Nikon D80 Owner Manual

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Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

See pages v–vi The Ta ble of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index See pages vii–ix

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? Find it from the “question and answer” index.

The Index See pages 147–149

Search by key word.

Error Messages See pages 132–133

If a warning is displayed in the control panel, viewﬁ nder, or monitor, ﬁ nd the solution here.

Troubleshooting See pages 129–131

Camera behaving unexpectedly? Find the solution here.

Digitutor

“Digitutor,” a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available at the following website:

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Help

Use the camera‘s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 9 for details.

Introduction

Tutorial

Reference

Menu Guide

Photography and Playback

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all warnings before using this Nikon product.

WARNINGS

Do not look at the sun through the view nder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewﬁ nder could cause permanent visual impairment.

Using the view nder diopter control

When operating the viewﬁ nder diopter control with your eye to the viewﬁ nder, care should be taken not to put your ﬁ nger in your eye accidentally.

Turn o immediately in the event of malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualiﬁ ed technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Do not use in the presence of  ammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of ﬂ ammable gas, as this could result in explosion or ﬁ r e .

Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant or

child

Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.

Obser ve proper precautions when handling batteries

Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries for use in this product:

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is oﬀ before replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards.

• Do not expose the battery to ﬂ ame or to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool, dry place.

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera oﬀ and allow the battery to cool.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

Observe proper precautions when handling the quick charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in ﬁ re or electric shock.

• Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could result in ﬁ re.

• Do not handle the power cable or go near the charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not damage, modify, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. Do not place it under heavy objects or expose it to heat or ﬂ ame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in ﬁ re or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

ii For Your Safety

Use appropriate cables

When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations.

CD -ROMs

CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CDROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

Avoid contac t with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

Obser ve caution when using the  ash

Do not operate the ﬂ ash with the ﬂ ash window touching a person or object. Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or ﬁ re. Using the ﬂ ash close to the subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Particular care should be observed when photographing infants, when the ﬂ ash should be no less than one meter (39 in.) from the subject.

Notices

• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

• Nikon reserves the right to change the speciﬁ cations of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment oﬀ and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

• While every eﬀ ort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

D80

CAUTIONS

Modiﬁ cations

The FCC requires the user be notiﬁ ed that any changes or modiﬁ cations made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California

WARNING: Handling the cord on this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

ATTENTION

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

iiiNotices

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

• This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law.

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”

The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certiﬁ ed documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certiﬁ cates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcuts, prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is governed by national and international copyright laws. Do not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted ﬁ les can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.

Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely reﬁ ll it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset white balance. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft corporation. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. The SDHC logo is a trademark. Adobe, Acrobat, and Adobe Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

iv Notices

Introduction

..................................................

Tutorial

........................................................

Reference

....................................................

Q & A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.

General Questions

Question Key phrase Page #

How do I use the menus? Using the menus 9–10 How do I get more information on a menu? Help 3, 9 What do these indicators mean? Control panel, viewﬁ nder 5, 6 What does this warning mean? Camera Error messages and displays 132–133 How many more shots can I take with this card? Number of exposures remaining 19 How much charge does the battery have left? Battery level 19

What does “exposure” mean and how does it work? What do I do with the viewﬁ nder eyepiece cap? Self timer, remote control 37, 38

What optional ﬂ ash units (Speedlights) can I use? Optional ﬂ ash units 119–121 What lenses can I use? Lenses 117–118 What accessories are available for my camera? Accessories for the D80 123 What memory cards can I use? Approved memory cards 122 What software is available for my camera? Accessories for the D80 123 Who can I ask to repair or inspect my camera? Servicing the camera x, 126 How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 124

Camera Setup

Question Key phrase Page #

How do I focus the viewﬁ nder? Viewﬁ nder focus 17 How do I keep the monitor from turning oﬀ ?Monitor oﬀ 98 How do I set the clock?

How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness? LCD brightness 103 How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 44 How do I turn oﬀ the light on the front of the camera? AF-assist illuminator 87 Can I display a framing grid in the viewﬁ nder? Grid display 89 How do I view the control panel in the dark? LCD illuminator 3, 93 How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays from turning oﬀ ? How do I change the self timer delay? Self timer 99 How do I change the remote delay? Remote control 99 How do I keep the camera from beeping? Beep 86 How do I view all the items in the menus? CSM / setup menu 101 Can I display the menus in a diﬀ erent language? Language 103 How do I keep the ﬁ le number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset ﬁ le numbering to 1?

Exposure 46

World time 103How do I set the clock for daylight savings time?

Auto meter oﬀ 99

File number sequence 106

viiQ & A Index

Ta king Photographs

Question Key phrase Page #

Is there an easy way to take snapshots? Auto mode 19–23 Is there an easy way to take more creative shots? Digital Vari-Program modes 24–25

How do I bring out a portrait subject? Portrait mode 24, 25 How can I get good landscape shots? Landscape mode 24, 25 How do I take close ups of small objects? Close-up mode 24, 25 How do I “freeze” a moving subject? Sports mode 24, 25 How do I shoot scenery at night? Night landscape mode 24, 25

Can I include night backgrounds in my portraits? Night portrait mode 24, 25 How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Shooting mode 36 Can I shoot a self-portrait? Self timer 37 Is there a remote control for this camera? Remote control 38–39 How do I adjust exposure? Exposure; P, S, A, and M modes 45–51

How do I freeze or blur moving objects? Mode S (shutter-priority auto) 48

How do I blur background details? Mode A (aperture-priority auto) 49

Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 54

How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 51 How do I use the ﬂ ash?

Flash photography, ﬂ ash mode 40–42Can the ﬂ ash ﬁ re automatically when needed? How do I keep the ﬂ ash from ﬁ ring? How do I prevent red eye? Red-eye reduction 41 Can I take pictures under low light without the ﬂ ash? ISO sensitivity 43

Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 28–29

How do I focus on a moving subject? Autofocus mode 29 How do I choose where the camera focuses? Focus area 30 Can I change the composition after focusing? Focus lock 31

How do I improve image quality? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the memory card? Can I take photos at a reduced size for e-mail?

Image quality and size 33–35

viii Q & A Index

Viewing, Printing, and Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase Page #

Can I view my photographs on the camera? Camera playback 61, 63 Can I view more information about photos? Photo info 62–63

Why parts of my photos blink? How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual photos 26, 65

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 74 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they’re in focus? Playback zoom 64 Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Protect 65 Is there an automatic playback (“slide show”) option? Slide show 75–77 Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 66 Can I set a slide show to music? Pictmotion 75–77 How do I copy photos to my computer? Connecting to a computer 67–68 How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 69–73 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 69–73 Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp, DPOF 71, 73 How do I order professional prints? Print set 73 How do I bring out details in shadows? D-lighting 110 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 111 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 111 Can I create a monochrome copy of a photograph? Monochrome 112 Can I create a copy with diﬀ erent colors? Filter eﬀ ects 112 Can I make a small copy of a photograph? Small picture 112–113 Can I overlay two photos to make a single image? Image overlay 114–115

Photo info, highlights 62–63

ixQ & A Index

Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequentlyasked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://nikonimaging.com/

x Q & A Index

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D80 single-lens reﬂ ex (SLR) digital camera with interchangeable lenses. This manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it handy when using the product.

To make it easier to ﬁ nd the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks cautions, information that should be read before use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes, information that should be read before using the camera.

This icon marks settings that can be adjusted using camera menus.

Lens

An AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor IF ED 18–135 mm f/3.5–5.6G lens ( tive purposes.

21 3 4

This icon marks tips, additional information that may be helpful when using the camera.

This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual or in the Quick Start Guide.

This icon marks settings that can be ﬁ netuned from the Custom Settings menu.

145) is used in this manual for illustra-

1. Focal length scale

2. Focus ring

3. Focal length index

4. Mounting index:

5. Rear cap:

6. CPU contacts:

117

7. A-M mode switch: 11, 32

8. Zoom ring:

9. Lens cap:

17, 19

1Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may ﬁ nd it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

1 Built-in ﬂ ash ...........................................................23, 40

2 (ﬂ ash mode) button ........................................... 40

(ﬂ ash compensation) ....................................... 55

4 Infrared receiver .......................................................... 38

5 Lens mounting index .............................................. 11

6 Eyelet for camera strap .............................................. 8

7 Connector cover ..........................................66, 67, 70

8 USB connector ............................................................. 67

9 Reset switch .................................................................129

10 DC-IN connector for optional EH-5 AC

adapter ...........................................................................123

11 Video connector ......................................................... 66

12 Remote cord connector .......................................123

13 Focus-mode selector .......................................28, 32

14 Lens release button ................................................. 11

15 Lens mount .................................................................... 11

16 Mirror .................................................................... 106, 125

17 Depth-of-ﬁ eld preview button .......................... 49

18 Grip ......................................................................................21

19 Sub-command dial ........................................... 10, 91

20 FUNC. button ............................................................... 92

(bracketing) button ....................................56–57

21 Eyelet for camera strap ..............................................8

22 AF-assist illuminator ......................................... 28, 87

Self-timer lamp .................................................... 37, 38

Red-eye reduction lamp ........................................ 39

23 Shutter-release button .................................... 22, 23

24 Power switch ......................................................... 11, 19

Illuminator switch ......................................................... 3

(exposure compensation) button ........... 54

● (reset button) .......................................................... 44

26 (shooting mode) button .................................. 36

Single/continuous mode ...................................... 36

Self-timer mode .......................................................... 37

Remote control mode ............................................. 38

27 (AF mode) button ................................................. 29

● (reset button) .......................................................... 44

28 Control panel ................................................................... 5

29 Accessory shoe cover ............................................119

30 Accessory shoe (for optional ﬂ ash unit) .....119

31 (focal plane mark) .............................................. 32

32 Mode dial .................................................47, 48, 49, 50

33 (metering mode) button ..............................52

(format) button .................................................16

10 11

2 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

1 Viewﬁ nder eyepiece .................................................... 8

2 Viewﬁ nder eyepiece cup .......................... 6, 17, 21

3 Diopter adjustment control ................................. 17

4 (AE-L/AF-L) button ..................................... 31, 94

7 Memory card slot cover ......................................... 15

8 Focus selector lock .................................................... 30

9 Memory card access lamp ............................ 15, 23

button .......................................................................... 9

11 Battery-chamber cover latch ............................. 13

12 Battery-chamber cover .......................................... 13

13 Multi selector

14 Tripod socket

15 (playback zoom) button ................................. 64

QUAL (image quality/size) button .............. 34, 35

(thumbnail) button ........................................... 63

ISO (ISO sensitivity) button .................................... 43

(help/protect) button ................................. 9, 65

WB (white balance) button ................................... 58

(menu) button ......................................................... 9

18 19

(playback) button ....................................... 26, 61

20 Monitor ........................................................................ 9, 26

21 (delete) button ............................................ 26, 65

(format) button .................................................16

5 DK-5 viewﬁ nder eyepiece cap ..............................8

6 Main command dial ......................................... 10, 91

* Multi selector

The multi selector is used for menu navigation and to control the display of photo information during playback.

View more photo info Playback ( 61)

View previous photo

Move cursor up Menu navigation (

View next photo

Return to previous menu Display sub-menu

Cancel Make selection

View more photo info

Move cursor down

Help

For help on the current mode or menu item, press the bottom left corner of the monitor. Help is displayed while the

button at the

button is pressed; to scroll the display, press the multi selector up or down. Help is available in

(auto) and Digital Vari-Program modes or when a icon is

displayed in the bottom left corner of the monitor.

The LCD Illuminator

Holding the power switch in the position activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlight (LCD illuminator), allowing the display to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminator will remain active while the exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released.

3Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

The Mode Dial

The D80 oﬀ ers a choice of the following eleven shooting modes:

Advanced Modes (Exposure Modes)

Select these modes for full control over camera settings.

P — Programmed auto ( 47): Camera chooses shutter speed and aperture, user controls other settings. S — Shutter-priority auto ( shutter speeds to freeze action, slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects.

48): Choose fast

A — Aperture-priority auto ( ture to soften background details or increase depth-of-ﬁ eld to bring both main subject and background into focus. M — Manual ( aperture to your creative intent.

50): Match shutter speed and

49): Adjust aper-

Point-and-Shoot Modes (Digital Vari-Programs)

Selecting a Digital Vari-Program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial.

— Auto ( 19): Camera adjusts settings automatically to produce optimal results with “point-and-shoot” simplicity. Recommended for ﬁ rst-time users of digital cameras.

— Portrait ( 24, 25): Shoot portraits with

background in soft focus.

— Landscape ( 24, 25): Preserve details in

landscape shots.

— Close up ( 24, 25): Take vivid close-ups of

ﬂ owers, insects, and other small objects.

— Sports ( 24, 25): Freeze motion for dy-

namic sports shots.

— Night landscape ( 24, 25): Take landscape

shots at night.

— Night portrait ( 24, 25): Shoot portraits

against a dimly-lit backdrop.

4 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

Control Panel

1 Shutter speed ....................................................... 48, 50

Exposure compensation value .......................... 54

Flash compensation value .................................... 55

ISO sensitivity ................................................................ 43

White balance ﬁ ne-tuning, or

color temperature .............................................. 58, 59

Number of shots in bracketing sequence

.....................................................................................56, 140

2 ISO sensitivity indicator .......................................... 43

ISO AUTO indicator ................................................... 43

3 Battery indicator .........................................................19

4 Flash sync mode ................................................. 40, 41

5 Image quality ................................................................ 34

6 Image size ....................................................................... 35

7 White balance mode ............................................... 58

8 Number of exposures remaining ..................... 19

Number of shots remaining before

memory buﬀ er ﬁ lls .................................................... 36

PC mode indicator ..................................................... 68

Preset white balance recording indicator ... 60

9 “K” (appears when memory remains for over

1000 exposures)

10 Shooting mode ........................................................... 36

Self-timer/remote control mode .............. 37, 38

11 Aperture (f/-number) ....................................... 49, 50

Bracketing increment .............................................. 56

PC connection indicator ........................................ 68

12 Exposure compensation indicator ..................54

13 Flash compensation indicator ............................ 55

14 Flexible program indicator ................................... 47

15 Focus area ............................................................... 30, 87

AF-area mode ....................................................... 30, 87

16 AF mode .......................................................................... 29

17 Bracketing progress indicator ............................. 56

18 Metering mode ........................................................... 52

19 Multiple exposure indicator ................................ 84

20 Black-and-white indicator ..................................... 81

21 “Beep” indicator ........................................................... 86

22 “Clock not set” indicator ............................103, 132

23 Bracketing indicator ................................................. 56

Large-Capacity Memory Cards

When enough memory remains on the memory card to record a thousand or more pictures at current settings, the number of exposures remaining will be shown in thousands, rounded down to the nearest hundred (e.g., if there is room for approximately 1,260 exposures, the exposure count display will show 1.2 K).

5Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

The Viewﬁ nder Display

1 Framing grid (displayed when On is selected

for Custom Setting 8 (Grid display)) ........... 89

2 8-mm (0.31 in.) reference circle for center-

weighted metering ........................................... 52, 90

3 “No memory card” warning 4 Battery indicator

....................................................... 19

5 Black-and-white indicator

.....................15, 133

................................... 81

6 Focus brackets (focus area) ...................19, 21, 30

7 Normal-frame focus brackets

(focus area) ............................................................. 21, 87

8 Wide-frame focus brackets (focus area) ....... 87

9 Focus indicator ............................................................ 22

10 Flash value (FV) lock .................................................94

11 Autoexposure (AE) lock .......................................... 94

12 Shutter speed ....................................................... 48, 50

13 Aperture (f/-number) ....................................... 48, 50

1. Can be hidden with Custom Setting 9 (

89)

If the battery is totally exhausted or not inserted, the display in the viewﬁ nder will dim.

The viewﬁ nder display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.

15 18

1210 11

139

14 Electronic analog exposure display ................ 50

Exposure compensation ........................................ 54

15 Flash compensation indicator ............................ 55

16 Exposure compensation indicator ..................54

17 Number of exposures remaining ..................... 19

Number of shots remaining before

memory buﬀ er ﬁ lls .................................................... 36

Preset white balance recording indicator ... 60

Exposure compensation value .......................... 54

Flash compensation value .................................... 55

PC connection indicator ........................................ 68

18 Flash-ready indicator ................................................ 23

19 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator .............................. 43

20 Battery indicator ......................................................... 19

21 Bracketing indicator ................................................. 56

22 “K” (appears when memory remains for

over 1000 exposures) ..................................................5

2119

The Control Panel and Viewﬁ nder

The response times and brightness of the control panel and viewﬁ nder may vary with temperature. Owing to the characteristics of this type of display, you may notice ﬁ ne lines radiating outward from the selected focus area. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

6 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

Supplied Accessories

The MH-18a Quick Charger ( 12)

The MH-18a is for use with the supplied EN-EL3e battery.

CHARGE lamp

Wall plug (shape varies with

AC inlet

The EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery ( 12, 13)

The EN-EL3e is for use with the D80.

Negative terminal

The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon

Signal contact

Positive terminal

Terminal cover

holographic seal shown above could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

AC adapter plug

country of sale)

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including lenses, Speedlights, battery chargers, batteries, and AC adapters) certiﬁ ed by Nikon speciﬁ cally for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

HE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE THE CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANT Y.

For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact an authorized Nikon dealer.

7Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

The Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap as shown below.

The BM-7 LCD Monitor Cover

A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use. To attach the cover, insert the projection on the top of the cover into the matching indentation above the camera monitor () and press the bottom of the cover until it clicks into place ().

To remove the cover, hold the camera ﬁ rmly and pull the bottom of the cover gently until outwards as shown at right.

The DK-21 Viewﬁ nder Eyepiece Cup

Before attaching the DK-5 viewﬁ nder eyepiece cap and other viewﬁ nder accessories ( 122), remove the viewﬁ nder eyepiece cup by placing your ﬁ ngers underneath the ﬂ anges at either side and sliding it oﬀ as shown at right.

8 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

Using Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the button.

Choose from playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, and retouch menus (see below)

If “?” icon is displayed, help for the current item can be viewed by pressing

Playback Adjust playback settings and manage photos ( 74). Shooting Adjust shooting settings ( 79). Custom Settings Personalize camera settings ( 86). Setup Format memory cards and perform basic camera setup ( 101). Retouch Create retouched copies of existing photographs ( 109).

button

Menu Description

Slider shows position in current menu

Current setting for each option is shown by icon

Current menu item is highlighted

The multi selector and OK button are used to navigate the camera menus.

Move cursor up

Increase number

▲

Return to previous menu Display sub-menu

▼

▲

Press OK to select highlighted option.

▼

Move cursor down

Decrease number

9Introduction: Using Camera Menus

To modify menu settings:

Display menus.

Select menu.

Position cursor in selected menu.

Display options.

Highlight icon for current menu.

Highlight menu item.

Highlight option.

Make selection.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit the menus and return to shooting mode ( 19, 28). The monitor will turn oﬀ .

Using the Command Dials

The main command dial can be used to move the cursor up and down, the sub-command dial to move the cursor left and right. The sub-command dial can not be used to make a selection.

10 Introduction: Using Camera Menus

Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available.

First Steps

Attaching a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed.

Turn the camera oﬀ .

Remove the rear cap from the lens.

Remove the camera body cap.

Keeping the mounting index on the lens aligned with the

mounting index on the camera body, position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount and rotate the lens in the direction shown until it clicks into place.

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/A (autofocus with manual priority).

Detaching Lenses

Be sure the camera is oﬀ when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens-release button while turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the camera body cap and rear lens cover.

Aperture Ring

If the lens is equipped with an aperture ring ( 45, 117), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f/-number). See the lens manual for details.

11Introduction: First Steps

Charging and Inserting the Battery

The supplied EN-EL3e battery is not charged at shipment. Charge the battery using the supplied MH-18a battery charger as described below.

Charge the battery.

1.1 Remove the terminal cover from the battery.

1.2 Connect the power cord to the charger and plug it in.

1.3 Place the battery in the charger. The CHARGE lamp will blink

as the battery charges. About two and a quarter hours are required for an exhausted battery to fully charge.

1.4 Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking. Remove the battery from the charger and unplug the charger.

EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

The EN-EL3e shares information with compatible devices. The camera uses this information to display the battery charge state in six levels in the control panel and to show the battery charge state, remaining battery life, and number of pictures taken since the battery was last charged in the setup menu Battery Info display ( 107).

12 Introduction: First Steps

Insert the battery.

2.1 After conﬁ rming that the camera is oﬀ , open the battery

chamber cover.

2.2 Insert a fully charged battery as shown at right. Close the battery chamber cover.

The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 127–128 of this manual, together with any warnings and instructions provided by the battery manufacturer. Use only EN-EL3e batteries. The D80

is not compatible with the MS-D70 CR2 battery holder or with EN-EL3 or EN-EL3a batteries for D100, D70-series, or D50 cameras.

Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F). During charging, the temperature should be in the vicinity of 5–35 °C (41–95 °F). For best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F). Battery capacity may drop if the battery is used at a temperature below the temperature at which it was charged. If the battery is charged at a temperature below 5 °C (41 °F), the battery life indicator in the Battery Info display may show a temporary decrease.

Removing the Battery

Turn the camera oﬀ before removing the battery. To avoid shorting the battery, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use.

13Introduction: First Steps

Basic Setup

The ﬁ rst time the camera is turned on, the language selection dialog shown in Step 1 will be displayed in the monitor. Follow the steps below to choose a language and set the time and date.

Turn camera on.

Display map of world time zones.

Display daylight saving time options.

Display date menu.

Select language.

Select local time zone.

Highlight On if daylight saving time is in

eﬀ ect.

Press multi selector left or right to select item,

up or down to change.

Set clock and return to shooting mode.

Monitor will turn oﬀ automatically.

Using Camera Menus

The language menu is only displayed automatically the ﬁ rst time menus are displayed. See “Using Camera Menus” ( 9–10) for information on normal menu operation.

14 Introduction: First Steps

To change the order in which the year, month, and day are displayed, select World time > Date format from the setup menu (

103).

Inserting Memory Cards

The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately).

Insert a memory card.

1.1 Before inserting or removing memory cards, turn the cam-

era oﬀ and open the card slot cover.

1.2 Slide the memory card in as shown at right until it clicks into place. The memory card access lamp will light for about a second. Close the memory card slot cover.

Front

1.3 Turn the camera on. If the control panel shows the number of exposures remaining, the card is ready for use.

If the message shown at right is displayed in the monitor, format the card as described in “Camera Error Messages and Displays” ( 133).

The Access Lamp

Do not remove the battery or disconnect the power source while the memory card access lamp is lit. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the card.

The Write Protect Switch

SD cards are equipped with a write protect switch to prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in the “lock” position, the camera will display a message to warn that photos can not be recorded or deleted and the memory card can not be formatted.

15Introduction: First Steps

Memory cards must be formatted the ﬁ rst time they are used in

the D80. To format the memory card, turn the camera on and press the ( and ) buttons until control panel and viewﬁ nder displays ﬂ ash as shown at right. Pressing both buttons together a second time will format the memory card. During

formatting, the letters

will appear in the frame-count

dis play. Do not turn the camera oﬀ or remove the battery until

formatting is complete, the monitor has turned oﬀ , and the control panel shows the number of exposures remaining.

Formatting Memory Cards

Format cards in the camera. Performance may drop if they are formatted in a computer.

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes all photographs and other data they may contain. Be sure all data you wish to keep have been copied to another storage device before formatting the card.

Removing Memory Cards

1. Conﬁ rm that the access lamp is oﬀ .

2. Turn the camera oﬀ and open the memory card slot cover.

3. Press the card in to eject (). The card can then be removed by hand ().

Camera Oﬀ Display

If the camera is turned oﬀ with a battery and memory card inserted, the number of exposures remaining will be displayed in the control panel. If no memory card is inserted, the control panel will show and a icon will be displayed in the viewﬁ nder.

16 Introduction: First Steps

Adjusting Viewﬁ nder Focus

Photographs are framed in the viewﬁ nder. Before shooting, make sure that the display in the viewﬁ nder is in clear focus.

Viewﬁ nder Focus

Viewﬁ nder focus (diopter) can be adjusted in the range –2 – +1 m rately;

122) allow diopters of –5 – +3 m -1.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on.

Rotate the diopter adjustment control until the focus brack-

ets are in sharp focus. When operating the diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewﬁ nder, be careful not to put your ﬁ ngers or ﬁ ngernails in your eye.

-1

. Corrective lenses (available sepa-

Focus brackets

17Introduction: First Steps

Tutorial

Photography and Playback

The Tutorial outlines the basics of taking and viewing photographs in (auto) and Digital Vari-Program modes. This section assumes that default camera settings are used; for information on restoring default settings, see page 134.

Use a CPU Lens

(auto) and Digital Vari-Program modes are only available with CPU lenses. If these modes are se-

lected when a non-CPU lens is attached, the shutter release will be disabled.

Auto Meter Oﬀ

At default settings, the viewﬁ nder display and the aperture and shutter-speed indicators in the control panel will turn oﬀ if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter oﬀ ), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display.

6 s

Exposure meters on Exposure meters oﬀ Exposure meters on

The length of time before the exposure meters turn oﬀ automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting 28 (Auto meter oﬀ ; 99).

18 Tutorial

+ 132 hidden pages

Nikon D80 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Where to Find It

For Your Safety

Notices

Table of Contents

Q & A Index

Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

Using Camera Menus

First Steps

Tutorial