New 35mm SLR from Nikon; F80 Friday January 28, 2000 New 35mm SLR from Nikon; F80 Nikon's first new SLR of the 21st century, the F80, is an exciting mid-range camera, bringing many of the technological innovations found on the top of the range F5 and F100 to a wider audience. The F80's features include Nikon 's five-area AF system incorporating the new Multi-CAM 900 AF Sensor module and a 10 segment 3D matrix Metering system. There is a built-in Speedlight featuring 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash. As well as sharing a large number of the features that have made the F5 and F100 so successful, the F80 introduces some innovations of its own, including a new, advanced focusing display system. This provides two benefits; the Vari-Brite Focus area display which offers at a glance AF area confirmation, and On-Demand Grid Lines, which are superimposed on the focusing screen. The F80's advanced features are enhanced by an operating system that gives photographers total control of the camera, all in a compact and lightweight body. The F80 is a complete system camera, allowing users access to Nikon's vast range of lenses and accessories. Group Product Manager, Tim Hunnable says: "The F80 is a highly versatile SLR suitable for shooting in a wide range of situations including portraits, fast-moving sports action and nature. It offers the benefits of the F5 and F100 in a mid-range product, that will appeal to photo enthusiasts who want an SLR which allows them to explore their creative potential." The F80 will be available in three versions - the F80, F80D and F80S. The F80 and F80D versions are available in black or silver and the F80S in black only. The F80D will print date and time on the front of the print and the F80S imprints shooting data in between each frame. All three versions will be available from May at the following suggested retail prices: F80 body only - £379.99 With 28-80mm lens - £449.99 F80D - £429.99 F80S - £529.99 F80 Feature Highlights Five Area AF system with new Multi-CAM900 AF Sensor module The Nikon F80 AF system features the newly designed Multi-CAM900 AF Sensor module. This new module incorporates five-area AF sensors, including one cross-type sensor, positioned in the centre, and four additional line sensors positioned to the left, right, top and bottom of the viewfinder frame. This unique array of AF sensors covers a wide area in both the horizontal and the vertical ranges. And thanks to the placement of the top and bottom sensors, the camera offers a cross-array of AF sensing when photographers shoot vertical compositions. The system is also simple to use. Users simply press the arrow on the focus area selector in the desired direction they want the AF sensor to move, and that area will then be superimposed in the viewfinder. New Nikon Advanced Focusing Screen Display Yields Innovations Nikon designed a new Focusing Screen Display system for the F80 that incorporates a Polymer Network LCD a world first for an SLR. This innovation enabled Nikon to include the Vari-Brite Focus Area display and On-Demand Grid Lines into the F80. With the Vari-Brite Focus Area display, the selected focus area is automatically superimposed in black. When shooting in dim light or when focusing on a dark-coloured subject, the focus area is momentary illuminated in red. As its name indicates, the On-Demand Grid Lines function superimposes a grid over the viewfinder. This is helpful for shooting architectural photography or landscapes that include horizons. Imprinting Shooting Data (F80S only) With the F80S, photographers can imprint the shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation values between film frames (in any exposure mode). This feature provides a convenient way for photographers to recall the shooting data for their photos. Major Features of the Nikon F80 Advanced Autofocus System * New Multi-CAM 900 sensor -- its five focus detection areas offer wide coverage in both the horizontal and the vertical ranges * All AF sensors work with all AF Nikkor lenses regardless of their maximum aperture * Unique overlap servo method provides fast and accurate autofocusing * Three AF Area modes: Dynamic AF, Closest-subject-priority Dynamic AF and Single Area AF * Nikon' unique Lock-On_ autofocus operation * New Vari-Brite Focus Area display provides at-a-glance AF-area confirmation * Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator Advanced Exposure Metering System * 3D Matrix Metering: employs sophisticated algorithmic patterns and a database of more than 30,000 scenes of actual shooting data for exposure evaluation with 10-segment Matrix sensor. This is the same system as that of the F100. * Centre-Weighted Metering * Spot Metering corresponds to the focus area selected Exposure Control * Four exposure modes -- P with Flexible Program, S, A and M * Auto Exposure Bracketing -- exposure bracketing of two or three frames in 0.5 to 2.0 EV steps with all exposure modes including Manual. * Exposure compensation -- in 1/2 EV step adjustment * AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) * Shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec. * Multiple exposure capability Built-in Speedlight and Advanced Flash System * 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon' exclusive five-segment TTL Multi Sensor * Built-in Speedlight is positioned higher than that of other cameras, so the light reaches the subject unobstructed by the attached lens. * Coverage for lenses as wide as 28mm * Guide number of 12 (ISO 100, m) * Flash sync of 1/125 sec. * Slow Sync * Rear-Curtain Sync * Red-Eye Reduction * Flash output level compensation (-3 to 1EV in 1/2 steps) Controls and accessories * QD (F80D) and Data Imprint (F80S) versions * On-Demand Grid Lines can be displayed in viewfinder (with Custom setting #4) * Complete control at users' fingertips - Top Deck LCD Panel with illuminator - Two Command dials - Mode Dial - Dioptre-Adjustment (-3 to 1 DP) - Electronic depth-of field preview button * 18 Custom Settings (19 with F80S) * Single (S) and Continuous (C) film advance modes are available. The F80 delivers a film advance speed of approximately 2.5 fps with Continuous Servo AF mode with C film advance mode. * Dedicated accessories - Battery Pack MB-16 (accepts four AA-type batteries) - Camera case CF-59/CF-60 * Compatible with all Nikkor lenses * Compatible with Cable Release AR-3 F80 specifications Type of camera Integral-motor autofocus 35mm single-lens reflex with electronically controlled focal-plane shutter and built-in Speedlight Exposure modes P: Programmed Auto (Flexible Program possible); S: Shutter-Priority Auto; A: Aperture-Priority Auto; M: Manual Picture format 24 x 36mm (standard 35mm film format) Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling, AF contacts) Lens D-type AF Nikkor (except IX-Nikkor): Autofocus and all functions possible; PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Usable in Manual exposure mode; AF Nikkor other than D-type (except AF Nikkor for F3AF): All functions except 3D Matrix Metering possible; AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D Matrix Metering and autofocus possible; IX-Nikkor: Cannot be used; Non-CPU: Usable in Manual exposure mode (exposure meter cannot be used); Electronic Rangefinder usable with lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster Viewfinder Fixed eye-level pentaprism, built-in dioptre adjustment (_1.8 to 0.8 DP) Eyepoint 17mm (at _1.0 DP) Focusing screen Clear Matte Screen II with focus brackets and On-Demand Grid Lines able to display Viewfinder frame coverage Approx. 92% Finder magnification Approx. 0.71x-0.75x with 50mm lens set to infinity Viewfinder information Focus indications, metering system, AE lock, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, electronic analog exposure display/exposure compensation display, exposure compensation, frame counter/exposure compensation value, ready-light, multiple exposure, focus area, flash exposure compensation, five sets of focus brackets (area), 12mm_ reference circle for Centre-Weighted metering, On-Demand Grid Lines able to display Reflex mirror Automatic, instant-return type Lens aperture Instant-return type, with depth-of-field preview button Autofocus TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module; Detection range: EV _1 to EV 19 (ISO 100, at normal temperature) Lens servo Single Servo AF (S), Continuous Servo AF (C), Manual focus (M); Focus Tracking automatically activated in subject' status in Single Servo AF (S) or Continuous Servo AF (C) Focus area One of five focus areas can be selected AF Area modes Single Area AF and Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available) Focus lock Focus is locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or lightly pressing shutter release button in Single Servo AF Metering system TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; Three metering systems selectable (limitations with lens used): 3D Matrix Metering; Centre-Weighted Metering: Approx. 75% of the meter' sensitivity concentrated on the 12mm dia. circle; and Spot Metering: 4mm dia. circle (approx. 1% of entire frame) Metering range 3D Matrix Metering: EV 0-21; Centre-Weighted Metering: EV 0-21; Spot Metering: EV 3-21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4 lens) Exposure meter coupling CPU Exposure compensation Exposure compensated in ?3 EV range, in 1/2 steps Auto Exposure Lock Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button Auto Exposure Bracketing Number of shots: two or three; compensation steps: 1/2 Film speed setting DX or manual selectable; Film speed range: DX: ISO 25-5000, Manual: ISO 6-6400 in 1/3 steps Shutter Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter Shutter speeds In P, A: 30 to 1/4000 sec.; In S: 30 to 1/4000 sec. (in 1/2 steps); In M: 30 to 1/4000 sec. (in 1/2 steps), bulb Sync contact X-contact only; flash synchronisation up to 1/125 sec. Built-in Speedlight Activated by pressing Speedlight lock-release button, guide number: 12/39 (at ISO 100, m/ft.); flash coverage: 28mm or longer lens; film speed range: ISO 25 to ISO 800 Flash control Controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash compatible with built-in Speedlight, SB-28, 27, 26, 25 and D-type Nikkor lens; Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with built-in Speedlight or Speedlight such as SB-29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22s, 22, 20 and AF Nikkor other than D-type or Ai-P Nikkor lens (except for AF Nikkor for F3AF) Standard TTL: With built-in Speedlight, SB-28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22s, 22, 20 and non-CPU Nikkor lens; or with built-in Speedlight, SB-29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22s, 22, 20 and exposure mode set to manual or metering system to Spot Flash sync mode Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync Ready-light Lights up when flash fully charged with built-in Speedlight, SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-23, etc.; blinks (3 sec. after flash) for full output warning Accessory shoe Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact (sync contact, ready-light contact, TTL auto flash contact, monitor contact, GND), safety lock provided Self-timer Electronically controlled; timer duration: 10 sec. Depth-of-field preview button Stop-down lens aperture by pressing depth-of-field preview button Film loading Film automatically advances to first frame when camera back is closed (shutter and reflection mirror not activated) Film advance Automatic advance with built-in motor; Single, Continuous selectable; Film advance speed (with Continuous Servo AF (C), Manual exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 sec. or faster [imprint data between film frames not selected for F80S], 36-exposure film): Single: One frame advance; Continuous: Continuous shooting, Approx. 2.5 fps (3V lithium batteries) Film rewind Automatic rewind with built-in motor; Rewind speed with 36-exposure film and 3V lithium batteries: High-speed film rewind: approx. 15 sec., Quiet film rewind: approx. 23 sec. Multiple exposure Activated using film advance mode dial LCD panel information (illuminator built-in) DX indication, shutter speed/ exposure compensation value, aperture, exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, Auto Exposure Bracketing, Bracketing bar graphs, Custom, Flexible Program, flash sync mode, AF Area mode, focus area, battery power, frame counter Date/time imprint function (F80D/F80S only) Built-in clock: 24-hour type with timing accuracy within ?90 seconds a month; leap year adjustment until 2049; Usable film: ISO 32 to 3200 DX-coded film; Display mode: Year/Month/Day, Day/Hour/Minute, No Imprint, Month/Day/Year and Day/Month/Year; Shooting data imprint function (F80S only) Selected/cancelled with shooting data imprint dial; Imprinted data: Shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation value (selected compensation value); Imprinted location: Between film frames Camera back Hinged back with film confirmation window; AF Area mode selector, focus area selector; F80D/F80S: Data imprint LCD panel/buttons; F80S: Shooting data imprint dial Power source Two CR123A or DL123A lithium batteries; optional Battery Pack MB-16 is also available (for four AA-type alkaline, alkaline-manganese, lithium, NiCd or Ni-MH batteries Power switch Power ON and OFF position Exposure meter Auto meter shut-off 6 sec. after power turned on if no operations are performed; activated by lightly pressing shutter release button Battery power confirmation Two battery power symbols appear on the LCD panel. One indicates power is sufficient (full symbol). When batteries are nearly exhausted, a half-depleted battery symbol appears; this symbol blinks when power is completely exhausted Usable number of 36-exposure film rolls per set of two 3V lithium batteries At 20°C/68°F Without flash Approx. 60 With flash for half of all exposures Approx. 17 At -10°C/14°F Without flash Approx. 40 With flash for half of all exposures Approx. 15 For autofocus operation using an AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6D lens, covering the full range from infinity (_) to the closest distance and back to infinity (_) before each shot, with a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. or faster. Duration of Long Time (Bulb) exposure Approx. 6 hours [using two 3V lithium batteries at 20°C (68°F)] Tripod socket 1/4 (JIS standard) Custom Setting 19 (F80S) or 18 (F80/F80D) Custom Setting menus are available Two-Button Reset Pressing the Auto Exposure Bracketing button and Exposure Compensation button simultaneously and holding them for more than 2 sec. resets various settings to their original default settings (with some exceptions) Dimensions (W x H x D) F80: Approx. 141.5 x 98.5 x 71mm (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in.); F80D: Approx.141.5 x 98.5 x 71.5mm (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in.); F80S: Approx.141.5 x 98.5 x 73.5mm (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.9 in.) Weight (without batteries) F80: Approx. 515g (18.2 oz.); F80D: Approx. 520g (18.3 oz.); F80S: Approx. 525g (18.5 oz.) Optional exclusive accessories Battery Pack MB-16, Soft case CF-59/60 Infrared film cannot be used with this camera, because the F80 detects the film perforation with an infrared ray. The viewfinder image will become slightly darker when batteries are not installed. All specifications apply when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature (20?C). Ends [Return to Press Office Home Page]