite bring myself to pay for another Nikon. A photographer friend of mine who works for a local paper said, in looking at the lens, that they make cheap versions and slap the Nikon name on them, to offer attractive pricing on their pacakged sets. Well, this certainly isn't the quality I expect from Nikon, nor the treatment after the purchase ... overall, the experience has been a very disappointing one, and i am back to shooting with my ZLR. Hope you have better luck if you decide to take the plunge with this one...