The Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a high level of resolution and sharp detail, so users can have the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. It features Nikon's high-resolution image processing engine and a dedicated high-performance processing chip that has been introduced to significantly accelerate performance on all levels. With a start up time of just 0.18 seconds and a shutter release lag time of approx. 80 milliseconds, the D80 delivers instant response, and provides continuous shooting at a rapid 3 frames per second, making action photography a reality and the camera a must have for photography enthusiasts.

Nikon's DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses. The Refined 11-area AF System (based on Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module) ensures consistently fast and precise focus lock in various shooting conditions and Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

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 controls are designed for maximum ease of use. A large, bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification ensures the clearest view possible and a large 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. A RGB histogram display also assists when evaluating exposures with greater precision. And a user-friendly menu interface makes for easier operation and menus can be customized using the "My Menu" setting. Furthermore, exclusive in-camera image editing features, such as D-Lighting and Red-eye correction ensure consistently satisfying results and greater creative freedom without the use of a computer.

10.2 megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor:
Effectively optimized by Nikon to deliver a wide, dynamic range, producing outstanding images with high resolution and vivid detail yielding 3,872 x 2,592-pixel files.

New high-resolution Nikon image-processing engine:
New 12-bit image processing engine combines color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved image processing algorithms.

Instant 0.18 sec. start-up with fast 80ms shutter response:
With a power-up time of a mere 0.18 seconds and a shutter release time lag of only 80ms, responsiveness is extraordinary.

Continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second and up to 100 consecutive JPEG images:
Fast framing rates contribute to the ability to capture moments in time instantly. Sophisticated systems throughout the D80, including high-speed buffer memory handling, fast image processing, high-speed memory card access and large system bus bandwidth help make this possible.

Up to 2,700 images per battery charge:*
High-efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and real-time fuel gauge with Nikon's EN-EL3e lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II plus variable center-weighted and spot metering:
Substantially more sophisticated than traditional multi-pattern metering systems, Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II instantly and accurately evaluates brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information, referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Vary the size of the center-weighted area reading and the spot meter readings correspond to 11 focusing points.

In-camera image editing with retouching menu:
Highly versatile in-camera editing features include: Nikon D-lighting, red-eye correction, image trimming, image overlay, monochrome black and white, sepia and cyanotype along with skylight, warm tone and custom color filter effects.

Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group wireless commander:
Nikon’s acclaimed i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with greater precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results with SB-600, SB-800 or SB-R200 Speedlights.

2.5" LCD color monitor with 170-degree, wide-angle viewing:
Playback images can be viewed easily from all angles with extraordinary color and clarity.

11-area AF system with wide-area center segment and auto-area AF functions:
Nikon’s multi-CAM 1000 provides maximum flexibility and optimum performance under varied shooting situations. 11-area auto focus system features a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, as well as class-leading low light detection and convenient AF-assist illuminator to aid in low-light conditions. New wide-area AF option gives greater compositional freedom when shooting sports and action.

Seven digital vari-programs plus programmed auto with flexible program, shutter-priority auto and manual:
Digital vari-programs include: auto portrait, landscape, macro, close-up, sports, night landscape and night portrait, each of which adjust for optimal results under varied conditions—automatically.

Image optimization mode:
Optimize color, contrast, sharpening as well as other image settings according to the type of scene or output desired. Options include: normal, softer, vivid, more vivid, portrait, custom, black and white.

Large, bright 0.94x viewfinder:
Optical glass viewfinder features large (0.94x) magnification making composing frames easier while overall viewfinder brightness makes low-light photography possible.

Built-in slideshow function with Pictmotion:
Select a range of images, pick a style and add music for beautiful picture presentations delivered directly from the D80 and viewable on either on the camera’s 2.5" LCD display or direct to your television. Effects include: slide-in, slide-out, fade-in, and fade-out.

*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.