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| Compact and well made |
Another camera that wasn't on my plans to buy but it was for £20 and I thought that I should go ahead and buy it anyway. It is a well sought after camera for the Nikonians and I thought I could shoot a few films and see how I feel about it.
The F80 came out on the beginning of the digital era, so it probably it did not receive the attention it really deserved although it has become more popular as a model in the second hand market. As with all Nikons of that era, it too suffers from the sticky back syndrome although my sample is not that bad really.
First impressions are really good. Compact and lightweight, fits nicely in my hands. Viewfinder is a bit small and not as crisp as the F90x. The user interface on this camera is excellent. Dials and switches to change into different functions, no more those push and rotate interface of the previous models, well done for having it so well thought out. Another plus with this camera is that you will not
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| Sticky back has attracted loads of dust |
find any unnecessary features such as subject-based programmes and the likes. Another good thing about this camera is that functions are not hidden away a la F65 where you cannot have access to them other than via different shooting modes – with the F80 you can change the metering mode, AF points or drive speed independently of the programme mode you are using.
But all my positive initial impressions where shuttered once I switched the camera on and tried to focus with the AF 28-70 f/3.5-4.5 on. The AF is just slow. Things are a bit better with the AF 50f/1.8 but nothing impressive. Actually, the F4s is just as quick at focusing the 50mm and much faster in focusing the zoom lens. Now, both these lenses are screwdriver lenses, the F80 might be doing better with G type lenses but with the above mentioned ones, this camera is as fast as the Nikon F65. Really disappointed with it. On the positive side, vibrations and noise levels are almost non existing – making this camera one of the most silent cameras I ever used.
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| 3 Nikons. F4s, F80 and F90x |
Nikon F90x Vs Nikon F80
Ok, so let's see how those two cameras compare.
Build Quality: The F90x is a big and heavy camera. Loads of metal in it. The Nikon F80 is just pure plastic.
AF Speed: With the screwdriver lenses that I own, the F90x trashes the F80 in every possible respect. The F80 has selectable AF points though.
Viewfinder: The F90x has a massive, bright and crisp viewfinder. The viewfinder of the F80 does not come anywhere near. The F80 has an advantage though: It can project a grid that aids with composition (accessible via CF)
Light metering: Suburb in both cameras.
User interface: The F80 has a beautiful user interface, has everything you need and nothing you don't. The F90x allows exposure compensation in 1/3 stop. The F80 only in half stops.
Film Drive: F80: 2.5 fps. F90x: 5fps
Size/weight: The F90x is a much bigger and heavier camera.
Noise: The F80 is a silent camera. The F90x sounds like an artillery canon.
Shutter speed Range: F90x: Up to 1/8000 – F80: Up to 1/4000.
Compatibility: F80 if you have modern lenses, F90x if you have older Nikkors
Summary
The F80 is an interesting camera. It represents years of development – eventually Nikon offered a camera with a great set of features, in a compact and well made body. Everything is well thought out in this camera except from the AF which feels slow with older screwdriver lenses.
This camera is quite well sought after in the second hand market and rightly so. But if you don't mind the size and weight of the older F90x then I would say that the F90x represents a better value for money camera.
This of course does not mean that the F80 is not a great little camera – far from it. It has a plethora of features, a compact size and can accept VR lenses. I would say, if the price is right, get one. Me personally, I would stick with the good, old F90x.
Recommended.