We have compared the results here with the Canon 400D / XTi and Sony A100 using their kit lenses, as we believe these will be the most common choices for each body. Each camera was set to its best quality JPEG and default image tone and sharpening settings. The lenses on each camera were set to f8 using Aperture Priority mode.

With 2200 lpph of horizontal and vertical resolution using either lens on test, the Nikon D80 matches our result for the D200 and edges ahead of its rivals. It’s also an impressive result for the DX 18-70mm lens which in this particular test delivered essentially the same result as the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 lens.

While the D80 scored slightly higher than the Sony A100 in this test, a difference of 50 lpph is minimal and unlikely to be noticed in anything other than images of converging lines. The more significant difference on this page is against the Canon 400D / XTi, which delivered 2000 and 2100 lpph of horizontal and vertical resolution respectively using its EF-S 18-55mm kit lens.

In our Canon 400D / XTi lens group test, we’ve shown how upgrading from the budget kit lens could see the 400D / XTi deliver up to 2150 lpph of resolution, and certainly the bundled EF-S 18-55mm seems to be holding it back compared to rival options – this is clear on our outdoor results pages. That said, the Canon bundle is also the cheapest of the three.

The bottom line though is even when equipped with optics which out-resolve their sensors, the D80 appears capable of resolving fractionally higher detail than the Canon 400D / XTi. Again you’re only looking at about 50 lpph difference, which would rarely if ever be noticed in real-life conditions, but there is a difference none-the-less.