Photography lovers who have been searching for a camera that exceeds their expectations but not their budgets will delight in the discovery of Nikon's new N80 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Engineered to exhilarate photographers, who have a passion to make great pictures, the N80 includes a wide selection of features, many of which have complemented other top Nikon models. The N80 is designed be the camera of choice for those who want to advance their picture taking techniques. The N80 incorporates a superb selection of Nikon's proven features including a razor-sharp autofocus system, a wide range of exposure modes, complete selection of light metering performance, and access to the world of Nikkor optics and Nikon accessories. It implores photographers everywhere to explore their full creative potential.

This new SLR is endowed with an exquisite balance of accuracy, speed and control. At the heart of the Nikon N80 autofocus (AF) system is the Multi CAM 900 AF module. This module incorporates five AF sensors that together create a large Wide-Cross-Array covering the center, left, right, top, and bottom of the frame. This makes it easy to compose and get razor-sharp shots, even with fast-moving subjects. The center sensor is a cross type sensor incorporating two types of CCD line sensors, one for ordinary focus detection and another for low light situations. Nikon features the N80's On-Demand composition assist grid lines than can be accessed as one of 18 user-programmable Custom Functions. The N80 also boasts a depth of field preview control that is often not included in similarly priced SLRs. For sports or nature photography, where action is often swift and unpredictable, the N80's Focus Tracking with Lock-On (TM) enables continuous focusing on a moving subject while shooting up to 2.5 frames per second. Using Nikon's advanced software technology, the N80 drives the lens while monitoring the direction as well as the amount of lens drive, resulting in extremely precise focusing.

Nikon's ten- segment 3D Matrix Metering ensures intelligent image analysis. In addition to reading individual brightness values among its ten sensors, the system analyzes the readings throughout the scene to identify scene contrast and light pattern recognition. This information is instantly compared with the N80's on-board database of over 30,000 images. This evaluation produces automatic exposure control that is astonishing. Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering is widely regarded as the ideal light meter to use when the action is fast and the user doesn't have the time or the experience to make settings manually. It even works in connection with flash photography with the N80's built-in high performance speedlight. Nikon's N80 comes with four exposure modes -- Programmed, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure -- as well as a convenient Flexible Program mode, exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Auto Exposure Lock, Built-in Speedlight, and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash complete an exceptionally flexible system.

The N80's built-in speedlight is both convenient and powerful. Working with Nikon's 3D Matrix Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash performance, the built-in flash is always ready to give the light needed to make a great picture. Use the flash's full power to shoot under total darkness, or use its automatic balanced fill-flash performance to provide a fill-light effect. Either way, it's automatic and enhances picture taking opportunities.

Nikon's new N80 opens the door to a world of lenses and accessories that professionals the world over rely on to make great photographs. The N80 features the Nikon F lens mount which accepts every AF Nikkor and most manual AI or AI-S Nikkor lenses. And to ensure seamless switching from one lens to another, once an AF Nikkor lens is attached, the N80 automatically determines which one it is and makes the necessary adjustments for optimal performance.