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Nikon is launching its D80 Digital SLR camera into an already packed digital camera market. With the price of the body at a RRP of just £699.99 this camera will be in competition with Canon's EOS 30D.

The D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, Nikon's exclusive '3D Colour Matrix Metering II', a range of metering options, exposure composition and auto exposure bracketing to allow for a high level of resolution and sharp detail even in problematic lighting conditions.

There is also a 11-area AF System based on Nikon's Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module which allows the user to lock on to their subject even during continuous shooting mode (approx. 3fps).

Being a digital SLR with the DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount means compatibility across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses is assured.

The new model also inherits many features from Nikon's professional Digital SLR range of cameras, including colour independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms,

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which when combined are designed to produce natural-looking images built on faithful colour and tone reproduction.

There are a number of in-camera image editing features that allow the user to perform red-eye correction, crop images to produce smaller files, merge a pair of images to create new composit image and also add filter effects, to name but a few.

All this is done on a 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution polysilicon TFT LCD with a 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. You also don't have to worry about getting bogged down with all the menus and options available as the new model allows you to create a customised menu in the 'My Menu' setting.

This high performance camera doesn't come without the usual preset modes a ISO sensitivity range of 100-1600 with a High ISO noise reduction for higher settings and shutter speed (30 to 1/4000 sec, in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb) of 8 seconds or longer, a built in flash and standard ISO hot-shoe contact.

Images can be captures in a choice of RAW or jpeg format to which are then saved on to SD memory sticks. Without the battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover, the body weighs approximately 585g. The Nikon EN-EL3e rechargable lithium-ion battery is said to delivery enough power to support up to 2,700 images on a single charge.

Full details of the camera's specification can be found on the Nikon website.

The D80 will be available from September, and pricing is £699.99 for the body only, £899.99 with a 18-70mm lens and £949.99 with a 18-135mm lens.