Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera. The D80 is designed for high performance and resolution, offering intuitive controls and a compact form factor. This kit includes the versatile 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, enabling a wide range of photographic possibilities.

Key Features

• 10.2-Megapixel CCD Sensor: Captures high-resolution images suitable for large prints and creative cropping.
• Included 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens: A versatile 7.5x zoom lens with Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocus, ED glass for superior optical performance, and Internal Focus (IF) system.
• Advanced Auto Exposure System: Features Nikon's 3D-Color Matrix Metering II for consistently dependable exposure.
• Broad ISO Sensitivity Range: ISO 100 to 1600 (expandable to HI-1) for diverse lighting conditions.
• 11-Area Autofocus System: Utilizes Nikon's Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module for precise and fast focus lock.
• High-Speed Continuous Shooting: Capable of 3 frames per second for up to 100 JPEG images or 6 RAW images.
• Large 2.5-inch LCD Monitor: 230,000-dot resolution with a 170-degree viewing angle for clear image review.
• In-Camera Image Editing: Features like D-Lighting and Red-eye correction for enhanced results.
• Long-Lasting Battery: EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for up to 2,700 images per charge.

Setup

1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Carefully unpack all components from the box. Verify that all items listed in the "What's in the Box" section are present. Inspect the camera body and lens for any signs of damage.

• D80 Camera Body
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED Lens
• EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-18a Quick Charger
• AV Cable (EG-D2)
• USB Cable (UC-E4)
• Camera Strap
• Body Cap
• Eyepiece Cap
• Rubber Eyecup
• LCD Monitor Cover
• Accessory Shoe Cover
• PictureProject Software CD-ROM

2. Charging the Battery

Insert the EN-EL3e battery into the MH-18a Quick Charger. Plug the charger into a power outlet. The charge lamp will blink while charging and turn off when charging is complete. A full charge typically takes approximately 2 hours.

3. Inserting the Battery and Memory Card

Open the battery chamber cover on the bottom of the camera. Insert the charged EN-EL3e battery with the orange lock facing up until it clicks into place. Close the cover. Open the SD card slot cover on the side of the camera. Insert an SD memory card until it clicks. Close the cover.

4. Attaching the Lens

Remove the body cap from the camera body and the rear lens cap from the lens. Align the mounting mark on the lens with the mounting mark on the camera body. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place.

Figure 1: Nikon D80 with 18-135mm lens attached.

This image shows the Nikon D80 camera body with the 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens mounted. The camera is black with the Nikon logo prominently displayed on the prism housing. The lens features a zoom ring and focus ring, with focal length markings visible.

Figure 2: Nikon D80 with lens, front-left view.

This image provides another perspective of the Nikon D80 camera with the 18-135mm lens, showcasing the camera's grip and the lens's barrel from the front-left side.

Operating the Camera

1. Power On/Off

To turn the camera on, rotate the power switch around the shutter release button to the "ON" position. To turn it off, rotate it to "OFF". The camera starts up in approximately 0.18 seconds.

2. Basic Shooting Modes

The D80 offers various shooting modes accessible via the mode dial on the top of the camera. These include:

• Digital Vari-Programs: Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. These modes automatically optimize settings for specific scenes.
• Exposure Modes:
  • P (Programmed Auto): Camera sets both shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
  • S (Shutter-Priority Auto): You set the shutter speed, camera sets aperture.
  • A (Aperture-Priority Auto): You set the aperture, camera sets shutter speed.
  • M (Manual): You control both shutter speed and aperture.

Figure 3: Top view of Nikon D80.

This image displays the top panel of the Nikon D80, highlighting the mode dial on the left, the shutter release button, and the monochrome LCD display on the right, which shows current camera settings like ISO and battery level.

3. Focusing

The D80 features an 11-area autofocus system. You can select focus areas manually or use the Auto-area AF mode, which automatically detects the primary subject. The lens also supports manual focus.

• AF-S (Single-servo AF): For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• AF-C (Continuous-servo AF): For moving subjects. Camera continuously focuses while shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• AF-A (Auto-servo AF): Camera automatically selects AF-S or AF-C based on subject movement.

4. Adjusting ISO Sensitivity

ISO sensitivity can be set manually from ISO 100 to 1600 in 1/3-EV increments. Higher ISO settings (HI-0.3, HI-0.7, HI-1) are available for extremely low light conditions. Auto ISO sensitivity control is also available.

5. White Balance

The D80 offers Auto White Balance (AWB) for natural coloration. Manual settings include Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade, with fine-tuning options. A preset option allows using a gray or white object as a reference.

6. Image Playback and Review

Press the Playback button (>) to view images. The 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. Use the zoom buttons to magnify images up to 25 times for sharpness assessment. An RGB histogram display aids in exposure evaluation.

Figure 4: Rear view of Nikon D80.

This image displays the back of the Nikon D80 camera, featuring the large 2.5-inch LCD screen, the viewfinder, and various control buttons such as Menu, WB, ISO, QUAL, and the multi-selector pad.

7. In-Camera Editing

The Retouch menu offers several in-camera editing functions:

• D-Lighting: Automatically brings out detail in shadows and highlights.
• Red-eye Correction: Automatically detects and corrects red-eye caused by flash.
• Trim: Crop images to produce smaller files.
• Multiple Exposure: Combine up to 3 consecutive exposures into a single image.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the Camera and Lens

• Camera Body: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the camera body. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild cleaning solution.
• Lens Surfaces: Use a lens brush or blower to remove dust. For smudges, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth, wiping gently in a circular motion from the center outwards.
• Image Sensor: If dust spots appear on images, the image sensor may need cleaning. This is a delicate procedure; it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned by a Nikon service center.

2. Battery Care

• Always use the supplied MH-18a charger for the EN-EL3e battery.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently to prolong its lifespan.

3. Storage

When storing the camera for extended periods, remove the battery and memory card. Store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area, preferably in a camera bag with desiccant packets to prevent mold and mildew.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

Nikon products are covered by a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product for specific terms and conditions. Generally, Nikon offers a one-year limited warranty on new camera bodies and lenses against defects in materials and workmanship.

The provided information indicates a 14-day return policy from the seller. For detailed warranty claims and service, please contact Nikon's official customer support.

Customer Support

For technical assistance, service, or further inquiries, please visit the official Nikon support website or contact their customer service hotline. Keep your product's serial number and proof of purchase readily available when seeking support.

You can find more information and support resources on the Nikon Store on Amazon.