the world of digital photography.

CNet has pitted the Nikon D80 and the Canon EOS Rebel back-to-back to determine which of the recent unveiled bodies is the victor in the field.

Comparing elements of design, camera body features, compatible accessories, overall performance, and image quality, the judges favored the Nikon D80 in all categories but one — image quality — where both the Nikon D80 and the Canon Digital Rebel XTi had a tie score.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Design: The Canon body feels light, whereas the Nikon is “ideally designed” with an “ergonomically sound layout.” Nikon wins Round 1, 10-8.
• Features: Canon, where’s your spot meter? Nikon wins Round 2, 9-7.
• Accessories: Both have a wide variety of accessories, but the D80 pulls through with its wireless flash capabilities. Nikon wins Round 3, 10-8.
• Performance: The D80 is faster than the Rebel XTi. Nikon wins Round 4, 8-6.
• Photo Quality: Excellent quality all around. Round 5 ends in a TIE, 8-8.

The verdict? Nikon D80 excelled in all areas — and though more costly than the Rebel, it clearly is “worth that extra couple of hundred bucks.”

If you don’t have a lens system and are looking for your first DSLR, consider this review to help you decide — among the several others on this blog.

(Disclosure: While I aim to keep my thoughts pretty objective and focus on facts rather than opinions unless specified otherwise, I am a Nikon girl and am an active member of the NikonCafe community. I don’t own a D80 but I certainly wouldn’t mind having one … after I fulfill my lens lust.)