Nikon N80 or N90s (F80 or F90x)

nixx · May 24, 2004

Hello everyone.

I need a new camera, but can't really decide between those two.
Too bad I can't afford a F100.

Anyway, these are the advantages I found for the N90s:
* Better build quality (better protection for rain, dust, etc.)
* Possibility for MF lenses
* PC-connection to transfer exposure-data to a computer (I heard the software for this was discontinued or something? Can I still find it, and can I find the connection-cable?)

Advantages for the N80:
* built-in flash
* New, so easily obtainable, more warranty, more easy to get it repaired

Anything else I missed?
(The AF system isn't very important to me. A simple centre AF (like the N90s) is enough)

Does anyone has some experience with those cameras?
I read for example that the N90s isn't so easy to use as the N80. Also that some new lenses don't work with it..

Thanks in advance,
nixx

FrankB · May 24, 2004

I haven't used the F90x but I've had an F80 for several years and love it.

The ergonomics work really well for me and the functions suit my needs down to the ground. If I were really picky then I'd like to see mirror-lockup and a bit more speed from the motorwind. Other than than I simply can't fault it. The metering in particular is excellent.

If you have manual Nikon lenses and want to keep using them then go for the F90x, unless you're a fan of separate metering. Otherwise I recommend the F80.

For more advice try www.nikonians.org

All the best,

Frank

ann · May 24, 2004

I have both a 90s and the 100 and frankly i like the 90 better. Just old fashion; as i like to change the aperture at the lens. So from my point of view you are not missing much by by passing on the 100.

Can you find someplace that will let you run a roll of film with each to see how it handles in the field? I also felt that, that is the true test, how does it feel with actual shooting than just handling in the shop.

Les McLean · May 24, 2004

I've used f90x's for the past 7 or 8 years and have never been let down and I do give them a hard time in both the landscape and on the streets. Because of my involvement with magazines in the UK I've been lucky enough to have tried every model in the past 10 years and in my view none match the f90. Ann makes a good point when she talsk about how they handle in a work situaion rather that in the shop.

nixx · May 24, 2004

Les McLean said:
Ann makes a good point when she talsk about how they handle in a work situaion rather that in the shop.

Yes, I know. But, I don't really know anyone with either of those cameras.
I'll just ask around a little. I know some people in a photography-club, so they might know someone.

Since you used the F90x a lot, maybe you know something about that PC-connection? Can it be used? I think it's quite interesting. Writing all your settings down every shot you take is a little too much

thank you very much,
nixx

pierre · May 24, 2004

Well, I don't have one now, but I've owned two F80's, and I would buy another in a minute. And if I could afford an F100, I would use the money to buy an F80 and use the change for something else (like a lens). The F80 is very much like an F100. It has a full, uncrippled user interface which is Nikon's current interface for its more professional cameras. You can choose and combine exposure and autofocus modes at your heart's content, or you can use it completely manually in every way. It has a polycarbonate body, but it's a very nice-feeling and visually-appealing shape and size, it has a nice viewfinder with super handy grid lines you can call up on demand, and its focussing ability, while not quite as good as an F100, is nevertheless very, very good. The body has quite a solid, brick-like dense feel to it. It's a camera that is truly a pleasure to work with, and it has pretty much anything anyone might ever need. I personally wouldn't use one in pouring rain without some kind of protection, but I wouldn't do that with an F100 either.

I would pick an F80 over a used F90 simply because it can use all the lenses that Nikon offers now and in the foreseeable future, and in my opinion, the user interface is far superior and more pleasant to work with. Manual focus lenses won't meter, but I've used plenty of cameras without a meter, so I don't consider that a big problem.

Pierre

Deniz · May 24, 2004

F90x is one of nikon's finest AF cameras ever!
I had one for years and it never let me down. I now use an F5 if i feel like shooting 35mm but i still miss the f90x from time to time. Its light and robust.
with F90x you can use the MF lenses and get metering. But you don't get VR with the new nikon VR lenses. Also in many situations f90x shows better AF performance than F100 and even F5 sometimes.
Don't waste your money on a F80.. get the F90X

Shesh · May 24, 2004

I have the N90s (same as F90x) and have used a friends N80. I like the N90s better for all the reasons mentioned above in addition to build quality and the ability to compensate in 1/3 stops. The built-in flash on the N80 is a toy anyway with its very low guide number and being so close to the lens causing red-eye.
Just my opinions....

steve simmons · May 27, 2004

I have both the N90 and N80 and prefer the 80. It is smaller and lighter and I have found the built in flash to be helpful at times.

seve simmons
cmeraarts magazine
www.cameraarts.com

Ricardo41 · May 27, 2004

I purchased the N 80 last November and am very happy with it.

Ricardo

nixx · May 29, 2004

I think I'm going to buy a F80 (N80).
I used to have a F60 (N60), and the built-quality was good enough for me. I suppose the F80 won't be worse..
Also, the built-in flash, might be usefull in an 'emergency', when you forgot your other flash, or just couldn't take it with you because of the weight.
Also, I can easily get 1 year (or more) warranty with the F80, and I can simply buy it 'new'. With second hand material, you really never know what you will get..

Now I have to save some money and decide what kind of lens I want with it. I've some ideas, but still can't decide..
I'll make another thread for that..

Thanks everyone for the help.
nixx

pierre · May 29, 2004

You might be surprised how well the cheap 28-80G kit lens that comes with the F80 kit performs. My first F80 had one, and the N75 I have now has one. That's what I use with it. It seems like a very lightly built lens, compared to more expensive Nikkors, and certainly Nikkors of manual days, but, it a surprisingly good performer, and it keeps the F80/lens combination pretty light. I can post pictures I've taken with it if you like. If it were me, I would seriously consider the kit that includes the camera, the 28-80G and the 70-300G, plus I would get the 50mm 1.8D for when I need faster. That covers a lot of territory without breaking the bank. Alternatively, for a more expensive lens set, my choice would be the 24-85G AFS zoom, the 70-300D zoom, and if you want wider coverage, maybe either a wider prime or the 18-35 zoom. Of course, another option would be Nikkor primes. I had a 24/2.8D, a 35, a 50 and an 85/1.8. I loved the 85 and the 24, particularly. Also, for those with lots of money to spend, there are the much more expensive Nikkor pro zooms.
Pierre
P.S. I really don't think you can go wrong with an F/N80.

nixx · May 29, 2004

pierre said:
You might be surprised how well the cheap 28-80G kit lens that comes with the F80 kit performs.

That may be true, but I'd rather have a lens with a wider coverage. (as you can see in the other thread..) I don't really need a big tele, but something until 105 or 135 should be nice. Also, because I travel quite a lot, I'd rather have 1 lens instead of 2.

pierre said:
plus I would get the 50mm 1.8D for when I need faster.

Indeed, that was my plan
The 50mm is very light, so I might take that one with me all the time, together with a zoom.

pierre said:
P.S. I really don't think you can go wrong with an F/N80.

You are probably right, but with The F/N90 I wouldn't have any problems either.. It's more a luxury-problem I guess

Thanx,
nixx

roland · May 31, 2004

I'm used to the 90X and I find it a marvelous camera. With the F90x you can't use the "G" lenses, so for example a 70-300 lens will be more expensive because yoiu need to buy the "D"-lens.
Otherwise I think the F90X is more solid than the F80. However... A friend of mine has an F5 and F80 and he likes very much the F80...
In Belgium you still can buy the "secretary"-software that enables you to have a connection to your PC, cables are also available but be aware... the foftware isn't very cheap, neather is the connection cable.
Friendly yours!

Ka · May 31, 2004

Before I got my Hassy, I used my N90S all the time, in and out of studio. I use the PC port with my sync cord to my monolights. It works great. At events f/5.6 1/30sec on a stroboframe with a good flash is perfect. I chose the N90S over the F100.

FrankB · Jun 1, 2004

I have a Nikkor 28-105 D that I use with my F80 and really can't fault it. Lovely handling, lovely images (when I do *my* bit right!) and a handy semi-macro function as a bonus. Well worth the money.

I also have a 70-300 ED and it's good, but not in the same league as the 28-105. Given the price of the thing it might be worth reading a few reviews and looking at some independant offerings from Sigma or Tamron for example.

John Macmillan · Jul 27, 2004

I just picked up a used F80 and it's a real pleasure to shoot with. Funny though, I was told by one dealer that the model had been discontinued. I checked with Nikon Canada and they have confirmed that it has been discontinued and that the replacement is the F75.

TPPhotog · Jul 27, 2004

I have an F100 as my main body and an F80 as a backup. The one thing I would advise is that with the F80 you add the MB-16 battery pack unless you have small hands. The AA lithium batteries (or any AA's in an emergency) is quite useful as is the additional weight which lowers it's center of gravity which for me improves it's feel and usability.

Robert Kennedy · Jul 27, 2004

You sure? That seems REALLY odd. The N80 is a pretty new body. I was under the impression that it replaced the N90s.

The N75 doesn't seem like it is much of camera in comparison. It has more metering spots, but no mention of DOF preview, or much in the way of manual control options.

And I could find no other mention of a discontinuation.

Of course the WEIRD thing is that the D70 uses the N80 body. As does the D100. The N75 seems to be ab it different.

John Macmillan · Jul 27, 2004

I'm sure. I thought it was REALLY odd as well but here is the reply I got from Nikon Canada.

"Response (Jorge) 07/27/2004 11:09 AM
Dear John,

Thank you for your request for more information on F80. Nikon Canada Inc. appreciates your business.

Yes the camera has been discontinued. The F75 has replaced it. "

It was Black's Cameras that initially told me they no longer stocked it as the model had been discontinued.

roteague · Jul 27, 2004

I have an N80, which I like quite well. It seems to be well made, metering is quite good, exposure is spot-on. My only real concern about the camera is how small it is. I purchased the optional battery pack so it isn't too bad, otherwise I probably wouldn't have bought it.

johnnywalker · Aug 3, 2004

This is a (today's) quote from the Nikon Mailing List in regards to this question:

I emailed Nikon USA & they state that the N(F)80 is still in
active production & sales. They further state that it has not been
replaced by the N75.

Nicole · Dec 30, 2004

I bought a second hand F90X and think it was my best investment yet. I use it more than my Hasselblad 501c/m (so far)... I don't mind bumping it around and giving it a good workout and it comes with me EVERYWHERE!!! )

eheldreth · Dec 30, 2004

I have had the N80 for a few months now and love it. If you want to record exposure time you might try to find an F80s, they can record the exposure between the frames of the images. Its a grey market(imported through a third party) camera but I know B&H carries them, and B&H offers some warranty since you don't have Nikon's warranty on grey market cameras. I know there is a huge debate over grey market equipment but if its a camera thats just not offered any other way I don't see the problem.

Nikon N80 or N90s (F80 or F90x)

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