What To Know
- While the D80 is a budget-friendly option for beginners, the D850 is a professional-grade camera designed for advanced photographers.
- The wider ISO range of the D850 allows you to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors.
- On the other hand, the D850 is a professional-grade camera that is ideal for advanced photographers who demand the best image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities.
The Nikon D80 and D850 are two popular digital SLR cameras that cater to different needs and skill levels. While the D80 is a budget-friendly option for beginners, the D850 is a professional-grade camera designed for advanced photographers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore the key differences between these two cameras to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D80 features a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, while the D850 boasts a 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor. The higher resolution of the D850 allows for larger prints, more detailed images, and greater cropping flexibility. Additionally, the D850’s CMOS sensor offers superior low-light performance, resulting in cleaner images with less noise.
Autofocus System
The Nikon D80 has an 11-point autofocus system, while the D850 features a 153-point autofocus system. The D850’s more advanced autofocus system provides faster and more accurate focusing, especially in low-light conditions. It also offers a wider coverage area, making it easier to track moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Nikon D80 can shoot up to 3 frames per second (fps), while the D850 can shoot up to 9 fps. The D850’s higher continuous shooting speed is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife. It allows you to capture more frames in a shorter amount of time, increasing the chances of getting the perfect shot.
ISO Range
The Nikon D80 has an ISO range of 200-1600, while the D850 has an ISO range of 64-25600. The wider ISO range of the D850 allows you to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors. It enables you to maintain a faster shutter speed and avoid blurry images, even in low-light situations.
Viewfinder and Display
The Nikon D80 has a pentaprism viewfinder with 0.94x magnification, while the D850 has a pentaprism viewfinder with 0.75x magnification. The D850’s higher magnification provides a larger and brighter view of the scene, making it easier to compose and focus your shots. Additionally, the D850’s LCD display is larger (3.2 inches) and has a higher resolution (2.36 million dots) than the D80’s (2.5 inches and 230,000 dots).
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D80 does not have video recording capabilities, while the D850 can record 4K UHD videos at up to 30 fps and Full HD videos at up to 60 fps. The D850’s advanced video capabilities make it a great choice for photographers who want to incorporate video into their workflow.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D80 is no longer in production and can be found used for around $200-$300. The Nikon D850 is still in production and retails for around $2,500-$3,000. The price difference reflects the significant technological advancements and professional-grade features offered by the D850.
Recommendations: Making the Right Choice
The Nikon D80 and D850 are both excellent cameras that serve different purposes. The D80 is a great option for beginners who are looking for an affordable entry-level DSLR. It offers solid image quality, a reliable autofocus system, and a user-friendly interface.
On the other hand, the D850 is a professional-grade camera that is ideal for advanced photographers who demand the best image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities. It is a more expensive investment but offers a level of performance and versatility that is unmatched by the D80.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your needs, skill level, and budget. Consider the key differences outlined in this comparison and choose the camera that best aligns with your photography goals.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D850 has a superior low-light performance due to its higher ISO range and CMOS sensor.
Q: Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed?
A: The Nikon D850 can shoot up to 9 fps, while the D80 can shoot up to 3 fps.
Q: Which camera has a larger viewfinder?
A: The Nikon D850 has a larger and brighter viewfinder with 0.75x magnification, while the D80 has a 0.94x magnification.
Q: Which camera can record videos?
A: Only the Nikon D850 has video recording capabilities, offering 4K UHD and Full HD video recording.
Q: Which camera is more expensive?
A: The Nikon D850 is more expensive than the D80, with a retail price of around $2,500-$3,000 compared to $200-$300 for the D80.
