D80 details announced...

http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

"frederick" wrote in message
news:1155084049.886707@ftpsrv1...
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Nikon has messed up, this is really just a D60, A 10.2 megapixel camera that
uses SD cards?

"Darrell Larose" wrote in message
...

"frederick" wrote in message
news:1155084049.886707@ftpsrv1...
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Nikon has messed up, this is really just a D60, A 10.2 megapixel camera
that
uses SD cards?


SD is kind of cheesy. But the Auto ISO sounds cool.

Greg

frederick wrote:
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Ah. The site has been removed. Apparently it jumped the gun a little
bit "accidentally on purpose." No matter, only a few more hours and
everything will be up again.

Except for the SD cards, which some people apparently don't like (tough
toenails), it appears to be a plastic version of the D200. Smaller top
LCD, with less information. Buttons on the back rearranged from the D70
layout. 11 area auto-focus. It probably only has one channel available
for wireless flash and can control only one group. Uses the tiny little
ML-3 remote controller for shutter release -- all it does is trip the
shutter, but it is very handy. It can't use the more advanced wireless
remote controllers. Probably mirror lock-up and/or delay. Possibly a BW
mode. More control over noise reduction. IOW, just about all of the
most commonly used features of the D200, for $899.

cjcampbell wrote:
frederick wrote:
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Ah. The site has been removed. Apparently it jumped the gun a little
bit "accidentally on purpose." No matter, only a few more hours and
everything will be up again.
Just in case it isn't:

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to introduce the D80. Incorporating
Nikon's latest digital and photographic technologies, this new
high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera features
automated operation and advanced features designed to satisfy any
photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and
preserve special moments.

The D80 features a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image
sensor, bringing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail to the
class while also providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively and
print impressive enlargements. Nikon's DX Format sensor and Nikon F
bayonet lens mount design assure unprecedented compatibility across the
comprehensive assortment of AF Nikkor lenses and DX Nikkor lenses
designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras.



One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon's own
high-resolution image processing engine. Advantages inherited from
Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras include color
independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital
image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking
images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new
dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates
performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption,
assuring more pictures per battery charge.



Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic
exposure control for ideal exposures, even in the most challenging
lighting conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or
averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system's
frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an
onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography to
calculate final exposure value. Variable center-weighted metering and
spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as
are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated
exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help
to make the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate
photography enthusiasts.



Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) produces natural coloration by
measuring the entire frame of each scene and matching white balance to
the light source. For those who wish greater personal control, the
flexible options include a choice of six specific manual settings,
(Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade),
as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference.



Ensuring consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting
conditions is the D80's refined 11-area AF system. Adopting a refined
version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new
11-area AF system adds effective new focusing options that will instill
greater confidence in getting 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. New Auto-area AF mode measures all 11 focus areas,
automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject, and
activates only those areas.



Ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment
presents itself, the D80 takes only 0.18 seconds to power up. And, the
shutter's minimal release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds delivers
instant response while shooting, as does the fast and precise focus of
the refined 11-area AF system with AF-assist illuminator. Images are
processed instantly and recorded quickly to the inserted SD memory card.
Preview images are also displayed near instantly.



Continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second in bursts of up to
100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) images makes action photography a reality.



Packing high performance and high resolution into a slimmer, more
compact body, the D80 also remains true to Nikon's commitment to
intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and
controls are designed for maximum ease of use.



The D80 features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x
magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise
composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob also
makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The
viewfinder's integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist
composition.



A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an
ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. A new dedicated
Zoom button makes it easy to preview images and assess sharpness at up
to 25 times magnification. A new RGB histogram display aids in
evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options
include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved
histogram display and highlight point display.



The D80 also adds built-in Standard or Advanced Pictmotion slideshow
options, which includes style selections that control transitions and
background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete
with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.



A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color
scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye,
easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to
display only selected items using the new "My Menu" set.



Exclusive in-camera image editing features under the new Retouch menu
help ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom
without the use of a computer. D-Lighting automatically brings out
detail to enhance results and add creative flair, all while optimizing
overall exposure balance. Red-eye correction automatically detects and
compensates for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing or greater
efficiency. Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files
taken with the D80 to create a new composite image. Other options
include Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype) and
Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance).



Multiple Exposure is a new shooting option that creates a single image
within the camera from up to 3 consecutive exposures, producing an
effect automatically that resembles multiple exposure techniques used
with film.



Creative photography is as simple as rotating the mode dial with the
D80's selection of seven automated Digital Vari-Programs. Choose from
Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night
Portrait and the selected program automatically optimizes white balance,
sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue settings to best
match the shot. The D80 also offers personal control over image
optimization settings, with user-selectable menu settings for the
Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white
options.



The powerful built-in flash employs Nikon's highly robust i-TTL flash
control for greater precision in flash exposure evaluation that achieves
better automatic flash balance. i-TTL flash control also helps realize
built-in features such as Repeating flash function for creating
stroboscopic effects and the Modeling Flash, which allows photographers
to visually assess overall lighting and shadow conditions prior to
shooting. Full support for the Advanced Wireless Lighting System lets
the built-in flash function as a two-group remote commander that
provides direct control over wireless SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights.



The inherent advantages of the D80 combine with the empowering and
creatively inspiring components of Nikon's Total Digital Imaging System
to deliver a new level of operating ease, expanded creative
possibilities, and pure enjoyment. This of course begins with the lineup
of interchangeable high-quality AF and DX Nikkor lenses. It extends to
maximizing the potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, offering
benefits such as i-TTL flash control, Advanced Wireless Lighting, highly
reliable FV Lock and Auto FP High-Speed Sync, and enabling
high-precision flash photography with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200
Speedlights.



Convenient and practical Total Imaging System add-ons include the new
MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack. Featuring an ergonomic design that
blends added stability with extended shooting potential and more
comfortable shooting in vertical format. The Wireless ML-L3 (IR) Remote
Control and MC-DC1 Remote Cord options provide necessary camera
stability when using long exposures, such as for landscape and macro
photography.



Nikon’s PictureProject software, provided with every purchase of a Nikon
D80, enables easy image importing, editing, organization and sharing.
Design templates make it easy to produce prints, tailor images to
e-mail, or layout several images on a page to produce creative album
layouts.



Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon’s highly
versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed for
those who desire more creative control over post-processing and to help
photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an
innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and
visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX's powerful photo image
processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files
to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

The Nikon D80 beautifully combines the best of latest advances in
digital technology with ease of operation and quick and efficient camera
handling. Add to this the advantages of Nikon's Total Imaging System and
every aspiring photographer is certain to enjoy the Nikon digital SLR
experience as much as the superb pictures produced with the D80.

Note: Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any
notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Nikon D80 Major Features

Exceptional imaging quality

*
New 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor
with the power to capture exceptional sharpness and faithful color at
3,872 x 2,592 pixels size.
*
Inherits the industry-leading advanced imaging processing engine
of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras. Color-independent pre-conditioning
prior to A/D conversion works in harmony with high-precision digital
image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images that
benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction.
*

3D Color Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures
ideal exposures in most lighting conditions. Evaluating brightness,
color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, the
system references the data against an expanded onboard database created
using data from more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly
and accurately calculate the final exposure value for the shot. Variable
center-weighted metering and spot metering centered on the active focus
area are also available.
*

Refined 11-area AF system packs the same number of focus areas
available for the professional D2 series into a space-efficient system
that features fast, precise operation. Each of the 11 focus areas can be
used individually, the center sensor can be switched to wide-frame
operation for broader coverage, and new Auto-area AF mode measures all
11 focus areas, automatically determines which of them are on the
primary subject and activates only those areas.
*

ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100
to 1600 to maximize available light and achieve optimal exposure.
Sensitivity can also be set manually between ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of
1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1. Three levels of High ISO Noise
Reduction are available when shooting at high ISO settings. Long
Exposure Noise Reduction is also available when shooting at shutter
speeds of 8 seconds or slower.

Optimized and Predictable Results

*
Seven automated Digital Vari-Programs easily accessed from the
Mode Dial provide automatic operation that optimizes white balance,
sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results
that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait,
Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait.
*

Easily accessed image optimization options closely tailor results
to the scene at hand or the intended use of the image. Image sharpening,
tone (contrast) compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment
is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More
vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white.

Immediate response and fast performance

*
Near instant power-up of 0.18 seconds lets photographers respond
to any shutter opportunities.
*

A mere 80-millisecond shutter time lag (approximate) promotes
fast handling.

Swift continuous shooting performance at 3 frames per second*
enables the shooting of up to 100 JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or up to
6 RAW (NEF) images.
* Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or
shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 seconds or
faster, and remaining buffer memory.
*

Shutter speeds ranging from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds or bulb setting
provide full creative control.

In-camera image editing and effects

*
Creative in-camera effects and editing functions available under
the new Retouch menu:
o

D-Lighting automatically brings out detail to enhance
results and add creative flair, all while optimizing overall exposure
balance.
o

Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates
for the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
o

Trim can be used to produce smaller files for easy sharing
or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
o

Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files
taken with the D80 to create a new composite image that can be saved in
RAW or JPEG format.
o

Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
o

Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance)
*

Multiple Exposure creates a single image within the camera from
up to 3 consecutive exposures to produce imaginative and even surreal
results.

Ergonomics for efficient handling and further versatility

*

The D80 features a slimmer, more compact body with the size,
layout and operation of all buttons and controls designed for intuitive
operation.
*

A large new 2.5-inch LCD monitor with a 170Ëš viewing angle and
new dedicated zoom button assist accurate and easy assessment of
sharpness by enabling image preview at up to 25 times magnification (for
L-size images). Convenient displays include RGB information as a single
histogram display or as separate histograms for each color channel.
*

Built-in slideshow options include Advanced Pictmotion shows with
style selections that control transitions and background music, and that
can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a
television via the supplied AV cable.
*

The carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size of the
new color-coded menu display makes navigation easier on the eye, easier
to understand and easier to use. "My Menu" lets you customize Menus to
display only the items you wish to see.
*

Bright pentaprism viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification
ensures the clearest view possible for precise composition.
*

Nikon's EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers enough
power to support the shooting of up to 2,700* images on a single charge,
can be recharged at any time and features a handy real-time fuel gauge
system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of
shots since last charge and overall battery status.

* 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; image 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 infinity to minimum range three times with
each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then
turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters turned off.

Seamless integration with Nikon's Total Imaging System

*

Unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s lineup of AF Nikkor
lenses and digital-exclusive DX Nikkor lenses. (When used with the D80
or any DX Format SLR, all AF and DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle
comparable to 1.5x that of 35mm [135] format.)
*

Compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System allows the
D80 to work seamlessly with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights to
deliver the benefits of i-TTL flash control’s advanced monitor
pre-flash, accurate measurement for bounce and versatile wireless
operation. SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights also offer a Wide-Area
AF-assist Illuminator, which aids flash photography in dim light by
projecting a pattern of red light that covers all eleven autofocus areas
of the D80’s 11-area Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module.
*

The optional MB-D80 battery pack adds extended shooting
capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to
run on either one or two EN-EL3e batteries or six AA-size batteries*,
the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative
buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical
shooting more comfortable.

* Compatible AA-size batteries comprise alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium
and nickel-manganese batteries.
*

PictureProject (complimentary with camera) software features an
intuitive user interface that provides fast and easy access to powerful
tools for organizing, editing and sharing images. Auto Enhance and other
creative functions are readily available via handy buttons, as are Mail,
Slideshow and CD/DVD burning functions. Pictures can be organized using
simple drag ‘n’ drop operation, and can be quickly located by name,
keyword, or date. Design templates make it easy to produce prints,
tailor images to e-mail, or layout several images on a page to produce
creative album layouts.
*

Capture NX (available for purchase separately) is Nikon’s highly
versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to
help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring
an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and
visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX's powerful photo image
processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files
to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

According to Ed Ruf (REPLY to E-MAIL IN SIG!) :
On Tue, 8 Aug 2006 19:02:23 -0700, in rec.photo.digital.slr-systems "G.T."
wrote:

SD is kind of cheesy. But the Auto ISO sounds cool.

Not new, D70 and D50 all ready had this.

Agreed! I use it frequently. It can make the difference in
getting a shot quickly or not being ready in time -- even though the ISO
can be changed without diving into the menus.

But I was not able to see anything useful on that posted web
page, for whatever reason. Mostly large blank areas, even with
JavaScript turned on.

Enjoy,
DoN.

--
Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

In article ,
G.T. wrote:

"Darrell Larose" wrote in message
.. .

"frederick" wrote in message
news:1155084049.886707@ftpsrv1...
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Nikon has messed up, this is really just a D60, A 10.2 megapixel camera
that
uses SD cards?


SD is kind of cheesy. But the Auto ISO sounds cool.

About time, too. I've had that on my Pentax for 3 years.
And in a month I'll see what Pentax are going to do for the
same price as the D80. We know it will have 10.2MP, and
shake reduction (on *all* lenses, even old manual focus ones).
I hope it can do better than 3fps for a mere 6 frames of RAW.

John Francis wrote:
In article ,
G.T. wrote:

"Darrell Larose" wrote in message
. ..

"frederick" wrote in message
news:1155084049.886707@ftpsrv1...

http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Nikon has messed up, this is really just a D60, A 10.2 megapixel camera

that

uses SD cards?


SD is kind of cheesy. But the Auto ISO sounds cool.


About time, too. I've had that on my Pentax for 3 years.
And in a month I'll see what Pentax are going to do for the
same price as the D80. We know it will have 10.2MP, and
shake reduction (on *all* lenses, even old manual focus ones).
I hope it can do better than 3fps for a mere 6 frames of RAW.



Looks like the makers are being conservative. The Sony A100 is rated
about the same as the Nikon D80 for raw shooting sequences, but users
immediately found they were getting 50 to 100 per cent more pix with
fast CF cards. The stated figures seem to be 'safe' not the actual
maximum. Nikon will no doubt be doing the same to avoid people claiming
their camera fails to meet specs.

David

frederick wrote:
cjcampbell wrote:
frederick wrote:
http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Aside from auto ISO, more megapixels (definitely overdue!) and a bigger
LCD screen, i"m a bit...underwhelmed. SD card is certainly a mistake.

People were complaining the 30D was a poor upgrade on the 20D...at
least the 30D didn't _downgrade_ anything ( SD card).

I'll reserve final judgement until people are field testing it, but
having worked with molasses-slow SD card equipment before, I wouldn't
touch this with a 10" pole. The Sony Alpha is looking better and better
as a Canon alternative.

wrote:
[]
Aside from auto ISO, more megapixels (definitely overdue!) and a
bigger LCD screen, i"m a bit...underwhelmed. SD card is certainly a
mistake.

People were complaining the 30D was a poor upgrade on the 20D...at
least the 30D didn't _downgrade_ anything ( SD card).

I'll reserve final judgement until people are field testing it, but
having worked with molasses-slow SD card equipment before, I wouldn't
touch this with a 10" pole. The Sony Alpha is looking better and
better as a Canon alternative.

The SD cards I've tested are just as fast as CF cards, and most exceed the
capability of the camera to write to them at full speed. I think you must
have been unfortunate in your equipment before, if your view of SD is that
it is "molasses-slow". These days, I think I prefer SD to CF, although
it's close.

David