Nikon Coolpix P80 Review

Record Modes & Screens
AUTO record mode offers very few menu options, just image resolution and quality. The "10M" icon
indicates the image resolution is 10-megapixels at Fine quality and there's 697 pictures remaining at the
current image resolution. The zoom lens gauge is shown for a few moments whenever the focal length is
changed (not shown above). The "VR" indicates the vibration reduction system is enabled. You can also see
the shutter speed and aperture values at the bottom.
When you half-press the shutter release the autofocus is locked and the exposure is calculated and set. If
autofocus was successful the AF marks will turn green, if it fails they turn red and blink. You will also
see the selected shutter speed and aperture values across the bottom.
Program AE mode is also automatic but it allows the user full access to all the menu
options (see below.) You can also use the "Flexible Program" option, where you can choose
different combinations of shutter speed and aperture by rotating the command dial.
Shutter priority mode allows you to specify the shutter speed and the camera selects
the correct aperture. Select a fast shutter speed to freeze fast-moving subjects or use a
slower shutter speed to capture flowing water. Rotating the command dial changes the shutter
speed values.
Aperture priority mode allows you to specify the aperture value for depth of field
(focus) control. A larger number is more depth of focus, a smaller number is less. Rotating
the command dial changes the shutter speed values.
Manual is for more experienced users, here you select both the shutter speed and
aperture value. While you are adjusting the values, an exposure meter is
displayed to help you dial in the settings for optimum exposure (not shown.)
P/S/A/M mode menu:
Image Size - 10M, 8M, 5M, 3M, 2M, 1M, PC, TV, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 Optimize Image - Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom, Black-and-white White Balance - Auto, Custom WB, Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Flash ISO Sensitivity - 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, 3200, 6400 (3M only) Metering - Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot or Spot AF area Continuous - Single, Continuous, BSS, Multi-shot 16, Interval timer Auto Bracketing - Off, ±0.3, ±0.7, ±1.0 AF area mode - Face Priority, Auto, Manual, Center AF Mode - Single AF or Full-time AF Flash exp. comp. - ±2EV in 1/3EV steps Flash control - Auto, Built-in off Fixed aperture - The aperture remains constant as you zoom (On or Off) Noise reduction - Auto or On Distortion control - Off or On
The Menu option lets you display menu screens in icon or text format. You can call up HELP
for any menu function by pressing the "T"elephoto zoom button.
The help function allows you to quickly understand a specific menu item or option, without having to refer to
the user's manual. You simply press the telephoto zoom control while the menu item is highlighted, then you will
see a screen like the above Distortion control example.
Pressing the 4-way selector "up" changes flash modes, "left" enables the self-timer, down" changes the focus
mode, and "right" adjusts exposure compensation in Program mode or the aperture/shutter speed values in
S/A/M modes. You set these options via onscreen popups as shown above.
Scene mode options include: Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Party, Beach/Snow, Sunset,
Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show.
There's an eVR option in the movie menu (default settings if off), which can help compensate for hand and
camera movement.
Movie mode options:
AF Mode - Single AF or Full-time AF Electronic VR - On or Off |
Continue on to
Playback Features
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