Using a $100 Nikon D80 DSLR in 2023

This is the Nikon D80, a 10 megapixel CCD DSLR released back in 2006! Despite its age, which in the technology world feels like decades sometimes, the Nikon D80 still holds its own with amazing CCD sensor image quality and controls. If you're looking for a cheap starter camera, or something to get your creative juices flowing again, look no further.

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[Mintythefoxy]

I have a real soft spot for my D80, it got me back into shooting and my partner and I formed our relationship out shooting; as we both had a D80 each. They sit together on the bookcase, years after. We're getting married next year; and you can bet the D7100 is being left at home for that.

[hrpickinstuff]

Where the CCD sensors really shine is in bright daylight with a colorful palette that allows the sensor to separate colors. Most cameras do a good job with the primary colors, Red, Blue and Green's but what the CCD sensor does is pick up the yellows, orange, purple's and Brown's and it just seems to pull these colors out front enough for you to notice a difference. It's subtle at first but you will eventually see it when you go back to CMOS sensors but to take advantage of this you need to feed it light. My eye popping moment occurred on a camera roll I shot on the beach on a bright sunny day on vacation. I could not believe what I was able to get with a similar camera its little brother the D50 and a 50 mm 1.8D lens. As the sun set I noticed the camera losing it's magic a bit. That's when I realized. To really get the maximum benefit of the CCD sensor. You need to give it color and light to maximize it's potential. Don't get me wrong it takes tremendous pictures in all light but take it to the pool or Beach. It will bring out both the water, sky and the dynamic range. At 3:45 look at that Blue water in the pool with light hitting it. This is what the CCD does. It eats the Blue' tones for breakfast.

[etienneamien]

The D70, D50, D60, D80 and D200 are amazing cameras. The D200 is the closest to get if you want a digital F100, it will work with every lens and is built like tank. The smaller D60 cameras are amazing for street photographers and lightweight portrait shots, the CCD colors are amazing and paired with a 35mm 1.8G or 50mm 1.8G or even the 85mm 1.8G these cameras really shine !

[rickweaver]

Proof once again, that it’s the photographer not the equipment. Thanks again for another fun and interesting video!

[albinocavewoman]

A D90 was my main body for 8 years and I only upgraded to a D700 in 2018. And, although I love, love, love the D700 for its IQ and tank like build, sometimes I find myself scrolling through my archives and am still blown away by the photos I got with my trusty, little D90.

[nikoherkules]

Thiis is the one that got me started on more serious photography. Loved it so much, I kept it even tho I bought a much more modern D7200. I was going to retire it, but to be honest I still love it so much I decided to get it all reviewed by a professional, to original quality. Now I always go out with both my Cameras and love taking pictures with them both still.

[ryevick]

Love my D80. The D80 has a built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group wireless commander mode, allowing you to control remote Nikon speedlights. 👍🏻

[ibp]

My d80 just ‘past away’. Loved this camera. Buying my granddaughter one for Christmas. Her first real camera. Once Nikon always Nikon.

[bluphant]

My first DSLR was the Nikon D40. I've used the heck out of it, ended up getting a second hand D2X, and a later D80. I ended up gravitating to the D80 because in addition to the more modern lenses, it also works fine with my (rather large) collection of older manual lenses. While I love the D2X, it's much heavier and I didn't end up using any of the extra features the pro camera permits. Sadly, the Nikon D80 has a design flaw. Nikon decided to use a plastic rivet which breaks and gives an ERR message. When this happened to my beloved D80, I ended up buying another on eBay because the cost to repair was more than the cost of a replacement camera. The bulk of the repair is the labor to pull the camera apart.

[campbellkerr]

The D80 was my first DSLR (I had a point and shoot at the time) and I was blown away by the quality! It just took a great photo. Great saturation and contrast, and WB was on point. If you're willing to go balls-deep in manual with no live view, it's a winner!

[anthonydotb]

This was my first DSLR. Yes, modern cameras are light years ahead in just about every way, but when it comes to photo quality this still holds its ground. This camera is all most people really need. I'll remind myself I said that the next time I get that "itch" to upgrade. For a few years I sold all of my gear and just used my cellphone. One day I was looking at old photos that I shot with this and that was it; game over. I went back a re-purchased all of my old cameras and them some. The photos I took with this camera + the 50mm f1.8 were in a completely different league than my cellphone. I now have a D1x, D80, D700, D4 (all used on eBay for cheap), and a Z6ii. I shoot with all of them. The older cameras made my photography fun again. They'll also make you realize that the world was just fine without EYE auto focus and 1000fps. For anyone still reading this. I picked up a d80 on eBay for $34, the 50mm manual f1.4 for $45, and the 50mm f1.8g for $78.

[andrelousada]

I have the D80, and I came up with annice recipe and settings for the jpegs but I still use the raw.
because I love it so much I bought a D200 for that sweet sensor.

[irishrider]

Just got one for $75! Lots of features. Nikon makes great cameras! I’m happy so far! Thanks for video!

[MrSouzy]

I love ccd sensors. I have the k10d and the D80. They both produce pictures much better than you expect. With something a lot of modern cameras don't achieve... Picture with character ! I wrote F80 first time round..got one of those too...but thats a film camera

[rumperdumper]

What’s going on with the title saying 2023 even though the video was published three years ago? I really like this channel, but lying in the title ruins the search results for everyone.

[kennyj]

Hi there. Great review. I also own both the D80 and a K10D and I totally agree with your comparison between the two. If I may add for anyone watching this and reading the D80 has a built in AF motor as opposed the Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx series. This means that every AF lens Nikon has made since the 80's are compatible with this body. Bear in mind these are all full frame so keep the 1.5X crop factor in mind. There are many older Nikon choices to be had including those made by Sigma, Tamron, Tokina. Many that are absolutely capable and budget friendly. Cheers.

[theswabiansimon]

Since I get into Photography in 2021 the D80 is my main camera for the go.
I am so pleased with it that I even bought a second one as a backup

[matthewshelley]

My first DSLR was a new D80. I learned so much with that thing. Then it was stolen. I felt like I had an arm cut off, so I bought another. Then it, and this time all my other gear was also stolen. So then I bought a D90. Then a D600 (with a good shutter). Then a D5300 to muck about with old glass. I've tried other stuff, I've tried fancier stuff, there's just something about the utilitarian, power-tool quality to mid-tier Nikon that keeps me coming back, but glad I moved to full frame.

[alanhoughton]

D200 is a camera that is both still relevant within its limitations and a great starter camera for learning the right way. In good lighting the CCD sensor produces amazing, brilliant colors in the great outdoors and beautiful skin tones in portraits as well. It's also a pro camera with enough flexibility to help new photographers along, but also demanding enough that you need to think about shutter speeds, aperture, and ISO (as limited as it is on this camera). Beyond that, it's built the way camera's should be built and a real testament to the job Nikon did back then. If I give a camera to a beginner, it would almost certainly be the D200, even if I keep using it myself a lot

[epstar]

The D80 was my first ever DSLR. I loved it! The thing that sticks out most in my memory of it is the colours. I moved away from DSLR's for quite sometime... but now have a heap of Pentax glass and want to give the K10D a go.