Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5600 | D80 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2006 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
10/11/2016 | 09/08/2006 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 132 x 103 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 465 g | 668 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 10 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 3872 x 2592 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.6 x 23.5 | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Nikon Image processing engine |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 16003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
390300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | N/A |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 2.5" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✗ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14a | EN-EL3e |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
970 shots1505000 | 2700 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5600 clearly outperforms the Nikon D80 with a score of 66/100 compared to the D80’s 34/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, share the same announcement date, and have similar launch prices at $700 and $730, respectively. However, the D5600 is a more recent model, released in 2016, while the D80 hails from 2006.
The D5600 is a more compact and lighter camera, measuring 124 x 97 x 70mm and weighing 465g, whereas the D80 measures 132 x 103 x 77mm and weighs 668g. This makes the D5600 more portable and convenient for photographers on the go.
Despite its age, the D80 still offers reliable performance and may be a more affordable option for those on a tight budget. Nevertheless, the D5600’s higher score, lighter build, and newer technology make it the superior choice between the two cameras.
The Nikon D5600 clearly outperforms the Nikon D80 in optics, with a 26-point lead in our scoring system (65/100 vs. 39/100). Both cameras share some common specifications, such as an APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The D5600’s superior performance is evident in several key areas. Firstly, it has a higher megapixel count of 24.2 compared to the D80’s 10 megapixels, which allows for better image resolution and detail. Secondly, the D5600 has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second, compared to the D80’s 3 frames per second, enabling the capture of fast-moving subjects more effectively. Additionally, the D5600 uses a CMOS sensor and an Expeed 4 processor, while the D80 relies on a CCD sensor and Nikon’s Image processing engine. This difference in technology contributes to the D5600’s higher DXOMARK sensor score of 84, compared to the D80’s score of 61, indicating better overall image quality and performance.
The Nikon D80, on the other hand, does not offer any significant advantages over the D5600 in terms of optics. Both cameras share the same lens mount and lack image stabilization, making their optical capabilities quite similar in these aspects.
Given the substantial difference in scoring and the D5600’s superiority in key specifications, it is evident that the Nikon D5600 is the better choice for those seeking higher quality optics. The D80 may still be a viable option for those on a tight budget or with less demanding photographic needs, but it is important to consider the significant advantages offered by the D5600 when making a decision.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D5600 and the Nikon D80, it is important to note that the Nikon D80 does not have any video functionality. Therefore, this section will focus on the video capabilities of the Nikon D5600.
The Nikon D5600 has a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution, with maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The D5600 is capable of recording video at a maximum frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth and clear footage. Additionally, the camera includes a built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows users to create compelling time-lapse videos with ease.
In comparing the Nikon D5600 and Nikon D80, it is clear that only the D5600 offers video capabilities. With its Full HD resolution, 60fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse feature, the Nikon D5600 is a suitable choice for those interested in capturing high-quality video content.
The Nikon D5600 outperforms the Nikon D80 in features, with a score of 72/100 compared to the D80’s 17/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the lack of GPS and the presence of WIFI connectivity. However, the D5600 surpasses the D80 in several aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of features.
The D5600 has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the D80’s 2.5 inches. This difference allows for better image composition and review. Additionally, the D5600’s screen resolution is significantly higher at 1,037,000 dots, compared to the D80’s 230,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display. The D5600 also has a touchscreen and flip screen, which the D80 lacks, offering greater flexibility and ease of use.
In terms of connectivity, the D5600 has Bluetooth, while the D80 does not. This enables easier and more convenient file transfers and remote camera control with compatible devices.
The Nikon D80 has limited advantages over the D5600. Its only shared feature with the D5600 is WIFI connectivity, which both cameras possess. However, this does not compensate for the significant disparities in screen size, resolution, and additional features.
Given these points, the Nikon D5600 is the clear winner in terms of features, offering a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen with a flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity. The Nikon D80, with its lower feature score, smaller screen, and lack of touchscreen and Bluetooth, falls short in comparison. Consequently, the D5600 is a more versatile and user-friendly choice for photographers seeking advanced features.
The Nikon D80 outperforms the Nikon D5600 in storage and battery with a score of 53/100 compared to 43/100. Both cameras share similarities in storage, having one memory card slot each and accepting SD and SDHC memory cards. However, the D5600 supports SDXC and UHS-I compatible cards, providing a slight edge in storage capabilities.
In terms of battery life, the D80 has a significant advantage, offering 2700 shots per charge compared to the D5600’s 970 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the D80 utilizing the EN-EL3e and the D5600 using the EN-EL14a. Neither camera offers USB charging.
While the D5600 has better storage options, the D80’s superior battery life makes it the winner in this category. The D5600’s advantage in storage capabilities does not make up for its shorter battery life, which could be crucial during extended shooting sessions. The D80’s longer battery life ensures users can capture more moments without worrying about recharging or swapping batteries.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5600 or the Nikon D80: