Nikon's new D90 D-SLR with video capture?!?

yippiekiyeh · 08-27-2008, 05:23 PM

Here's the blurb on their website, I'm curious on how it works...

Quote:

NIKON D90 DIGITAL SLR ANSWERS THE CALL FOR CREATIVE FREEDOM WITH ADVANCED FEATURES THAT BENEFIT ALL LEVELS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS

It's All You Need: The 12.3 Megapixel Nikon D90 D-SLR Premieres with the New
18-105mm VR Lens to Give Photographers Superb Image Quality, Live View Shooting, Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, and HD Movie Clip Recording

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D90, a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera that redefines the creative boundaries of digital photography allowing photographers to easily create stunning still images and High Definition (HD) movie clips with sound—with the same camera. A host of Nikon core technologies were leveraged to develop the D90’s scope of versatility, calling on years of photographic and optical expertise. Whether consumers are graduating from an advanced compact digital camera or are a seasoned D-SLR enthusiast, the Nikon D90 emphasizes brilliant image quality and versatility with its exclusive advanced Scene Recognition System, intuitive creative controls, blazing fast performance and the industry-first ability to create HD movie clips at 720p in the new D-Movie mode.

Inspired by Nikon’s acclaimed flagship DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300, and building on the success of the wildly popular D80, the D90 delivers stunning image quality. The CMOS image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combined with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system deliver outstanding images with fine details, smooth tones, brilliant colors and low noise across a broad ISO range.

Photographers are able to easily compose stunning images using the Live View Mode on the large 3-inch 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen. The 11-point auto focus (AF) system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System and Face Detection to help make the best shot in a variety of environments. Matched with the new versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lens, and a burst rate of up to 4.5 frames per second, photographers can confidently capture fast action and precise moments as they unfold. Also helping to ensure no memory is missed, the D90 offers fast handling with a power-up time of a mere 0.15ms and split-second shutter response measuring just 65ms, eliminating the frustration of pictures lost to shutter lag.

“The D90 delivers incredible imaging performance and control, setting a new standard for its class. This marriage of outstanding still image performance and HD movie clip capacity represents the dawn of a new age for D-SLR cameras. The D90’s handling characteristics and long list of features are sure to deliver the photographic experience that Nikon photographers have come to expect from Nikon engineering,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “Everyone at Nikon is especially eager to see the myriad of ways that imaginative D90 photographers will explore the world of cinematic 24fps HD video through the eyes of NIKKOR optics.”

Legendary Image Quality
For shooting in a variety of lighting conditions, the D90 has a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 (expandable to Lo 1 ISO 100 and Hi 1 ISO 6400) to deliver incredible low-noise images. The camera also employs an Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images.

The new D90 companion lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR provides a versatile focal length, and the benefits of Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. Nikon VR reduces the image blurring effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible*, assuring dramatically sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Borrowed from Nikon's professional line of digital cameras, the D90 is the most affordable camera to include Nikon's Scene Recognition System and adds newly-developed advanced Face Detection technology. The intelligent Scene Recognition System interprets color and brightness information of each individual shot from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies changes to AF, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 can also detect up to five faces using the new Face Detection system, producing flattering portraits with astounding definition and accuracy. While in playback mode, simply press the zoom button and portraits captured with Face Detection can be immediately magnified to ensure proper focus on the subject and faces are displayed on the LCD screen within brackets for easy reference and subject tracking.

The D90 benefits from Nikon’s comprehensive digital image processing engine, EXPEED, which provides smooth tones, rich colors and defined image details, as well as enhanced processing performance. Additionally, Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating each scene, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of over 30,000 scenes derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. To push the creative boundaries even further, Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing.

The Next Big Blockbuster
For the first time in digital SLR photography, Nikon introduces the addition of the D-Movie mode, allowing consumers to create their own HD movie clips (1280 x 720) with sound from their D-SLR camera. Photographers will appreciate the cinematic qualities that come from the 24fps frame rate, which matches theatrical film, whether producing vacation clips or creatively melding stills with video. Additionally, the large size of the D90’s DX-format sensor, combined with the optical superiority and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses, provides shooters with the ability to capture amazing perspectives not possible with typical camcorders. D-Movie clips also benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which is automatically activated during recording to aid the low-light capability that trumps many other hybrid devices. Users can record movie clips onto an inserted SD / SDHC card, created as Motion JPEG AVI files that are easily edited with widely available video editing software. The D90 also features an HDMI terminal, allowing viewing of both pictures and movies on High Definition televisions.

D90 Delivers Peak Performance
The D90's unprecedented start up time and imperceptible shutter lag derives from the same standards as the professional sports photographer choice, the Nikon D3. JPEG bursts can be shot as rapidly as 4.5 frames per second, allowing photographers to capture detailed action sequences or catch fleeting expressions that might otherwise be missed. Images are also processed and previewed rapidly at 120ms, which is less time than it takes to move an eye from the viewfinder to the screen. Users are also able to creatively stop the action with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second or create long-time exposures down to 30 seconds.

Nikon's 11-point AF also offers best-in-class speed and performance, helping to ensure sharp focus at any focal length. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Module, the AF system’s center area wide-frame operation adds inherent focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when changing the composition after focusing on a subject.

Push Creative Boundaries to the Limit
No matter the level of experience, the D90 makes high-quality photography fun and easier for a remarkably broad range of picture-takers. Users can enjoy complete control over all manual features or let the camera optimize settings automatically. For the camera novice and photography enthusiasts, the D90 puts all of the tools to explore new creative possibilities at their fingertips through the simple menu-driven interface. For those looking to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Mode dial with Advanced Scene modes on the camera. There are many options when it comes to realizing creative vision, such as Picture Control settings to provide an assorted palette of color effects that optimize color, saturation and hue through user-selected choices of Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape. Popular editing tools such as Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting and image trimming, image overlay, and a wide assortment of color filters can also be applied to images after capture. The D90 also provides new options for in-camera image enhancement, including:

• Distortion Control: Adjusts lens aberration
• Straighten: Helps to correct linear inclination of an image for straight horizons and landscapes
• Fisheye Effect: In camera filter produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens

Skillfully Capture Inspiring Images
The D90 has been engineered with the photographer in mind with an intuitive interface that places a variety of automatic and advanced features at the hands of the user. The camera is built to withstand the rigors of an urban excursion or backcountry safari while boasting an impressive shutter mechanism that is tested to 100,000 cycles for durability. Whether upgrading from a compact digital camera or already a seasoned hobbyist, the D90 D-SLR will help anyone take great pictures, thanks in part to the following new features:

• Battery life: New circuitry enhances power consumption, affording up to 850 shots in typical conditions on a single charge of the Lithium Ion battery (CIPA standard)
• Viewfinder: The bright viewfinder offers a luminous 0.94x magnification to more accurately compose images
• LCD screen: The high-resolution 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen gives a 170-degree angle of view to make both composing and sharing easy and fun
• New playback function: Users can show their images in either four, nine or 72 thumbnail images, or use a new calendar format to easily find photos; users can also show their photos via Nikon's Pictmotion slideshow, including background music
• Built-in Flash: The built-in Speedlight offers a guide number of approximately 18/56 (ISO 200) and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full iTTL mode

Nikon System Legacy
The D90 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s extensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, including DX NIKKOR lenses, which are designed for optimum performance with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. NIKKOR lenses offer legendary optical superiority and add to the D90’s ability to deliver outstanding images. Paired with the D90 is the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which provides a versatile 5.8x optical zoom and VR image stabilization, for even sharper handheld picture taking. This lens offers a 27-157.5mm focal length in 35mm equivalent, a one-lens solution that offers a broad focal range to let photographers get up close and personal to their subjects from a distance, or wide for breathtaking landscapes. The built-in Silent Wave Motor ensures quick and quiet AF operation, while an aspherical element and ED glass deliver high resolution, high contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

Photographers will also enjoy advanced functionality anywhere in the world with system accessories designed for the adventurous globe trekker. When used with the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit (available separately beginning November 2008), the D90 provides geotagging to images with latitude, longitude and altitude data imprinted on the images' metadata. Users can also prolong their adventure with the MB-D80 battery pack that accepts two EN-EL3e or six widely available AA-size batteries. Additionally, photographers can share and upload their images with a wireless interface optimized for the Eye-Fi™ wireless enabled SD card wherever there is a wireless network.

The D90 is also fully compatible with Capture NX2 software (available for purchase separately), Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap into the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX2 affords photographers the ability to use revolutionary control points.

Price and Availability
The D90 will be available throughout the United States beginning September 2008 at an MSRP of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit that includes the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The GP-1 GPS unit will be available in November 2008, and pricing will be announced near the time of its delivery to the marketplace. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of NIKKOR optics and the 60th anniversary of Nikon cameras. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*As determined in Nikon performance tests
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Posted on August 27, 2008 12:00 AM | Permalink

InfiniteNothing · 08-27-2008, 05:47 PM

Video is a really cool feature. Definitely put this camera in the short list at the back of my mind. It's too bad the nice lenses are bloody expensive. I'm really digging this lens for that camera: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-17-55mm-..._tit_4_rsrsrs0

GuruX · 08-27-2008, 08:49 PM

Seeing as I just recently purchased a D80, I'll definitely stick with that for now. I will admit though that the D90's video mode does sound intriguing.

TruckStuff · 08-28-2008, 07:52 AM

Meh... no video from a still camera will ever match quality the quality of even a low-end video camera. And the still camera usually suffers as a result of trying to integrate video, so...

zippyjuan · 08-28-2008, 11:53 AM

The features race in cameras continues. I think that most people buying a camera that costs $1000 not including lenses will probably not be using it for video that much- although it does sound like it is pretty high quality video and you can use high quality lenses for it. I think that someone interested in video will buy a video specific camera- they will be smaller and easier to use and probably cost less.

For now, it gives Nikon something that Canon does not have. But they are probably working on it too.

cheapie · 08-28-2008, 12:31 PM

interesting article on the camera

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/...gy/28pogue.php

Airencracken · 08-28-2008, 12:59 PM

Nikon is really doing some amazing things lately. I'm a Canon guy and I have been really impressed with the D3, D300, D700, and now the D90. I wonder what Canon is going to do to answer these.

I'm hoping for a 5D Mk. II. I've been relatively unimpressed with Canon's recent offerings (1Ds Mk. III excepted). I really dislike the crop factor of APS sized sensors, I don't know why the became popular. APS failed as a film format, but it is really thriving as a digital sensor size. I'd much prefer to have a full 35mm sized sensor, but the cameras equipped with them are fairly expensive. (5D, D3, D700, 1Ds)

Though I must say that I had a video function on my Panasonic DMC-FZ30 that I used for around a year and I probably used it only four or five times. I don't think this is that big of a deal really. However the rest of the camera is fairly impressive. That being said, one of the major limitations of this video mode is going to be the microphone. The video might be pretty good at 720p and 24fps, but I'm pretty certain that the in camera mic is going to be fairly anemic. If there was a way to attach an exterior mic, that'd be a nice option.

Competition is good. The bad thing about SLRs (and DSLRS) is that you get locked into a system of expensive lenses and peripherals that makes it a big headache to switch systems. Sure I'd love to just own both Nikon and Canon stuff, but that's really impractical.

We'll see what Photokina brings.

InfiniteNothing · 08-28-2008, 04:12 PM

The main problem with the full frame sensors is it makes the lenses way too big, bulky, and expensive. Think about the 12x zoom lens on your Panny, that lens would scale up to 1' 3" on a 35 mm camera. Now, if you put a 5D in front me, I certainly wouldn't refuse it.

Airencracken · 08-28-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfiniteNothing

The main problem with the full frame sensors is it makes the lenses way too big, bulky, and expensive. Think about the 12x zoom lens on your Panny, that lens would scale up to 1' 3" on a 35 mm camera. Now, if you put a D5 in front me, I certainly wouldn't refuse it.

True, but you can't switch that lens, with an SLR you can. That way you can change your focal length at will. Its a worthy trade off. As you're well aware, one of the Panny's biggest problems is noise. Much less so for even my lowly XTi. Bigger sensor=less noise (generally)

InfiniteNothing · 08-28-2008, 05:59 PM

I guess I didn't finish my point. The APS sized sensor is a compromise between the two: Very little noise without 1 ft lenses.

zippyjuan · 08-29-2008, 11:16 AM

Nikon calls their smaller (not 35mm full frame) sensors "DX". My Nikon D80 is a DX camera and I like that you can get a smaller, lighter lens for the equivelent focal length. My long range zoom is 70- 300mm which would be the same as a 450mm lens at the long end- but is much more portable than a 450mm lens would be. That also means it can be easier to hand-hold (especially since it includes Nikon's vibration reduction system which I believe is a weight which a small motor spins around the barrel of the lens like a rocket stabilizer).

I can use any regular Nikon 35mm camera lenses on it (some may require manual settings) but it is true that the DX lenses are not recommended for full frame cameras (they may cause shadows in the corners of the images). I definately like the lower weight factor of DX lenses.

InfiniteNothing · 08-29-2008, 11:27 AM

A 35 mm lens on an aps sensor is what causes the crop factor I believe AC was mentioning. Essentially you only get the middle of the lens image so the lens effectively becomes more of a zoom lens with a higher aperture.

ArkiStan · 08-30-2008, 10:51 AM

As a person who already has various Nikon lenses and who has always been thinking of dabbling in video as a hobby this is great. I can't even imagine how much it would cost to buy an HD video camera with lenses of various focal lengths that are capable of shallow depths of field. No hobbyist would be able to buy that.

The resolution is HD, and the frame-rate looks fine.
http://chsvimg.nikon.com/products/im...90/en/d-movie/

08-27-2008, 05:47 PM	#2
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	Video is a really cool feature. Definitely put this camera in the short list at the back of my mind. It's too bad the nice lenses are bloody expensive. I'm really digging this lens for that camera: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-17-55mm-..._tit_4_rsrsrs0 __________________ I guess that would mean turning signatures back on. I haven't had them on for ~2 years.

08-27-2008, 08:49 PM	#3
GuruX Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 2,181	Seeing as I just recently purchased a D80, I'll definitely stick with that for now. I will admit though that the D90's video mode does sound intriguing. __________________ I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

08-28-2008, 07:52 AM	#4
TruckStuff Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 952	Meh... no video from a still camera will ever match quality the quality of even a low-end video camera. And the still camera usually suffers as a result of trying to integrate video, so... __________________ DISCLAIMER The preceding statements are meant to be taken as a whole, in their entirety. They may not be quoted in part and then used to flame me. They also do not imply that I believe the exact opposite of their meaning. They do not make any implication about any group, race, ethnicity, age group, or other cohort beyond what is stated above. They do not make any implications at all. They have no "tone" or "attitude." They are words. Nothing more.

08-28-2008, 11:53 AM	#5
zippyjuan Picture of the Day Guru Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sunny San Diego Posts: 8,069	The features race in cameras continues. I think that most people buying a camera that costs $1000 not including lenses will probably not be using it for video that much- although it does sound like it is pretty high quality video and you can use high quality lenses for it. I think that someone interested in video will buy a video specific camera- they will be smaller and easier to use and probably cost less. For now, it gives Nikon something that Canon does not have. But they are probably working on it too. __________________ I add new pictures to my photo gallery pretty regularly. You can see them here if you are interested: http://www.pbase.com/jeffryz

08-28-2008, 12:31 PM	#6
cheapie Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: raising my pimp hand strong Posts: 12,360	interesting article on the camera http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/...gy/28pogue.php __________________ 70% of the world is covered by water. The rest is covered by Bob Sanders

08-28-2008, 12:59 PM	#7
Airencracken Admiral Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Upland, Ca. Posts: 6,315	Nikon is really doing some amazing things lately. I'm a Canon guy and I have been really impressed with the D3, D300, D700, and now the D90. I wonder what Canon is going to do to answer these. I'm hoping for a 5D Mk. II. I've been relatively unimpressed with Canon's recent offerings (1Ds Mk. III excepted). I really dislike the crop factor of APS sized sensors, I don't know why the became popular. APS failed as a film format, but it is really thriving as a digital sensor size. I'd much prefer to have a full 35mm sized sensor, but the cameras equipped with them are fairly expensive. (5D, D3, D700, 1Ds) Though I must say that I had a video function on my Panasonic DMC-FZ30 that I used for around a year and I probably used it only four or five times. I don't think this is that big of a deal really. However the rest of the camera is fairly impressive. That being said, one of the major limitations of this video mode is going to be the microphone. The video might be pretty good at 720p and 24fps, but I'm pretty certain that the in camera mic is going to be fairly anemic. If there was a way to attach an exterior mic, that'd be a nice option. Competition is good. The bad thing about SLRs (and DSLRS) is that you get locked into a system of expensive lenses and peripherals that makes it a big headache to switch systems. Sure I'd love to just own both Nikon and Canon stuff, but that's really impractical. We'll see what Photokina brings. __________________ "I remember my first orgasm, I just wish someone was there to share it with me..."11-05-2003 05:33 AM - Topane They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, & the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opiate of the masses. - Karl Marx Hell is other people - Jean-Paul Sartre Last edited by Airencracken : 08-28-2008 at 01:03 PM.

08-28-2008, 04:12 PM	#8
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	The main problem with the full frame sensors is it makes the lenses way too big, bulky, and expensive. Think about the 12x zoom lens on your Panny, that lens would scale up to 1' 3" on a 35 mm camera. Now, if you put a 5D in front me, I certainly wouldn't refuse it. Last edited by InfiniteNothing : 08-28-2008 at 06:00 PM.

08-28-2008, 05:59 PM	#10
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	I guess I didn't finish my point. The APS sized sensor is a compromise between the two: Very little noise without 1 ft lenses.

08-29-2008, 11:16 AM	#11
zippyjuan Picture of the Day Guru Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sunny San Diego Posts: 8,069	Nikon calls their smaller (not 35mm full frame) sensors "DX". My Nikon D80 is a DX camera and I like that you can get a smaller, lighter lens for the equivelent focal length. My long range zoom is 70- 300mm which would be the same as a 450mm lens at the long end- but is much more portable than a 450mm lens would be. That also means it can be easier to hand-hold (especially since it includes Nikon's vibration reduction system which I believe is a weight which a small motor spins around the barrel of the lens like a rocket stabilizer). I can use any regular Nikon 35mm camera lenses on it (some may require manual settings) but it is true that the DX lenses are not recommended for full frame cameras (they may cause shadows in the corners of the images). I definately like the lower weight factor of DX lenses.

08-29-2008, 11:27 AM	#12
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	A 35 mm lens on an aps sensor is what causes the crop factor I believe AC was mentioning. Essentially you only get the middle of the lens image so the lens effectively becomes more of a zoom lens with a higher aperture.

08-30-2008, 10:51 AM	#13
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: living with my mommy Posts: 5,541	As a person who already has various Nikon lenses and who has always been thinking of dabbling in video as a hobby this is great. I can't even imagine how much it would cost to buy an HD video camera with lenses of various focal lengths that are capable of shallow depths of field. No hobbyist would be able to buy that. The resolution is HD, and the frame-rate looks fine. http://chsvimg.nikon.com/products/im...90/en/d-movie/ __________________ Please keep sigs 25kb or smaller.

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