CCD enthusiasts looking for vintage digital SLR cameras need only go as far as a couple of highly reputable and robustly built cameras, the Nikon D80 and Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, as their preferred choice of excellence. These cameras share a similar degree of physical form, similar Nikon-F lens mounts, and have straightforward handling and functional characteristics reminiscent of their film camera predecessors.
The cameras differ, however, with the CCD sensors and the image mechatronics they are fitted with.
The Nikon D80, the last Nikon digital SLR camera model with a CCD sensor, was introduced in 2006 with a 10.2MP Nikon DX format RGB CCD sensor. The camera, designated as a prosumer model, is notable for being a hybrid model that incorporates design elements from entry-level and high-end cameras, specifically the D50 and D200, favored by many photography enthusiasts for its image quality.
The Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, introduced in 2002, is based on the Nikon F80 film camera body, which is modified to include its proprietary 6.17 MP APS-C 'Super CCD' sensor and electronics, which allows for effective resolutions up to 12.12 megapixels through signal processing. The camera is designed to be used with Nikon AF lenses and is compatible with a wide range of Nikon 35mm camera lenses.
The Nikon F-mount, introduced with the Nikon F in 1959, is one of only two SLR lens mounts (the other being the Pentax K-mount) that has retained its compatibility with the introduction of autofocus. The mount has a high degree of forward and backward compatibility, with many current autofocus F-mount lenses usable even on the original Nikon F. Users are still advised to discern the use and compatibility of lenses on their cameras.
The Nikon D80 does not have the 'Non-CPU Lens Data' menu item for registering information about non-CPU lenses or an aperture-indexing arm (on the camera body) for full-aperture metering with 'Ai' or 'Ai-S' lenses. When used with these lenses, metering does not function, and the lenses can only be used in fully manual mode. The same applies to the FinePix S2 Pro.
The D80, however, does come with Program AE, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Vari-program scene modes including Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Landscape, and Night Portrait. Another feature from the Nikon D50, which the D80 replaces, is the AF-A mode, which automatically switches from AF-S (single autofocus) to AF-C (continuous autofocus) if subject movement is detected.
Similarly, the FinePix S2 Pro also has the Program AE, Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority exposure modes, but without the Vari-program scene modes. The mode dial is populated by the PASM mode selection indicators, ISO, and CSM (Custom Setting - options for setting how information is displayed in the viewfinder and which functions are assigned to which button) as additional selections.
Between the two, the D80, the petite one, measures 132 mm x 103 mm x 77 mm and has a body weight of 585 grams body only. The D80 is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, which can power the camera for around 600 shots under optimal conditions. Images are saved on SD and SDHC cards with a maximum capacity of 32GB.
The S2 Pro measures 141.5 mm x 131 mm x 79.5 mm and weighs 760 grams without batteries. It is a dual-battery system camera that operates on a pair of CR123A lithium and 4 x AA (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium) batteries and is rated for approximately 420 shots. Images are saved on Compact Flash (CF) and SmartMedia cards.
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