Labs

While the D40 and D40x feel like entry-level digital SLRs, the D80 is more substantial, not just in its size and weight but also in its capabilities. It's littered with controls, and ISO speed, white balance, metering modes, bracketing and more besides are adjusted by pressing a dedicated button and turning the dual command dials. A backlit passive LCD screen shows photographic settings, and renders the colour screen largely redundant while shooting.

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The D40x's configurable automatic ISO mode is also included here (in the same dysfunctional menu layout), and is joined by exposure and white balance bracketing, variable noise reduction strength and a finer manual ISO control that moves in thirds of a stop rather than whole stops. However, as with the other Nikons, the bundled RAW conversion software is disappointing.

The kit lens handles well and has a wider zoom range than most, but its 38cm macro focus is uninspiring. The camera is also available with an 18-135mm lens for under £700, or body-only for £500. Focus is measured at 11 points, but it wasn't as quick as Canon's 9-point system. Image quality tests produced exquisite automatic exposures, stunningly low noise at high sensitivities and a wide dynamic range with no clipped highlights.

The D80 is an excellent all-rounder, but with Canon's EOS 400D matching it for quality and Pentax's K10D for hands-on control, it seems expensive. Still, if you want the best of both worlds, this is the camera to get.