BEST camera under $100? Nikon D80 RETRO review

[@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

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@jungleboy1]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! You can take a closer look on my review page at cameralabs.com if you like!

[@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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Anthony, I appreciate your words! And 34 bucks?! That's a brilliant price! I loved using the D80 again after so many years, and the images really did look nice.

[@derekcox6531]

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.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@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, KZbin shows so many seasoned photographers who use D80 for nostalgic reason, and the results are top notch!

[@christophpleininger5876]

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

[@cameralabs]

It's great with an APSC DSLR

[@rhykko77]

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

[@cameralabs]

Why thankyou!

[@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.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@kennyw6932]

Enjoyed your review of the D80. I use and love a D70 and D80. My lenses are all auto-focus D series, 20mm 2.8, 28-70mm 3.5-4.5 and 70-210 4.0-5.6 and a 300mm f4.0. I'm looking at a D300 but am 2nd guessing myself, do I need it, not really. Love my D80. Thanks again for sharing your opinions.

[@cameralabs]

The D300 is nice, but if you want that CCD, go for the D200!

[@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!!

[@unbroken1010]

Yes I have both the d70 has a error message and wondering if I can fix it

[@TL-xw6fh]

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.

[@말랑말랑멍몽이]

More old camera reviews please!❤

[@cameralabs]

Check out my Dino Bytes channel!

[@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.

[@cameralabs]

I really enjoyed revisiting the D80. You may enjoy my Dinobytes channel

[@diegodivers]

Dinobytes is great. Thank you for your work and insights since almost hour one from KZbin.@@cameralabs

[@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.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, the use of SD is a nice feature!

[@davemil716]

I have been considering a D7000, but this video really helped in reconsider my decision. Thanks !

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome, also consider the D200 if you want CDD in a tougher body.

[@davemil716]

@@cameralabs Actually I have a D200 for my older series needs with a CCD. The issue for me is the weight. The D80 specs out at about a half pound lighter than the D200 and about the same weight as my Z5. I have a Nikkor 100mm macro which is a heavier lens, combined with the D200 it's just too much for me. I have a D3000, but wanted to be able to used drive screw lenses and can not do that on the D3000.... any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated...

[@cameralabs]

@@davemil716 I think the D80 is for you, as it's CCD, has a screw AF, and is lighter!

[@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.

[@cameralabs]

The D40 was also a CCD classic

[@NSXTypeRGTRLM]

@@cameralabs yes! I got great photos from my D40!

[@benfromatlantis]

Just got mine 1 week ago. I replaced my Canon 6D with it because it is so much more fun. The 80D has a top grip, perfect colors, a superb layout and a nice shutter sound. I am very happy

[@cameralabs]

I still love it. I'll be making a D200 retro review soon on my Dinobytes channel

[@benfromatlantis]

@@cameralabs I believe that pro work can still be done with this.

[@benfromatlantis]

.. and its absolutely sharp and has quite a modern standard dynamic range which can not be said about the 6D!

[@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.

[@treloar2]

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

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! You can at least still get one at a great price!

[@Joelsfilmer]

I'm still using a D700 with a D90 as backup. Admittedly with fairly high end lenses, but also a bunch of AI and AI-S glass too. There are of course compromises. You can't be cropping like a maniac, huge prints might be a problem, and ISO performance over 3200 is a bit tragic. But for a hobbyist I think it's one of the the best way to enjoy and get good at photography.

[@thecaveofthedead]

With AI upscaling, if you have a sharp image, huge prints are no longer any kind of problem.

[@Joelsfilmer]

@@thecaveofthedead I'm not convinced by the results of AI upscaling. Sometimes it works, sometimes it misses the mark. Upscaling a 12 mp image by 200% might be more complicated compared to doing the same on a 24 or 36 mp image since elements like eyelashes on a regular head shot will be less defined on a 12 mp image. There's just more room for error when the AI tries to figure out what it's looking at.

[@johnnyisahermit]

got a 6d with a 50 on it for 150 off marketplace and use it just as much if not more than my R5. I love it because i just dont need to think about having it on me like i do with the R5 and also has a fantastic sensor.

[@williamclifford4441]

I've had a D80 since they came out and still find new things about it Fitted it with Battery Holder which gives you a great grip on the camera as well as allowing you use AA batteries - presumably for when the approved batteries go out of production. The Holder is fitted with dupliicate controls which is excellent for when you use the camera vertically. Extremely robust but due to my clumsiness I've twice wrecked the lens mount. However, Luton Cameras of Luton, repaired it at a very price and quick turnaround. So, to sum up; I'll stick my D80 and it'll see me out! 😊

[@cameralabs]

Glad you're still using it!

[@paulasimson4939]

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.

[@GirdHerd]

The D70, D70s, and D80 are so cheap now that you should buy one "just for fun". I've started buying the older Nikons with the CCD sensor for the "film like" quality of the images.

[@paulasimson4939]

@@GirdHerd That's a great idea! It would be fun.

[@rawk677]

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

[@cameralabs]

It's a great camera, hope you enjoy using it again!

[@gonzalolaurie8243]

About 5 years ago I decided to try a DSLR (I was using mirrorless) for cheap. Found a Canon 350D (XT) in great shape for $23 at Keh and a Yongnuo 50mm for $50 at Amazon. I still sometimes take the 350D for a walk. It's a lightweight and uncomplicated camera that I enjoy using and can delived decent images.

[@cameralabs]

I had a 350D back in the day, it was a nice camera!

[@hc3387]

Same here! I used the Canon 350d for over 10 years and travelled the world with it (and only ever with the kit lens of 18-55 and 55-200) before selling it. I now own a Fujifilm X-T3 and being honest, I hate the over-micro contrasting high pixel images from it! Now looking for a D80 for its CDD sensor and getting myself back in love with the simple pure joy of photography, as I did when I had my 350D, 30 years later. Thanks Gordon! Hamish, New Zealand.

[@dantedanis]

I have been watching you since 2011

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@Windowlicker680]

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

[@cameralabs]

Do you still have it?

[@Windowlicker680]

@@cameralabs Regrettably not! It ended up taking a dunk in the Manu river in Peru and was sadly never quite the same! Now using a D7200. However I got some incredible shots on it and a lifetime passion for photography. I must have watched your D80 review and that of the Canon equivalent 100 times before deciding! I think I bought it in 2008 and can still practically remember every word of your review haha

[@scannan]

Just back to Ireland from three weeks in New Zealand. You’ll be delighted to know that the Earnslaw is still chugging around queenstown harbour. A very photogenic country. Enjoyed your trip back to the glory days of 2006😄

[@cameralabs]

Good to hear! I had a season pass for the Earnslaw, and went every week for afternoon tea!

[@traceybartlam7737]

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.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Also consider the D200

[@Pantheragem]

Well, you've aged well! So has the D80. It was the first dslr I owned. I still have it.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@DexterKDC]

Funny enough, i too got a useful D80 with 18-140 for about $170 2 weeks ago. Loving it so far, those CCD colours oh man!

[@cameralabs]

Nice buy!

[@se5908]

my first DSLR

[@rickfarber4243]

Thanks for a really interesting perspective. I think I'd recommend this camera (or similar) to someone who is considering the Canon R100. For one-fifth the price, you can have an equally enjoyable introduction to post-phone photography.

[@cameralabs]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@jonlouis2582]

Great video, and I love MPB.

[@d3xmeister]

The problem I always had with DSLR’s was the limited focus points and coverage (and the cumbersome selection of the points) and the fact they missed focus a lot. From older cameras, the D300, D700, D3 were the best at this, by far. Up until the modern D500, D850.

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Oh yeah the cheaper ones came with... 9??? focus points. And not all cross so... eh? Not really nice. And now we have some really nice on sensor many focus point cameras. Which focus faster then those old cameras ever did.

[@887Rabbit]

Thanks for another great video. I enjoy your delivery and style of composition. I considered the D80 but ended up with a D200 from CEX rather than MPB which is my usual stop. Camera was B grade but looked almost new. I'm really enjoying it. Cheers

[@cameralabs]

The D200 is a great choice!

[@awksedgreep]

Not sure how they’re priced, but the D90 is an incredible camera also.

[@johnarmstrong5727]

I bought the D90 new in 2010 (my 1st digital camera) and it is still going strong in 2024 , I should have purchased the D80 earlier to have avoided live view which I still dislike 14 years later , I like to use back button focus and accidently hit the live view button instead of the AE lock which is set as the af on , great video.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! The D90 was also a great camera, but I like the D80 for the CCD

[@RichardoBrit]

I owned a D80! Great camera

[@vic_the_roman]

I had a D40X for a short period of time. I believe it shares the same sensor with the D80 and D200 with possibly different processors. Sold it to MPB, it did not work with D glass ( or at least the ones I had ) and was awkward to use ( and I do love small cameras 😃) however the images coming out of that sensor 😍 .

[@cameralabs]

Yep you need the 80 or 200 series to focus those lenses

[@andieanderssen780]

Thank you for this video. My mother in law recently passed away, and this was her camera. In the past, she had tried other types but kept coming back to this specific one. My husband and I are unwilling to part with some of her belongings, so this camera came to me. And fully intend to keep using it.

[@cameralabs]

It's an excellent camera!

[@checksix_TC]

Thanks for the video, You convinced me to get the D80 for myself. Found one in mint condition on ebay. Eagerly waiting for it's arrival

[@cameralabs]

Nice one!

[@thecaveofthedead]

This was the era that digital stills photography matured. The first DSLR I used was the D70 which had terrible colour and blew out highlights something fierce. But my old man and myself still own a D200 which we still use from time to time. Because the images from it are top-notch on every front. And it's important to note regarding resolution that AI upscaling means that you can print now at practically any size from a 10MP sensor - even above the large sizes it was capable of at launch.

[@oc2phish07]

I still have my D90 and use it from time to time.

[@GOBbluthagain]

Gordon is ageless

[@cameralabs]

I was born old and wrinkly!

[@Mersuharrastaja]

I buy D80 about year 2007 and I still got it and uses sometimes.

[@hrvojekant9415]

I bought mine when D90 came out...waiting the drop of price. I still have it and use it time to time...beside the newer camera models

[@Mersuharrastaja]

@@hrvojekant9415 Why not use, takes good pictures even it got limitations.

[@photobyTaps]

Thank you. I was playing with my D50 and broken D70S and was wondering about the D80. I think I'll pick one up to go with my D610

[@michaelreaves6212]

This was my 2nd camera for the first wedding I ever shot, paired it with the 50mm f/1.8D, to this day I love the results, and I still have it 🙂

[@GrandHuevotes]

My friends uncle had a D80 back in the day when it was new. I used it for an hour or so and was impressed how he could afford one.

[@jacobnathanielzpayag3885]

Started with a Canon 1200D then went to a 50D. The only thing that I missed from the 1200D is video with sound (the 50D can record video via custom firmware but with no sound). I think going for an older body with just enough advanced features is a better starting point compared to some beginner camera models. Right now, I'm looking to build a decent lens selection as I am still stuck with the 18-55 kit but hey, we all need to start at some place right?

[@seanb480]

I started with the D70 and continue shooting it to date, along with the D7500 as my latest DSLR purchase. Long live Nikon DSLRs!

[@antonsiberian]

In 2023 I sold my full frame mirrorless setup and bought some classic Nikon DSLR bodies (D3000 CCD, D90, D5100) and tons of lenses (all in price of one sold modern camera). And no regrets, for a hobbyist like me this older technology is totally fine and my skills got better, so results are also great. The main reason to sold my mirrorless camera was realising how expensive this setup was and I couldn't afford some lenses like ultra wide or decent telephoto, but also some nostalgia, cause my first dslr was Nikon D40x and I loved images from the camera.

[@cameralabs]

Wise plan!

[@UdoKrawallo]

Great review, a mix of retro and indeed a current recommendation. I checked out this site, while they are not exactly a retro seller their offers seem to be good. And you are right, we can ask ourselves, how much camera do we really need even today? While I like my Panasonic GX8(which already is a 9 year old model...oh my...but enough for me) I would also gladly use something like the D80. The images are still pleasant to look at and feel more natural than many smartphone pictures. Not that I´m against smartphones or a luddite, but older cameras have their qualities as well. For WiFi, honestly I don´t know why want this in a camera. Up today I only sporadically used WiFi in cameras, it´s too much hassle. Even if I take some pics with my everyday phone I transfer them to the PC. Thing is also, most apps are quickly outdated. I tried my JVC and Sony action cams from 2013 and 2014. The irony is, I need some kind of "retro" phone(in form of a Galaxy SIII with old Android) to operate them, as the apps are not working on newer iterations and IIRC the JVC one is not even in the store anymore...

[@odysseusreturns9133]

I am more than happy with my D7100 but wanted a CCD camera as well for a back up. I was impressed with the colour rendition of my previous D3000 but quickly outgrew that and needed something to use with my collection of AFd lenses. I found a D80 on E-bay with a 18-135 and with under 5000 count. Great results, fun and simple to use but grips were sticky. Used meths and break cleaner to remove, but left some white deposits.

[@cameralabs]

Yeah the grips do deteriorate

[@RetroMarkyRM]

Just bought one for £50.00 close to mint. Fabulous camera! BTW I can't believe you're still doing this after we met in Barcelona! :)

[@cameralabs]

Why hello! I do remember you, even though it was a while back! Of course I'm still doing it! I was the first camera reviewer on KZbin back in 2006, and I intend to be the last!

[@RetroMarkyRM]

@@cameralabs Im so glad you are Gordon and Ive subbed to your retro channel as well (also a retro nerd). Keep the up the good work. I really like videos on Nikon DSLRs, lenses etc :)

[@ashrafulalam1734]

Nikon D80 was my first ever camera that I bought with my own money 😊 I'm now a Canon user but I've always loved the button placements and tactility of Nikon. Back in 2006/07 I used to dream of upgrading to D200 but I didn't have budget 😅 I had so many great memories with my first Nikon D80

[@cameralabs]

Why not pick up a used D90 or D200 for the memories!

[@ashrafulalam1734]

@@cameralabs I'm thinking the same

[@cameralabs]

@@ashrafulalam1734 you should be able to find a D200 for less than £150

[@KelvinSchwartzGrunlicht]

Fantastic throwback. MPB rocks, they actually took my D40x kit in last year to my surprise. The 55-200mm is fantastic, the 18-55 perfectly usable. Do let me know if you can find any use for an old 135mm AI and I'll happily ship it across the channel to your dino lab in lieu of 15 cups of coffee :) You could have squeezed lens prices a bit more through private ads if you'd wanted to. For anyone going that route be aware of widespread hardware errors (ERR, literally) in the series. D40x metering is also a bit hit and miss in any scene with decent to too much light. Chimp a frame and check the histogram. And for anyone going all in on CCD DSLRs I do find the early Pentax like K200 with top lcd better in terms of user interface and weather sealing.

[@cameralabs]

Good tips, and yes I should recheck out those early Pentax DSLRs...

[@Biosynchro]

I agree with your hypothesis! A friend of mine recently got a really good deal on the old Sony A900. He also owns a pair of A700's. He just likes this system. The A900 isn't the bargain of the D80, but that's another story.

[@key2adventure]

Great camera, and regarding resolution, I recently presented images at an exhibition that were shot on my D100 which is a 6 megapixel CCD powered camera. No resolution upscaling was done, jpeg directly from camera. The images were A3+ and visitors loved the images.

[@cameralabs]

Yep, you could print bigger than many think with these images. Note I'll be re-reviewing the D100 on my vintage Dino Bytes channel soon, check it out!

[@FidelisG]

How uncanny, I just had a D80 came in a few days ago, paired it with the DX 35mm f1.8, and have been really enjoying it alongside the D40x I got a few months earlier. The colours, OH the colours. On VIVID+. Addictive! I think I'm now on a journey to collect all the CCD sensored Nikon DSLRs.

[@acmdv]

I've picked up a Canon EOS 7D with less than 2.5K shutter actuations in "New" condition for £149, works perfectly.

[@slr7075]

I remembered and appreciate the D200 for its compact pro quality body and most importantly the 1/8000th shutter. It was revolutionary!

[@cameralabs]

The D200 was certainly a nice camera, and there's bargains on it too!

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

I picked up a D300 with 11k clicks and near pristine condition for 59€ on MPB recently : best value I've ever had out of a camera purchase for sure ! Though the D80 is not a "bad" value by any means, I do feel that there is better or cheaper options available. The D200 is about the same price, but is substantially better built and has the first iteration of that CCD 10MP sensor with the high bandwidth data throughput allowing for 5 frames per second. The D60 and D40x also share the same "low consuption" version of that sensor limiting the burst rate to 3fps, but at a substantially lower pricepoint too. Overall though, all of those older Nikons are great buys today if you want a bit of nostalgia in your life ;)

[@cameralabs]

That's a great price!

[@brianmckeever5280]

Fun! Trading Queenstown for Brighton, hmmm...I was in New Zealand Christmas 1993 and absolutely loved it!

[@cameralabs]

I love both locations

[@ariaLampadaria]

Ohhh how cool that you made a Video about this camera☺️ my dad had it in a closet downstairs and i wanna try it (i‘m a complete beginner so I need every information i get)

[@cameralabs]

I also have my original 17yr old review of it too if you're interested!

[@ariaLampadaria]

@@cameralabs i‘m gonna watch that next, thank you so much^^

[@amermeleitor]

I feel that front control for the index finger a bit annoying in Nikon because it place so near my middle finger, I prefer Canon ergonomics.

[@thenexthobby]

Starting with a used dealer such as MPB or KEH is what makes old gear valuable, for all the reasons you said. Otherwise, there's an incredible variety of good gear out there available RANDOMLY that can't be recommend merely due to the randomness. :) Some of us never "forgave" Mattias Burling for his video praising a 5D he found for $76. For example, I have a Canon 50D that's incredible, well below market price, but so what? Even worse, I'm spoiled by my 6D and R8, so what exactly am I going to now lug a 50D around for? The experience of using a proper rear dial? Maybe. Dedicated EF-S lens? perhaps. But most of that would be nostalgia, not results-driven usage.

[@cameralabs]

I know what you mean, but sometimes I enjoy a day shooting with an old camera for the nostalgia, but also at times when it could be risky or you want a stripped-down experience. I also made this for anyone who wants to get into photography on a small budget.

[@CO8848_2]

Yes, I bought one last year. Still got that CCD magic.

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Totally didn't expect to see Jordan making a cameo there, lol.

[@abdozagloul]

I'd pick the Canon 350D as it was the first DSLR I ever used. I am Looking forward to your Nikon D700 one day. And I might meet you on the streets in Brighton.

[@cameralabs]

Remember, I made a review of the D700 when it first came out!

[@abdozagloul]

@cameralabs Oh great, I will have a look at it. Thanks 😁

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

Still have my D80, not that I use much at all now. However, the colour rendition is something else compared with CMOS sensors my more modern cameras have. 👍📸

[@dima1353]

I was given this camera when I worked as a school photographer in 2013. Even back then this model was already considered very old. My first personal DSLR was a Sony A100, which seemed to be a competitor to this camera. But I was struck by how much more reliable autofocus was in this Nikon and how much better the same sensor is implemented. And there was no dust on the sensor. Dust stuck to the old Sony DSLRs sensors as it should. It was terrible.

[@JP1050x]

My D50 + DX 35/1.8 is still a great combo.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

Yep. Almost the classic 50mm considering the crop.

[@cameralabs]

Great combo

[@montxsuz]

I've just bought a used Nikon D300s (~2009) to replace my D200 (~2005) which was developing some electronic issues. I went for that model because most of the D200 accessories will work on the D300s. But I paid a bit more than 100 Quid - over AU$200 incl tax. I've actually seen a advert for a NEW, unused D300s in the process, but they wanted too much. My D300s will become my new Full Spectrum converted DSLR.

[@cameralabs]

Very nice!

[@xmeda]

Naah.. I would rather get K10D in case CCD is the reason. Or even better CMOS K20D, which was my first and has proper weather sealing, important AF microadjustment and live view (one of first DSLRs with it) :D I have K20D since 2008 and recently added also K10D bought with lens as pack. And while K10D is quite limited in use, K20D can still do most of tasks I'm used to, just the AF is a bit outdated. But time to time I leave K3 at home and use oldie instead just for fun :)

[@victorboucher675]

Thank you. Small File Camera - ideal for web.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I've bought the F80 recently. I am surprised it supported not just AF-S but also VR! It's a fun film camera. If I were to buy a CCD camera, should I get the D80 or a Fujifilm S5 Pro?

[@cameralabs]

Depends on form factor too

[@DrNick8002]

My first DSLR was D90 bought in 2010, but lost it while capturing photos at Sydney Harbour.

[@cameralabs]

Sorry to hear you lost it, but you can bag a used one for about 100 now

[@BBEEKKAY]

We had one. Color and contrast was the best compared to any other. Miss it.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

The music with the slide show they need to bring that feature back.

[@sgwardo1953]

The D80 sounds great. Any advice on how to pick a compatible lens? I find the Nikon lens variations difficult to navigate.

[@cameralabs]

Get any AF or AFS lens. Also compatible with DX. I'd get the DX 35mm f1.8 or one of the 18-xx zooms.

[@sgwardo1953]

Thanks!@@cameralabs

[@antonvoloshin9833]

Also Ai and Ai-s lenses. If you don't mind manual focusing, you can find absolute gold among them literally for peanuts.

[@sgwardo1953]

Thaks for the info. Very appreciated.@@antonvoloshin9833

[@hrvojekant9415]

Good one for D80 is Nikon lens 16-85 mm

[@punkrachmaninoff]

Please do a video about the K3 classic in this series, Gordon. It is amazing with an A-Series lens...

[@cameralabs]

I'd like to

[@danmcool69]

hey, this is one of the last Nikon cameras before they destroyed the vibrant color output, to make it more "natural"; starting with D90 bye-bye the reds/greens/blues of the first digital cameras

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

Some would say the CMOS settings on the newer bodies was more ' accurate ', matter of taste really. I do like the out of camera look of my D200 but also the look of my D610 and D810 bodies.

[@danmcool69]

@@RichardFraser-y9t the reds/greens/blues are totally amazing as seen in the video, starting with minute 7, in my opinion impossible to reproduce with newer cameras 7:41 for the red, 7:33 for the green minute 7:07 for blue; in the past I had heavily tried to reproduce this output, impossible on any newer Nikon cameras, difficult but possible at least for the reds/blues on Canon cameras

[@MarkSmith-ke4kk]

I had a D80. The matrix meeting is set differently to other Nikon camera both film and digital. The results were unpredictable., either under or over exposed, whilst normal matrix metering usually nails it .I traded it in for D200, at current used prices the D200 is the better deal IMHO.

[@kmahsan]

My first serious camera that I could afford was D90. I remember doing research multiple days. It was a hard decision to shell out almost 1100 dollars from my stipend money 😀. Fast forward to these days I am using a sony a7iii. I still miss the ergonomic of d90. It was a pleasure to use that camera.

[@cameralabs]

Why not pick up a used one for the nostalgia!

[@livonian]

Sony A100 - same CCD sensor and Minolta AF mount 😍

[@eriksnel6461]

I got my D80 in 2008 as a student for an amount I really couldn’t afford but man I love this camera. My dad is Canon all the way so I had to explain something 😂. The ergonomics are great as is its image quality. I like it when a camera powers up very quick and this one does that! Allas as it is now considered vintage I am not really using it anymore and two years ago I got a Canon G7X mk3 because of the lighter weight and more modern specs but I have to admit I really don’t like that thing. 😂

[@cameralabs]

How you feel about a camera is really important, as even if it's technically better, if you prefer using a different model, that's the one to go for.

[@QuicknStraight]

Just picked up a Nikon D200, in mint condition with only 14k clicks, with 18-105mm lens, two good batteries + charger, 4 CF cards, for just over US$100

[@cameralabs]

That is a bargain!

[@QuicknStraight]

@@cameralabs I do like finding a bargain. And there are no issues with back/front focus and the 18-105mm is pretty sharp for a lens of that type.

[@m808nrock]

hm.. im use D90 right now) too old, but it work! also im filming on Kiev 6C, he was made in far 1976 year =)

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

I love to shoot with my D200, the 'pro' version of the D80

[@cameralabs]

Exactly, and the last with CCD before the D300

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

​@@cameralabs yep. Nice colour reproduction, great handling, normally with the 35mm 1.8 G DX on it, almost 50mm considering the crop and the D200 is about the same price on MPB, where I got mine. I was inspired to get it by you and snappyness, thank you Gordon.

[@Juventinos]

pf. i got a hasselblad for a ccd sensor lol who knew? see i always thought the D90 was the great Nikon of that era. but i had no idea the d80 had a ccd sensor.

[@alexanderdanilin9510]

I would keep my d80 or d200 or even buy a d2xs but it's not pleasant to deal with back and front focus effect appearing with various lenses which cannot be compensated for since af fine tuning is not available in older cameras. Sad story.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, that was annoying

[@FandCCD]

I’ve considered a D80 but I love my like new D40 that I bought for $21. I’ll probably going to buy one more vintage dslr and it will either be the D90 or D200.

[@cameralabs]

D90 is cmos, d200 is ccd if that makes a difference to you

[@stevenrobinsonpictures]

I'd spend a bit more and get a D200 which has a lot of benefits. Still a great CCD sensor with a strong Colour Filter Array sitting atop the sensor, delivering great colour. Crucially, it is much less plastic than the D80 (it is much better built) and only costs 20-30 more.

[@cameralabs]

For sure, the D200 is a better choice, but it didn't meet the sub-100 price tag I was after for this video. Maybe I'll make another video about it!

[@stevenrobinsonpictures]

@cameralabs would be interested to see your video yes. It's important to consider that the CCD sensor isn't the thing that gives these early bodies that classic colour (or film like feel some might say). At the early days of digital, stricter CFAs were used and over time, as high iso ability became what everyone wished, the CFAs generally were weakened to let more light to pass. This is why the early bodies have such different (arguably better in some ways) colour.

[@AlexButler10]

What’s the thoughts of the d80 vs an original 5d? Can pick those up in a bit of a beaten up state for around £100 off mpb 🙂

[@cameralabs]

I owned an original 5D and loved ut at the time but I'm not sure it's as good today as some think. I'll need to retest.

[@mcrazza]

And now I'm searching Gumtree and FB Marketplace for D80s. Speaking of Nikon, where's the Z8 and Zf reviews? Love Jordan's cameo BTW. 😆

[@cameralabs]

Nikon never loaned me them for review

[@JohnDoe00]

3:25 My man you didnt age a bit, great content as always

[@cameralabs]

That's very kind of you!

[@deejayiwan7]

Now you must also make new D90 review

[@deejayiwan7]

Im still using D3s, D810 and even D90