Nikon D80 Digital Camera User Manual


 
11-area AF system
The D80 inherits Nikonʼs
advanced Multi-CAM 1000
AF Sensor Module that
recently debuted in the
D200. Renements to this
new 11-area AF system
ensure consistently fast
and precise focus lock
under varying shooting
conditions, all while the addition of effective new focusing options
instills photographers with greater condence to get the desired shot.
For example, while the system is able to use each of its 11 focus areas
individually, the center sensor can also be switched to wide-frame
operation for broader coverage. Refinements to the programming
algorithms that control lens focus action further improve system
response and focus precision, along with subject acquisition and
tracking abilities.
Auto-area AF mode
This new mode measures all 11 focus areas, automatically determines
which of them are on the primary subject, and activates only those
areas. During AF measurement, all focus areas that lie within the
range of proper focus blink for easier conrmation.
Optimized color modes
Nikonʼs advanced color reproduction system optimizes the three
available color modes to best match the subject or intended use for
the image.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suitable for processing
or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and floral colors out of the
camera. (sRGB)
Instant start-up and immediate response
The D80 starts up in approx. 0.18 seconds, so its ready to shoot
immediately. Its short shutter release time lag of approx. 80 milli-
seconds helps ensure instant response while shooting, as does the
fast and precise focus of the new 11-area AF system with AF-assist
illuminator. Images are processed and recorded extremely quickly.
Preview images are displayed instantly.
10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD
Optimized to capture sharp details,
the 10.2 effective megapixel CCD
image sensor yields extraordinarily
high-resolution images, providing
plenty of freedom to crop creatively
or print impressive enlargements.
Advanced Auto Exposure system
Consistently dependable exposure is the hallmark of Nikonʼs exclusive
3D-Color Matrix Metering II. Renements for the D80 include its
inheriting the advanced exposure evaluation system from the Nikon
D2Xs and D200 digital SLR cameras. Brightness, color, contrast, selected
focus area and camera-to-subject distance information is evaluated,
with the results referenced against the expansive onboard database of
exposure data from over 30,000 actual photographic scenes, and the
final exposure value calculated - instantly. Variable-size center-
weighted metering is
also available, as are
a choice of 11 spot
meters linked to each of
the 11-area AF systemʼs
area sensors.
Broad ISO-equivalent sensitivity range
The D80 features extensive range for sure performance through diverse
lighting conditions. Sensitivity can be set manually between ISO speeds
of 100 and 1600 in 1/3-EV increments, or boosted even higher using
the HI-0.3, HI-0.7 or HI-1 settings. Automatic sensitivity adjustment
(ISO AUTO) is also available offering the freedom to concentrate on
composition while the camera selects the right sensitivity for the shot.
Precision white balance
Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural coloration by
matching white balance to the light source of the shot. Other exible
options include a choice of six specic manual settings with ne-tuning,
(Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade),
as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference.
Beautiful results with accurate colors
and sharp details
420-pixel
RGB
Sensor
Exposure
quantization
algorithm
Exposure
evaluation
algorithm
Estimates
ov
erexposed areas
Final
exposure
value
+
/
Correction
Value
11
10
NEW
NEW
NEW
With D-Lighting
Without D-Lighting
*Achieved under the following test conditions: Fully charged EN-EL3e battery; temperature of 20°C/68°F; Zoom-
Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens; continuous shooting mode: continuous-servo autofocus; im-
age quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 second; shutter release pressed
halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from innity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor
turned on for ve seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters turned off.
High-speed continuous shooting
Capable of shooting a rapid 3 frames per second in continuous bursts
of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or 6 RAW (NEF) images,
the D80 makes it easier to stay on top of the action or to capture those
unexpected, yet precious picture opportunities. Renements to achieve
this performance include improved processing speed, optimized buffer
memory handling, as well as higher data transfer rates.
Broad shutter speed options
Shutter speeds from 30 to 1/4,000 sec. can be selected manually or
used in conjunction with the automated program modes. Bulb and time
options as well as ash-synchronized shutter speeds of up to 1/200 sec.
further enhance the digital photo experience.
Optimize image options
Easily accessed optimization options closely tailor results to the scene
at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening, tone
compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment is controlled
by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid,
Portrait, Custom or Black-and-white options.
Multiple Exposure
This feature creates a single image within the camera from up to 3
consecutive exposures, producing an effect that resembles multiple
exposure techniques used with lm.
Higher energy lithium-ion battery
The EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery with increased energy
capacity delivers enough power to shoot as many as 2,700 images per
charge*. The battery can be recharged at any time, and it now features
an accurate real-time fuel gauge system that displays the percentage of
remaining charge, number of shots since last charge and overall status
of battery service life.
In-camera image editing functions
Exclusive in-camera image editing features under
the new Retouch menu help ensure consistently
satisfying results and greater creative freedom.
D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to
enhance results and add creative flair, all while achieving overall
exposure balance. In-camera Red-eye correction automatically detects
and compensates the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by
ash. Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller les
for easy sharing or greater efciency for specic end purposes.
Additional options include:
Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW(NEF) les taken
with the D80 to create a new composite image within the camera as a
RAW(NEF) or JPEG le.
Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm lter, Color balance)