BEST camera under $100? Nikon D80 RETRO review

The best camera under $100? It's the Nikon D80, still stunning 17 years later!

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[jungleboy]

looking at those photos on YouTube it makes me ask myself why i still want the newest and latest gear. Those images look stunning.

[PASquared]

15 years ago I was watching your D80 video and it helped me to decide to choose it as my first serious camera. Now I'm still shooting Nikon, with a whole host of modern Z gear. The menus and ergonomics feel very familiar to the D80, it was just a gradual step from body to body. Thank you Gordon. Merry Christmas

[anthonydotb]

Gordon I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone here when I say we all used to watch your videos back then. You’ve had some impact on people worldwide (I’m from Los Angeles). The D80 was my first DSLR. I loved it. Upgraded to the 7100 and sold it. Last year I was feeling nostalgic and I picked up a clean d80 on eBay for $34!!! So happy to have it back in my collection. It’s not as “easy” as my Z6ii but that’s also what makes it so fun to use. Thanks for doing what you do. -Anthony

[derekcox]

I still own my D80. And I still use it from time to time as well as using it to teach my 9yr old about photography.

[JHuffPhoto]

I wanted a D80 so bad but could not afford one. By the time I had enough money the D90 was out and I bought it. Partially because of your review of that camera. I still have that camera and occasionally I take it out and use it. I really enjoyed those old videos and those are a big reason why I still turn to your channel for sensible reviews.

[PaulSafford]

Love your reviews and glad to learn about your other channel! I discovered the Nikon D80 in 2023 and took it on a local vacation to Boston for a week. Absolutely love it, the size is right, files are warm and pleasing right out of camera. Glad to see a quality review on such a good old DSLR.

[diegodivers]

Great review! It is amazing how this cameras still deliver. I just recently had a look at a photo magazine with amazing shots, some taken with D90, D300 and 40D. I personally really enjoy the simplicity and the mechanical feeling of the old school dslrs, as well as the optical viewfinder and off course the battery life. The whole process is so rewarding. And honestly the shots which I took with my mirrorless gear don‘t look much different in most cases, as long I prevent my self from pixelpeeping. I confess that I have become a camera nostalgic.

[SpaghettiPaparazzi]

I was fortunate to get one locally last year in brand new condition with 2 kit lenses for 80 bucks. I looked for this model after purchasing a d70s from eBay that turned out not to work as you pointed out. The d80 is indeed a pleasure to take with and operate and the cc'd images are wonderful. Thanks for the review!!

[rhykko]

Gordon ! you look better now than you did way back then Delightful video both new and old

[christophpleininger]

The Nikkor 35mm 1.8 is one of the best lenses I have ever used. Such good value for the price.

[Durio_zibethinus]

D80 is the reason I don't move on into mirrorless territory.
Its motor made AFD lenses more useable, and single autofocus is fast enough. Furthermore, YouTube shows so many seasoned photographers who use D80 for nostalgic reason, and the results are top notch!

[TL-xwfh]

I still continue to use my D200 and after all these years, the colours SOOC rival or even better my Fuji X-T3! The secret is exposing correctly and the low light capability is till as good as the X-T3.

[Windowlicker]

I bought this after watching your review in the mid 2000s! It was my first DSLR as a teenager - such a brilliant recommendation. Such excellent ergonomics for the price

[GirdHerd]

An nice review and excellent example images (amazing colors). Like you I bought my "like new" D80 with optional grip from MPB about 6 months ago. I agree with your assessment of MPB. I now recommend them whenever I can. The camera really is like new and I love the 6 month warranty for peace of mind. I chose the D80 over the D200 because it uses the more common SD card instead of the outdated CF card. Weather proofing was no big deal for me since I don't take my cameras out in rainy weather.

[theangrymonkey]

Had a D80 for many years and loved it. I won a random
Fuji competition, got sent one of their brand new prosumer models and then sold it for a D80 with 50mm lens. That camera went everywhere and took some of my favourite shots. Eventually sold it to fund an also excellent X100s.

[treloar]

Great review, Gordon! I loved this camera - now I wish I still had it!

[rawk]

I just took out my D80 which I stored it 10yrs ago. Was searching for how relevant it is nowadays compared to now latest models which mostly mirrorless..
Watching you video makes me wanna get a new lense and start it going going again.
Currently i still have the kit lense and a 50mm. Thinking of buying the 300mm shooting for sports.
I'm glad bringing my D80 back to life

[traceybartlam]

This looks a great camera and an absolute bargain. Your images are so good taken with it. I’ve used MPB to sell and was very impressed with their service.

[NSXTypeRGTRLM]

I started learning photography on a D40 and couldn't really afford a D80. However, I've subsequently upgraded to a D7000 and a D7500 which are direct descendants of the D80 and honestly, they're all excellent cameras.

[paulasimson]

My first good quality digital camera was the D70 and I absolutely loved it. We switched to Canon (and now Fuji) after, but I sure missed it.