amazon Nikon Coolpix P80 reviews
The machine is compact, lightweight and nearly 397 grams. Big controls, clear lines, clear notes. The body, although made of plastic but does not mean that it is broken or cheap. With a 2.7-inch LCD screen, the P80 offers a wide viewing angle and is not glare when used outdoors.
The Nikon P80 uses an 18x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 27-486mm lens, f / 2.8-4.5 aperture) and should be considered one of the market’s top zoom cameras. Like the other super-zoom cameras, the Nikon P80 also supports auto exposure modes such as exposure, focus (manual focus, macro …), self-timer and flash (including red-eye reduction, Slow assimilation …), in addition to the manual mode completely.
To use other drivers the user can go to Menu to select. It is noteworthy that the ISO setting, in addition to the automatic selection of Auto, users can choose to set the ISO from the lowest 64 to the highest ISO 6,400 but note, ISO 3,200 and ISO 6400 for resolution. The picture is very low. And if you choose to automate, you can choose from three ISO 64-100 levels; 64 – 200 and 64 – 400. At ISO 400, the noise appears so much that it is best to leave a level of 64 – 200 to get a more complete picture.
The Nikon P80 offers a variety of focus modes, such as face priority, autofocus, manual focus, or focusing on the center of the frame. However, these functions are not very effective. Face priority mode does not provide the desired effect, the auto focus mode is too scrawny and manual settings only work when the user continuously shoots the same image. The focus mode of the center of the image and color reproduction is outdated, but is the most effective mode.
Although the super-room camera, in terms of performance, the P80 disappointed the user. The average takes 2.9 seconds of starting boot; 1.1 seconds for focus and shooting in low light environment. Under average conditions, a 1.4 second shutter speed is also not considered impressive. Plus, with a continuous shutter speed of 1.3 frames per second, it puts the P80 at the bottom of the list of high quality cameras.
Actually, with sluggish performance, users can not capture moving objects. Advice for those who want to find a camera to shoot sports competitions, children or animals is not recommended to use the P80.
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However, this does not mean that the P80 does not have any strengths. The camera’s lenses are highly appreciated by professionals. Under medium-length shooting conditions (about 150 mm), the P80 is far superior to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18.
The zoom mode does not work very well – it usually shakes slightly when the user changes the length of the lens. However, this function is very responsive and Nikon’s optical image stabilization technology has proven to be a top class.
Long battery life also brings a plus for this camera. The P80 can capture up to 250 shots per charge. However, when compared to the 400-450 shots that Panasonic FZ18 or Canon PowerShot S5 IS, the usage time is still very modest.
In terms of image quality, the P80 has both strengths and weaknesses. The most prominent feature of the P80 is that it delivers true colors. Exposure mode works well, but in strong light conditions, blurring occurs. However, the print quality is better than the latest models such as the Canon Coolpix S600 or Canon Coolpix P5000 and even the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 super-room camera.
The P80 only records in a short time of 30 fps and its VGA resolution. The picture is very good, but there is a limit to the zoom range.
Among the 18x zoom cameras such as the Panasonic FZ18, the Olympus SP-560UZ or the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd, the P80 is a bit more expensive. However, when shooting speed and cases have to high ISO, P80 is not a reasonable choice.
Performance
The performance of the Nikon Coolpix P80 is a critical aspect of its appeal. The camera is designed to offer flexibility and control while delivering quality images across a range of shooting conditions.
Image Quality:
The P80’s 10.1 MP CCD sensor delivers decent image quality, with good color accuracy and detail in well-lit conditions. However, noise becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings, especially above ISO 800. The camera’s image processing engine helps to manage noise to some extent, but users should be aware that images taken at higher ISO levels may exhibit significant graininess.
Zoom and Lens Performance:
One of the standout features of the P80 is its 18x optical zoom lens, which provides an equivalent focal length range of 27-486mm. This extensive zoom range allows for versatile shooting, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups of distant subjects. The lens offers good sharpness throughout the zoom range, though there is some softness at the extreme telephoto end.
The optical image stabilization (OIS) system helps to reduce camera shake, particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low light. While it is effective at mitigating blur, users should still take care to maintain steady handholding or use a tripod for the best results.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed:
The P80 features a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is generally reliable for most shooting situations. The camera’s autofocus performance is adequate for typical use, but it may struggle in low light or with fast-moving subjects. The continuous shooting mode, capable of up to 15 fps, allows for capturing rapid sequences of images, which can be useful for action shots or fast-paced scenes.
Features and Modes
The Nikon Coolpix P80 offers a range of features and shooting modes designed to cater to various photographic needs. These include:
Manual Controls:
The P80 provides manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing users to fine-tune their settings for creative effects and optimal exposure. The manual mode gives users full control over both aperture and shutter speed, providing flexibility for more advanced photography.
Scene Modes:
The camera includes several scene modes designed to simplify shooting in different conditions. These modes include options such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, and Sports. Each mode adjusts the camera’s settings to optimize performance for the specific scene, making it easier for users to capture high-quality images without needing to manually adjust settings.
Video Recording:
The P80 offers VGA video recording at 30 fps. While this resolution was acceptable at the time of the camera’s release, it is relatively low by modern standards. The video quality is serviceable for casual use but lacks the clarity and detail found in higher-resolution formats like HD or 4K.
Built-In Flash:
The camera includes a built-in pop-up flash that provides additional lighting when needed. The flash offers several modes, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow Sync, allowing for better control over how flash is used in different shooting situations.
Comparison with Competitors
When evaluating the Nikon Coolpix P80, it’s helpful to compare it with similar cameras from its era and contemporary models to assess its relative strengths and weaknesses.
Nikon Coolpix P80 vs. Canon PowerShot SX10 IS:
- Zoom Range: The P80’s 18x optical zoom is slightly longer than the Canon SX10 IS’s 20x zoom, providing more reach for distant subjects.
- Image Sensor: Both cameras have similar 10 MP sensors, but the Canon SX10 IS has a slightly better noise performance at higher ISO settings.
- Continuous Shooting: The P80’s 15 fps burst mode surpasses the SX10 IS’s 1.5 fps, making it more suitable for capturing fast action.
- Video Resolution: The Canon SX10 IS also offers VGA video recording, but newer models in this category offer higher resolutions.
Nikon Coolpix P80 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28:
- Zoom Range: The Panasonic FZ28 features a 18x zoom lens similar to the P80, but with a slightly wider maximum aperture, which can be advantageous in low light.
- Image Quality: The FZ28’s image quality is competitive with the P80, but it generally has better noise control at higher ISO settings.
- Video Recording: The FZ28 provides HD video recording, offering superior video quality compared to the P80’s VGA resolution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Zoom: The 18x optical zoom lens provides a broad focal length range, making it suitable for various types of photography.
- Manual Controls: The availability of manual controls allows for greater creative freedom and fine-tuning of settings.
- High-Speed Burst Mode: The 15 fps continuous shooting capability is impressive for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Helps reduce camera shake, particularly at longer focal lengths.
Cons:
- Image Quality at High ISO: Noise becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings, which can affect image quality in low light.
- Limited LCD Screen: The 2.7-inch screen is relatively small and may be challenging to use in bright conditions due to glare.
- Video Resolution: VGA video recording is outdated compared to modern HD and 4K options.
- Autofocus Performance: The contrast-detection autofocus system may struggle with fast-moving subjects and low light.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon Coolpix P80 is a well-rounded bridge camera that offers a solid mix of features and performance for enthusiasts and advanced amateurs. Its powerful 18x zoom lens, manual controls, and high-speed burst mode make it a versatile tool for a range of photographic applications. While the image quality is generally good, it may fall short in low-light conditions and higher ISO settings.
The P80’s design and build quality reflect its intended use as a bridge camera, providing a comfortable grip and accessible controls. However, its relatively small LCD screen and outdated video resolution may be limiting factors for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the Coolpix P80 remains a capable camera for those seeking a blend of advanced features and user-friendly operation.
For users looking for a bridge camera with more modern capabilities, such as higher resolution video or improved autofocus, there are newer models available. However, the P80 still offers a strong performance for its time and can be a valuable tool for capturing a wide range of subjects with its extensive zoom and manual controls.