Nikon D80 fits well between the entry-level D50 and the semi-professional / professional D200, clearly based on the D70 design but also unusual enough to be seen as a completely new model. It has a ten mega pixel DX format CCD the metering sensor from the D50 and numerous other items taken or modified from the D200.

Some of the key features present in D80 Nikon model are 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD Image processing engine which is similar to the D200. The camera also has the feature of 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor which is similar to the D50. Next up is the 11-area AF system which again is similar to D200).  The camera also provides the user with a Custom Auto ISO resulting in selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed. Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction makes the model superior is a way.

Other features in the digital camera include Mechanical only shutter, Quoted 80 ms shutter lag, Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder, Support for SD-HC, Multiple-exposures, Compact body, Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery ,Improved menu user interface, Wireless flash integration. The In-camera feature provides facilities like D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement), Red-eye reduction, Trimming, Monochrome, Filter effects, Small picture an Image overlay.

The drawbacks of the camera can scarcely be found. It would be right to mention that the biggest drawback one isn't the camera but its software.

The casing is similar to that of the D50. It is a bit bigger and heavier but the similarity to the D50 is instantly recognizable. The Nikon D80 has some extra buttons but the casing is practically identical. On the opposite, the Nikon D80 seems to be the product of the results achieved by the Nikon D50 and D70s and has adopted several of the features of the Nikon D200; a new generation has been born.

The Nikon D80 has a perfect mixture of high resolution and top quality reflex techniques. The Nikon D80's all-around character and techniques say a lot about the speed with which Nikon can assimilate high quality techniques from the professional range into the amateur series of cameras. The DSLR market ebb and flow continuously and by breaking into the high resolution DSLR segment, Nikon has made it attractive for consumers to step into it.

Samantha , Technology Journalist , Bangalore ( India )