
Nikon Coolpix P80 Basic Features
* 10-megapixel CCD delivers image resolutions as high as 3,648 x 2,736 pixels
* 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 27-486mm zoom on a 35mm camera
* As much as 4x digital zoom
* 2.7-inch color LCD monitor
* Automatic, manual and partial manual exposure control modes
* Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 8 seconds, depending on exposure mode
* Maximum aperture f/2.8-4.5, depending on zoom position, 10-step range
* Built-in flash with six modes
* Dual function USB / AV jack for connection to a television or computer
* Power from custom rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, charger included
* Images stored in 50 MB internal memory or to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Nikon Coolpix P80 Special Features
* Image Sensor Shift Vibration Reduction

* Adjustable AF area with 99-point manual selection, 9-point Auto, and Face-Priority options
* 15 preset Scene modes
* Movie mode with sound
* Audio recording mode
* 256-segment Matrix, Center-weighted and Spot metering
* User adjustable white balance setting with seven modes, including a manual option
* Sport Continuous, Continuous, Best Shot Selector and Multi-16 shooting modes
* ISO settings from 64 to 6,400 equivalents
* Auto Exposure Bracketing mode
* Interval (time-lapse) still and movie modes
* Distortion Control setting
* User adjustable contrast, saturation and sharpness, plus Optimize Image menu
* D-Lighting editing option
Overview
by Stephanie Boozer and Shawn Barnett
Review Date: 12/16/08

The most notable feature on the Nikon Coolpix P80 is its impressive 18x optical zoom lens, which covers a 35mm equivalent range of 27-486mm. That's a lot of zoom for an MSRP of about $399. Billed by Nikon as the "world's most compact super telephoto camera," the Coolpix P80 is indeed fairly small considering its very large lens. It won't fit into a jeans pocket, but should still fit into larger coat pockets and purses pretty well.
In addition to its wow-inspiring zoom, the Coolpix P80 also offers 10 megapixels, a full range of automatic and manual exposure control, and a healthy selection of user adjustment tools; even a Distortion Control option for reducing lens distortion at full wide-angle or telephoto.
A selection of no less than 15 preset Scene modes covers a wide range of unique conditions, and the user has control over important features such as White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Color, ISO, and Metering as well. Standard Nikon offerings such as D-Lighting and Face Priority AF are also included, as well as a new Scene mode, Sports Continuous, for a whopping 13 frames per second rate and a maximum 1/4,000-second shutter speed.
The camera's large and bright 2.7-inch color LCD monitor is great for composing and reviewing images, with accurate framing. With its full range of exposure control available, the Coolpix P80 should be suitable for novices and more advanced users alike.
User Report
by Stephanie BoozerThough a bit bulkier than the average consumer digital camera, the Nikon Coolpix P80's extra girth comes mainly from its large 18x optical zoom lens, as the camera body itself is actually quite compact. With an impressive zoom range equivalent to a 27-486mm zoom on a 35mm camera, the Coolpix P80's slightly larger size seems worth what you lose in pocketability. And though the camera's interface appears simple and limited, don't mistake its minimal external controls for minimal capabilities.
The Coolpix P80 offers the full range of exposure control, from full automatic, to partial manual, to full manual exposure modes. There are also 15 preset Scene modes to choose from. Users have control over a wide range of ISO settings, as well as AF area (including a 99-point manual selection), white balance, metering, color, contrast, sharpness, saturation, and a handful of other useful shooting tools.
Thus, given its offerings, the Coolpix P80 is actually quite a compact little number, and small enough for Nikon to boast its being the most compact super-telephoto digital camera currently on the market.
The Nikon P80's 18x optical zoom lens offers a very wide maximum wide-angle setting at 27mm, with available Distortion Control to counteract any strong barrel distortion that might occur. An Optical Vibration Reduction setting helps reduce any slight blurring from camera movement when shooting at full telephoto or with the full 4x digital zoom enabled, featuring a sensor-shift design. Post-capture image correction tools such as D-Lighting (to correct dark or backlit images) and Red-Eye Fix help with common exposure problems, and options like Face-Priority AF and Sport Continuous mode ensure you get the best results in portrait and action shots. Unfortunately, there's insufficient compensation for the impressively strong chromatic aberration.
Source : http://www.imaging-resource.com
















