Since the days of bathroom development and 35mm film, Nikon and Canon owners have always held very vocal opinions towards the opposite camp. Having owned both Canon and Nikon gear in the very recent past, I can say with all confidence - Nikon has hit a home run with the D80.

Using many of the powerful components found in the D200, Nikon created an exceptionally agile “prosumer” camera with an abundance of features, all put together with a reasonable price tag. For the average Joe shooting primarily JPG files with picture styles processed in the camera, the D80 may well produce better images than its bigger brother. This is due to a tweaked processing algorithm and more aggressive sharpening techniques. The D80 is also a slightly better performer in high ISO situations. Professional and advanced-amateur RAW shooters and environments demanding weather proof equipment will want to take a hard look at the now-defunct D200 or Nikon’s newer D300. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the D40 and D40x, the D80 has an internal autofocus motor, which grants it access to a much wider range of lenses. It also incorporates many bells and whistles not found on similarly priced models from the competition, such as full blown matrix metering and an excellent viewfinder.

The key features are:

• A 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD
• Image processing engine (similar to D200 / D2X)
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (same as D50)
• 11-area AF system (new version of Multi-CAM 1000, similar to D200)
• Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
• Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
• Mechanical only shutter (maximum 1/4000 sec, flash sync to 1/200 sec)
• Quoted 80 ms shutter lag (short viewfinder blackout; 160 ms)
• Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder (x0.94 magnification)
• Support for SD-HC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
• In-camera retouching
• Multiple-exposures
• Compact body (smaller, lighter than D70/D70s)
• Improved menu user interface (same as D200)
• Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery (provides detailed information, same as D200)
• Wireless flash integration (same as D200)

When coupled with Nikon’s optional ML-L3 wireless remote, taking shots without ever touching the camera is wonderful. Its great for long exposures and multiple identical shots (for HDR bracketing or otherwise).

Nikon D80 vs Canon XTi:

Canon’s Digital Rebel XTi is considered a direct competitor to the Nikon D80. Frankly, this is not a fair comparison. The D80 carries a higher price point, but it also carries a much stronger feature set and is a generally more powerful camera. Compared to the toy-like body of the XTi, the D80 is well built and looks very professional. Appearance is only skin deep, but the D80 has the hardware to back up its slick looking exterior.

The D80’s viewfinder is a major improvement over the XTi. Larger and brighter, it allows for much easier shot composition. The grip is also an improvement. The D80 feels much more natural and well situated in the hand, and makes handling large lenses easier then with the XTi. Both are small cameras compared to the larger semi pro and professional models.

If you decide to go Nikon, you can’t go wrong with the D80 for almost any application. I would highly recommend it over the cheaper but far less sophisticated 4-series models.

Nikon D80 pictured with optional MB-D80 battery grip and Nikkor 18-135mm kit lens.

The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is the 10MP big brother of the Canon Digital Rebel XT. The XTi, also known as the 400d in foreign circles, was is one of the only recent digital slr cameras without any real direct competetion from the other major manufactuer, Nikon. The D40x was introduced long after the XTi and the D80 is in a class above, so the low price niche is slanted in Canon’s direction.

The plastic body is a drawback for some professionals and the abnormally small grip may appeal to some, and repeal others. The fact of the matter is that for under $500 on sale, the Canon XTi can’t be beat for price. I ended up upgrading to a professional body but my time with the XTi was enjoyable and the image quality was similar to that of cameras that cost $2000+. When coupled with a strong lens, the XTi has the potential to create phenomenal images.

Similar to my complaint regarding the ergonomics of the XT, the XTi’s small size and “lacking” grip present a problem for people with large hands. Again, the BG-E3 battery grip is a fine solution to this problem but it is something to consider, especially if you don’t particularly want to purchase a battery grip.

If you have your eye on the XTi and can’t afford the D80 or 30d, give it a good, long look! Its a great camera at a greater price. With the money saved over similar models, the difference can be put towards a larger investment into Canon’s excellent lens system.