Another new Nikon

its more like a d50 on steroids

If this is real, a D70 upgrade would have to be right around the corner. I don't see how this camera can coexist with the D70, and too expensive to replace the D50. Hmmm

This will replace the D70. The D50 will be the low cost camera.

The rest of the camera buying public are not as concern about size and shape as owners of D70 housings.

DOn't you think it is small in the hands to be a D70 replacement? Spec-wise I agree.

I'm looking forward to the possible lens announcements that might accompany this little fella.

I don't know how big a factor size is for the low end DSLR. I suspect people place much higher priority on image and features. Look at it's competition. The Canon 350D, all the Olympus and the Sony A100 are all very small.

Except it isn't their lowest dSLR. I would think serious amateurs on a budget will be all over this cam. I agree, though, in the case of the 350D and the D50, that size isn't critical. For me, personally, I've been thinking of a D70 as a carry-around camera, but wouldn't buy a D80 on a D50 sized body.

Surely if you are thinking about it as a carry-around camera Kasey - its small size would be an advantage?

No, I still want a camera that feels substantial, basically a cheaper D200. The small dSLRs just don't do it for me.

No, I still want a camera that feels substantial, basically a cheaper D200.  The small dSLRs just don't do it for me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think their marketing is counting on people who care enough about the size and shape of the camera, ones like you, to be willing to spend the extra for the D200.

Tend to agree Herb.

how many more days? and is there any price rumours?

12 Mike... and rumours on price range from $699-1199 so who knows. I suspect somewhere in the middle - prob around 900-1000 and maybe including a lens.

More rumours:

11 focuspoints, D200-style viewfinder.

11 focus points would make sense given D200 template...

I wonder how many will be cross/wide area?

D200 finder would be awesome value.

It seems that Ken Rockwell has some D80 pictures in his website.

The official launch is tomorrow.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80.htm

Best regards,

Marcelo.

And another leak here:

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news.php?newsId=4246

Marcelo.

Here is the info from the site above:

"Although not officially launched until the 9 August, Pocket-lint has learned that the new model, called the Nikon D80 D-SLR camera, will sell for £699.99 in the UK and feature a 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor.

The camera will also feature 11 area wide autofocus, an advance image processing engine, 0.94x viewfinder, a 2.5inch LCD screen with 170 degree viewing angle, a wide range of image enhancement options and a start up time of just .018 seconds and 3 frames per second continuous shooting.

Nikon will sell the body only for £699.99, its new AF-S DX 18-135 lens for £299.99 and a new AF-S VR 70-300 lens for £399.99.

Full details tomorrow when the camera officially launches."

Note that apparently Nikon will also announce new lenses.

Ok - so now the question - once again - for Aquatica - and everybody else in the industry - is whether the body will fit in existing D70 housings or whether something as simple as a second back with the same front of the housing is what the doctor ordered?

Andy

Andy, I think we've already debunked the idea that D80's will fit in any existing housing. Both lens mount position and all buttons have been rearranged. Sorry mate.