Digital Camera Product Reviews Blog

This is always the rub when choosing between Canon & Nikon.  It is difficult to make  a very tough decision on which DSLR camera to take, an old Nikon D80 or the newly released Canon EOS 40D. After some further researching, I finally decided to go for the Canon 40D.

Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 40D，the truth is these two are not at the same level comparison… Canon 40D is at the better level and I should really be comparing to Nikon D200 or even D300. Although Canon 40D is a little expensive, but it really has some features that Nikon D80 doesn’t (There will be other differences but these are just a few):

1. 6.5 and 3 fps continuous shooting (D80 has 3fps only).

2.  14 bit files (D80 has 12 bit)

3.  Live view and live view simulation (more useable than the D300; D80 doesn’t have this at all) - great for macro and landscapes

4. Low noise and good definition at all ISO - considerably better than D80. The Canon EOS 40D stands up well against the Nikon D80 in terms of noise when both are using their default image settings and best-quality JPEG modes.

5.  Custom settings, c1,c2 and c3 (not on the D80) - very useful to set up and switch between different types of shooting

6.  Free software - DPP and EOS Utility being the most useful - also zoom browser, very handy (you would have to buy the Nikon software separately if you wanted it).

VS

Another thing that is nice about Canon is that your non-DX lenses (like the 10-22mm and 17-55mm) can be used on a crop camera like the 40D and later on a full frame camera like the 5D. The 5D has its limitations but at roughly $2000 it is much more affordable for many photographers than the $5000 full frame D3 from Nikon.

The 40D is a relatively recent camera but that is not true with the D80. I would expect Nikon to produce a replacement for the D80 sometime this year that is closer in performance and features to the 40D, and maybe even better.

The Nikon story actually starts in 1948, the year that the Nikon I, the company’s first camera was released. Among its famous products are Nikkor imaging lenses (for F-mount cameras, large format photography, photographic enlargers, and other applications), the Nikon F-series of 135 film SLR cameras, the Nikon D-series of digital SLR cameras, and the Nikonos series of underwater cameras. This post mainly focus on Nikon latest D-series and aims to help you make a better choice if you interested in Nikon D-series.
Nikon D40

The D40 is a wonderful choice for someone who wants to be able to take high-quality digital photographs and take advantage of the Nikon system of lenses and flashes, but does not want to spend the kind of money involved in the higher-end cameras.

Here are the pros and cons of the D40 in my opinion:

Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. Affordable price
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 2.5 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens.
10. Great battery life (400+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
11. Auto (flash off) mode available
12. 1/500 flash sync

Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses (such as the 70-300m G and 50mm f/1.8D lens)
5. No AF/MF switch (have to use the switch on the lens)
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7. 6 Megapixel (More Megapixel needed to print larger than 12 X 18 at 300 dpi)
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. No in camera image stabilization (like Sony and Pentax) but Nikon has lenses with it (VR).
10. No depth-of-field preview button

Release Date                        December 2006
Key Features                         6.1 megapixels, 2.5in. LCD, SD Memory
Uniqueness                          Helpful LCD,Great For Learning photography
Level                                    Beginner
Avg. Kit Price                       $460
Competitors                         Canon 350D, Pentax K110D, Samsung GX-1L

Nikon D60

The Nikon D60 may not be a world apart from its predecessor, but it remains a good, solid, 10 Megapixel entry-level DSLR. The big improvements are a dust control system that includes an airflow control to blow dust away from the sensor and improved autofocus.

Key Features              10.2 megapixels, dust  control,small and light
Uniqueness                Smallest Nikon SLR ,Great For Learning photography
Level                          Beginner
Avg. Kit Price             $630
Competitors               Canon Rebel XS, Pentax K200D, Olympus E-420

Nikon D80

Nikon D80 has been on the market for more than two years, but I still think it is a good camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, including color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction.

Release Date                        August 2006
Key Features                        10 megapixels, fast response
Uniqueness                          Multiple exposures ,Great For Action
Level                                    Intermediate to advanced
Avg. Kit Price                       $854
Competitors                        Canon xTi, Olympus E-510, Pentax K10D, Sony A100

Nikon D90

The Nikon D90 is the world’s first DSLR camera that shoots High Definition video. As the world’s first D-SLR with movie function, this remarkable camera offers truly cinematic results, stunning image quality and innovative high-performance features inherited from Nikon’s new-generation DX-format flagship D300. The D90 will open new doors for photography enthusiasts of any level.

Release Date      September 2008
Key Features      12.3 megapixels, dust control, live view, face detection, movie mode
Great For Action, Family, Travel
Level         Intermediate to advanced
Avg. Kit Price        $1,300
Competitors          Canon XSi

Nikon D200

The D200 has been crafted to connect a range of newly developed Nikon technologies with advanced features inherited from the Nikon D2x, ensuring an ultimate shooting experience with exceptional and versatile imaging performance, high speed, and an instant response. The result is a blend of superb features, high-quality components, and fantastic results.
Release Date                          November 2005
Key Features                          10 megapixels, fast response
Uniqueness                            Speed, Great For Action
Level                                      Advanced to semi-professional
Avg. Price                               $1,290
Competitors                           Canon 30D

Nikon D300

The Nikon D300 has more features than the beginner photographer would ever need. It now also features Live View, which works like in most other DSLRs. Which is to say, it is not like what you are used to on your consumer point-and-shoot digicams. The D300 is not really for the P&S crowd looking to upgrade to a DSLR nor is it for the amateur photographer looking for a first entry-level DLSR.

Release Date                           November 2007
Key Features                           12.3 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view
Uniqueness                             Fastest consumer SLR, Great For Action
Level                                       Advanced to semi-professional
Avg. Price                                $1,800
Competitors                            Canon 40D, Sony DSLR-A700, Olympus E-3

Nikon D700

Nikon’s D700 is positioned between the ‘pro-sumer’ D300 and the professional D3 models and is the second Nikon DSLR with an FX-format (35mm sized) CMOS sensor.

Pros:
• Exceptional high ISO performance
• Great image quality
• Solid construction
• All-around high performance

Cons:
• Viewfinder only 95 percent
• Shorter shutter duty cycle
• AF times out a hair slower than the D3, but performs comparably in the real world

Release Date        July 2008
Key Features      12.1 megapixels, 51-point autofocus, dust control, live view
Uniqueness        Full frame sensor,Great For Action
Level                  Semi-pro to Professional
Avg. Price          $3,000 (no lens)
Competitors      Canon 5D

Nikon  D60,like the very similar D40 and D40x, is a significantly smaller and lighter body than the D80, as well as being less expensive. the D80 has come down in price to a level where it’s not that much more expensive than the D60. This of course is because the D80 has now been around for a couple of years while the D60 is a brand new model. It’s very possible that you will *never* need the D80’s more advanced features. Keep in mind that the small size and light weight of the D40-series bodies is a useful feature too.

D60 is geared towards the D40x user. The only real difference between those two is the Adaptive Dynamic Range on the D60, which tries to keep the highlights in your images from blowing out. The D80 does not have that feature either. The D60 does not work with older AF lenses, the D80 does. Among the advantages of the D80, you also have the wireless flash commander which enables you to do some funky lighting with optional speedlights. The D60 does have a dust reduction system (I don’t think this should be the deciding point). Buy the D80 which gives you a ‘pro-emulating’ body, it also saves you off the D200/D300 and use your $$$ savings and invest in some good lens.

The D80 has 11 focusing points while both D40 and D60 just have 3. The D60 has an improved LCD. The D60 has auto LCD rotation. The D60 has stop motion movie (frame rate and image size can be selected). Many people like to chose D60, because of the processor. The EXPEED Chip is like the processor on your computer the better the processor means better performance. In term of camera, the chip will “cook” the picture taken and produce the end result to your computer screen or for print.

My thoughts on the D60:
- LOVE the weight & size (I have small girl hands!)
- Screen turns off when you look thru the viewfinder
- Antidust system (could be a marketing gimmick though?)
- Easy buttons & menu on back
- Like the simple in camera editing/effects you can do
- Neg = only has one dial and a button for manual mode ss/f-stop controls BUT I didn’t find it difficult to maneuver this or things like the ISO changes - just a matter of getting used to it more than anything else.

My thoughts on the D80:
- Feels pretty heavy with just an 18-55mm lenses, afraid to try with a bigger 70-200 or 70-300?
- Grip is large but not unmanageable
- Plus = has 2 wheels, one for shutter speed & 1 for aperture like my N80
- Plus = has the LDC screen on top to view settings

The D60 is basically a worthless camera if you already have the D40, with the exception of megapixels the differences are trivial things you won’t even realize you don’t have if you get the D80 (for example dust reduction the still movie mode (I have no clue what that is but it was listed as a spec and seems silly to put in an SLR) and on top of that it’s the exact same body as the D40/x).

Sony Alpha A350 is Sony’s first mid range digital SLR. This 14.2MP digital cameras with unique Quick AF Live View features “new technologies that makes picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.” according to the Sony press release. The Nikon D80 remains one of the predominant cameras in the current Nikon line up even though it was first introduced to the market in 2006. So compare the Sony Alpha A350 against the popular 10.1 megapixel Nikon D80 digital SLR is benefit.

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS        Sony Alpha A350               Nikon D80
Announced                               2008-01-30                            2006-08-09
Dimensions                              131×99x75 mm                       132×103x77 mm
Weight                                      582 grams                               585 grams
Viewfinder                                Reflecting (TTL)                       Reflecting (TTL)
Image Stabilizer                        Optical 

SENSOR
Resolution                                14.9 Megapixels                      10.8 Megapixels
Sensor Size                               23.6 x 15.8 mm                       23.6 x 15.8 mm
ISO Min                                     100                                          100
ISO Max                                    3200                                        1600
Min Shutter                               1/4000 s                                 1/4000 s
Max Shutter                               30 s                                        30 s
Photo Max Size                          4592×3056                             3872×2592

VIDEO & SOUND
Record Sound                             No                                          No
Record Video                              No                                          No

ADDITIONALS FEATURES
Manual Focus                             Yes                                         Yes
Exposure Compensation            +/- 2 EV with step 1/3          +/- 5 EV with step 1/3

Image Formats                          2 JPEG, RAW                           3 JPEG, RAW
Interfaces                                 USB 2.0, video,                       USB, USB 2.0, video

The Sony A350 features a new 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor compared to the 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor on the Nikon D80. Both sensors are APS-C size which means that there is a 1.5 x multiplying factor that applies to the focal length of the lens in use to get the equivalent field of view (FOV) in 35mm terms.

Sony claims that the Alpha A350 SLR offers a continuous shooting rate of approximately 2.5 frames per second (fps) compared to the Nikon D80 specifications at approximately 3 frames per second.

Sony Alpha A350 averaged close to the stated claim as tested when we shot a quick 2 second burst with a total of 5 frames being captured. With the Nikon D80 we managed to get one extra shot with a total of 6 frames in the same interval.

The viewfinder magnification on the D80 is 94% compared to the viewfinder magnification on the Sony A350 / A300 SLR at 74%.

The Nikon D80 did a good job of focusing under very low light conditions and locked on the subject quickly once illuminated by the camera’s AF-assist beam. Comparing the focusing capabilities of the Sony Alpha A350 and the Nikon D80 under a range of low light conditions we found the Nikon D80 to consistently provide faster AF in this type of situation.

Nikon D80 is one of the most successful DSLRs of recent times, though it has been on the market for almost two years. Then, this year, the Nikon D90 comes to the market and has adopted the same strategy of offering a step-up in terms of features. When a new camera comes to the market, many people may always wonder whether they need to update their camera in hand. It happens again when the Nikon D90 was introduced to the market. If you own a D80 and feel hard to make a decision between Nikon D80 an D90, this guide may be just what you are looking for. In this post, I will show the differences between them.

Resolution: 10.2-megapixel CCD(D80) VS 12.3-megapixel CMOS(D90).

Live View: D90 has live view while the D80 don’t. The D90 now offers: 3D-tracking (11 points), Superior Auto-area AF, linked to the scene recognition system (separate from subject identification), contrast-detect AF in Live View, and Face priority autofocus with the Face Detection System.

Rear LCD: The rear LCD on the D90 measures 3 inches, which is larger than the 2.5 inch LCD on the D80. The D90’s LCD also has VGA resolution, which makes menus clearer and preview images sharper.

Dust-cleaning sensor: The sensor on the D90 can be set to vibrate at startup and / or shutdown (or switched off altogether) to shake off loose dust(same as the Nikon D300).

ISO performance: Lo 0.3, Lo 0.7, Lo 1, ISO 200 - 3200, Hi 0.3, Hi 0.7, Hi 1.0 (6400 ISO) compared to the D80 with ISO 100 - 1600, H 0.3, H 0.7, H 1.0 (3200 ISO)

Monitor: The D90 has a bigger LCD at 3″approx. 920k-dot VGA LCD monitor supporting with a wide 170 degree viewing angle and is more than 3x in LCD pixels meaning you get clear and crisp views of your photos on cam(D80: approx. 230k-dot 2.5-in. Monitor).

Exposure metering: D90: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering VS D80: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering.

Exposure modes: The D90 has D-Movie mode captures progressive format video at 24fps720p resolution with sound. This is the most notable step-up in functionality over the D80.( Nikon D90 Is the first DSLR camera with Movie Mode)

Frames per second: The D90 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second while the D80 can only shoot up to 2.5 frames per second.

White balance: The D90 has more refined white balance selection having up to 12 position with 5 manual presets (6 positions). Both D90 and the D80 have Kelvin selection for the White Balance.

Power-up time:D90 approx. 0.15 seconds VS D80: approx. 0.18 sec.

Weight: D90 703g( with battery) VS D80 668g (with battery).

Price: D90 range from $999-1200 VS D80 from $588-900.

Additionally, The D90 has the new optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time is automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data. An additional “Extra high” setting has been added to the Active D-Lighting options (applied before the image is taken) on the D90 compared to the D-lighting feature available on the D80 (applied after image is taken). The Nikon D90 offers larger viewfinder frame coverage of approx. 96% compared to the D80 with approx. 94%). So the D90 is clearly better-featured than its predecessor, but much of it is modern gadgetry. D80 has been tested by the market for two years and has been proved a successful digital camera, but the D90 upgrades many new features. So whether you need to upgrade your D80 depends on if you really want Live View, faster continuous shooting, video recording, a better-looking screen, HDMI output and a stabilized kit lens.

Here is my thorough research of the top rated 10 megapixels digital cameras:

Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera provides photographers with many benefits of the popular D200 with a cheaper under-$1,000 pricetag. It features 10.2 megapixels, instant startup, in-camera image retouching and high-speed continuous shooting. It has a high-resolution processing engine designed to streamline and accelerate performance, and use less power. Nikon boasts that the D80 can shoot up to 2,700 images on one battery charge.

Canon400D

Canon EOS 400D’s 10.1 megapixel sensor employs the same outstanding CMOS image quality advantage of its big brothers in the professional EOS 1 range. Super sensitive in low light and virtually noise free, CMOS is also fast and power efficient. For consistently pristine results, a complete dust prevention and cleaning system works to keep the EOS 400D’s sensor spotless. A combination of technologies reduces, repels and removes dust and includes a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that shakes dust from the sensor with each power on. Reviewing your work is a delight with the super bright 2.5″ 230k pixel display. Photos feel crisper, richer and more saturated, while a 160° viewing angle makes for easy at-a-glance checking and sharing. Shoot at 3 fps for continuous bursts of up to 27 large JPEG images (10 RAW): like shooting a whole roll of film in a single burst. Switching between Picture Style presets is like being able to change film mid-roll to achieve different color response and Black & White effects. Sharpness, contrast, color tone and saturation are individually adjustable. Select from one of nine fixed focusing points across the scene for fast, accurate focusing - even with off-center subjects and ‘rule-of-thirds’ compositions. DIGIC II is a tiny super-computer that renders colors with precision, accuracy and speed. Fast and power efficient, DIGIC II also delivers instant 0.2 second start up time.

Nikon Coolpix P5000

Nikon P5000 offers a sensor resolution of 10 megapixels coupled to a Nikkor-branded 3.5x optical zoom lens with optical vibration reduction — a useful addition that helps avoid blurring caused by camera shake in low light situations. There’s also a sizeable 2.5 inches LCD display with anti-reflective coating on the Nikon P5000, and both Shutter- and Aperture-priority modes plus a true Manual mode to help unleash your creative side. If you prefer ease of use (or you might share the camera with a less experienced photographer), you’ll be happy to know that the Nikon Coolpix P5000 can do all the work — just put it in full Auto mode, or one of 16 different Scene modes. The Nikon Coolpix P5000 is a good camera and would’ve gotten a higher grade if there weren’t issues with responsiveness—saving files as well as focusing. At a low price, it’s definitely worth considering.

Nikon D60

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Are you looking for a real digital SLR that’s easy to use? Do you want mobility without sacrificing capability? Would you like simple operation and enough features to step forward creatively? If so, then get to know the Nikon D60.The Nikon D60 offers a 10-megapixel APS-H sensor and an optically stabilized lens, all for an excellent, entry-level price. As always, Nikon has designed the D60’s body within an inch of perfection, and the camera has all the prosumer features that you’d expect of DSLR, including a fast burst-mode and full RAW support. Image-quality wasn’t quite as exemplary as the camera’s particulars - there were some major diffraction issues - but overall detail, color, and noise were excellent, and Nikon’s ‘D-Lighting’ remains a great dynamic-range booster. All in all, the D60 could be a superb introduction to DSLRs.

Canon 40D

The EOS 40D, a 10-megapixel D-SLR targeted to serious photographers. This camera is targeted for anyone looking at the older 10-megapixel Nikon D80 or the newer 12.2MP Sony alpha DSLR-A700, a camera I liked a great deal. In other words, it’s for those more than willing to go beyond Auto and make the most of a sophisticated imaging capture device (a.k.a camera). How advanced is the 40D? Rather than the usual 3 frames per second, this one cranks off 6.5 fps up to 17 huge RAW files before it stops for a breather. If you shoot in smaller JPEGs, you can crank off 100 shots. If your child is a budding athlete, this D-SLR will capture him or her in full stride. The Auto Focus system has been beefed up for quicker response (Canon claims it’s 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D) plus it has Live View so you can use the larger 3-inch LCD to frame your shots. All these things sound great on paper but it’s in the real world your camera gets its workout. And that’s exactly where we took it…

You really can’t wrong buying the Canon EOS 40D. Photo quality is very good, there are a ton of manual adjustments, it feels right—and then there’s that startling 6.5 fps burst mode. It’s like stepping on a Porsche’s gas pedal and enjoying the ride. Although on the expensive side, if you’re serious about photography, give it a long look.

Nikon Coolpix P80

The Nikon Coolpix P80 can take photos at 18x zoom, but, ironically, it’s most competitive at more standard zoom ranges. Photos at 18x tended towards hazy colors and loss of resolution, as do all ultrazoom cameras, but photos taken at more reasonable zooms turned in much better results. The P80 is also aided by D-lighting and distortion correction, both of which can go a long way in making good photos great, and its manual mode is the best we’ve outside DSLRs. We’re still not sold on the ultrazoom niche, but the P80 performed so well at everything else that it might be a moot point. Think of it as a solid compact that also doubles as a telescope.

Nikon has introduced several new DSLR this year. But Nikon D80, which has been on the market for nearly two years, is still a hit on the market. Why? The main reason is Nikon D80 perfects Nikon’s SLR camp. Now the D40, D60, D80, D200, D300, D3 and D700 formed a powerful Nikon SLR camp, and the prices are also a pyramid layout. D80 is the bridge to make up for the price range between the D200 and D60. The D80 is really meant for families and amateurs who demand high image quality. It is smaller and lighter than the D200 but still has the same big LCD screen and 10 mega-pixel quality. OK, now let’s go over some of the main features of this camera and find the answer why D80 is still popular in the market.

10.2 megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor: Effectively optimized by Nikon to deliver a wide, dynamic range, producing outstanding images with high resolution and vivid detail yielding 3,872 x 2,592-pixel files.

New high-resolution Nikon image-processing engine: This is one of the key advances developed for the D80. At its heart is a dedicated high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also consuming less power than its predecessors. It also inherits advantages developed exclusively for Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, combining color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved 12-bit digital image processing algorithms. The result is natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. The level of performance attained allows the engine to rapidly and efficiently process the 10.2-megapixel resolution images captured by the DX Format CCD image sensor.

Speed: 3 frames per sec. This is great for stopping action. No more blurry photos of your kids playing soccer. Think about it: shoot 9 shots in 3 secs. and pick your favorite one! Specially good for young kids who never seem to stop moving.

ISO: 100-3200. A great range! You used to go into camera shops and ask for 100, 200, 400, 800 speed film and now you can just set it with one button. If you don’t know what ISO is then just let the camera set it for you. If you do, then you can manually adjust your exposures to get a better photo.

Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group wireless commander: Nikon’s acclaimed i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with greater precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results with SB-600, SB-800 or SB-R200 Speedlights.

11-area AF system with wide-area center segment and auto-area AF functions: Nikon’s multi-CAM 1000 provides maximum flexibility and optimum performance under varied shooting situations. 11-area auto focus system features a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, as well as class-leading low light detection and convenient AF-assist illuminator to aid in low-light conditions. Wide-area AF option gives greater compositional freedom when shooting sports and action.

Up to 2,700 images per battery charge: High-efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and real-time fuel gauge with Nikon’s EN-EL3e lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

2.5″ LCD color monitor with 170-degree, wide-angle viewing: Playback images can be viewed easily from all angles with extraordinary color and clarity.

The last issue is the price, or value for money. In my opinion, its customization, performance, build quality, comfort and design are worth the price difference between it and the competition. Having said that Nikon may struggle ‘in stores’ to fight Canon’s (aggressively priced) EOS 400D ($200 is quite a big difference). If you’re a more discerning photographer who can see the advantages offered by the ‘all round’ D80 you may well consider the extra money well spent.

Conclusion: This is a great camera for two types of people. First, families will love this camera. It’s easy to use and has many scene selections to help you get better pictures even when you know little about photography. Second, amateur professionals will love the image quality and similar features to the D200 without the added weight. The Nikon D80 is the worthwhile camera you’ve been looking for, so stop stalling and start shooting.

Canon and Nikon have both been around competing with each other since the early 1900s. Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent low-priced digital cameras to the photographers. Nikon’s D80 was the 400D / XTi’s nemesis, offering classier features for only a small increase in price. So with about $100 between Nikon D80 and Canon 450D, how does it measure-up to the new EOS 450D / XSi which has adopted a similar approach?

Featuring 10.2 Megapixels resolution, 2.5in screen, Nikon D80 also offers a host of advanced features, negligible shutter lag, and a battery charge lasting for up to 2700 shots. It’s more power than the average shutterbug will ever need, but this impressive camera is perfect for the action photography. But the major advantage of D80 over many Canon Cameras is the better AF system and Commander mode which allow you to control Nikon Speedlights without a separate wireless trigger such as Canon’s ST-E2 Speed-light Transmitter. In addition, Nikon D80 along with many other Nikon DSLRs has an AF assist lamp which does not need to raise flash for AF.

But as an older model though, the D80 is missing out on several modern features. The Canon offers Live-Preview (which means you see your subject on the LCD before you take the picture, like on normal digital cameras, and most DSLR’s do not offer this yet, only the newest) , as well as a larger LCD (3 inches on the Canon and 2.5 on the Nikon), and is 12.2 megapixels versus the Nikon’s 10 megapixels. 

Also, the Canon uses a more advanced CMOS sensor while the Nikon uses a CCD sensor.  The higher end Nikon’s use CMOS, but the mid level use the less preferred CCD, as the CMOS sensor is more sensitive, more accurate, and gives larger print sizes (i.e. the sensor costs more).

The Nikon offers an 11 point Multi-CAM1000 autofocus, while the Canon offers a 9 point Multi-BASIS TTL (which in some reviews, appears to be better than the 11 point Nikon.

And the Canon can do 3.5 frames per second up to 53 images (in jpeg) or 6 (raw).  The Nikon can only do 3 frames per second up to 23 images (jpeg) or 6 (nef).

So with regards to the question of which one is better, I’d base my decision on whether the ergonomics/viewfinder (of the D80) is more important to me, or the features and compactness (of the 450D) is more important to me, along with which company has my preferred lens selection..