dSLR Dad

The World’s First Digital SLR that Shoots High Definition Video

Yes you read that correctly.  The new Nikon D90 digital SLR Camera is the world’s first dSLR to also shoot video.  With the ability to record up to 5 minutes of High Definition 720p, 24 frames-per-second, mono-sound video, the Nikon D90 is definitely a game changer.

True, the 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, expanded ISO range, and Live View shooting is nice, but it’s the HD video that really makes a dSLR Dad eager to use this camera.  The Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera will be available in two versions this September.

Nikon D90 Feature Summary

• 12.3-Megapixel APS DX-format CMOS image sensor. Photo resolution will be 4288 x 2848 pixels.  While the resolution is the same as the D300, it is not the same sensor.
• It’s image processing is EXPEED-based, but not the same unit found on higher models.  Unfortunately, only a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital converter is incorporated in the D90.  Which is probably best since the performance hit on the D300 would probably make the D90 unusable.
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System - borrows the 420-pixel RGB sensor from the Nikon D3, D700, and D300.  Evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy. Very nice.
• The 11-point Autofocus module from the D80 is carried over.  Only the center AF-point is cross type.  Which is fine if you don’t try and track your kids while in portrait mode.  As I mentioned in the Canon EOS 50D guide, 42 More points does not necessarily make an AF system better, or easier for a dSLR Dad to use.  Autofocus responsiveness should be improved due to the faster EXPEED-based processor.
• 4.5 frames-per-second continuous shooting with a 9 shot NEF RAW burst.
• Expanded ISO range from 200 to 3200, along with an additional low and high-speed setting of ISO 100 and ISO 6400.
• The same 3-inch, 920,000 pixel LCD monitor from the Nikon D3, D700, and D300 is used. Also very nice.
• GPS geo-tagging via the new GP-1 GPS Unit.
• Eye-Fi Connected - The camera will detect when an Eye-Fi card is inserted and manage its power settings to ensure that photos upload effortlessly for sharing and storing. In addition, the Nikon D90 will include an Eye-Fi menu that allows users to turn the wireless function on or off, giving the user more freedom to customize how and when they want to use the Eye-Fi card.

But since this is the first Digital SLR to offer video recording, how does it work?  Nikon has added D-Movie to the D90 mode dial.  To begin recording, you press the ‘OK’ button at the center of the cursor pad on the back.  Here are the features:

D-Movie Good

• High Definition 720p Video Recording at 24 frames-per-second.
• Three D-movie resolution sizes - 1280 x 720, 640 x 424, and 320 x 216.
• Capturing video on a DX sensor that measures 15.8 x 23.6mm.
• HDMI output - using a Type C mini connector to hook up to your HDTV.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) will be active on lenses that offer it.

D-Movie Not So Good

• Mono-sound only.  Which wouldn’t be so bad except that Nikon does not allow an external microphone to be connected.
• Auto focus is NOT enabled.  A dSLR Dad is going to have to get pretty good at manual focusing while keeping the camera steady.
• All white balance settings, even Auto, are not active during recording.  All exposure decisions must be made before you begin.
• All video is recorded as Motion JPEG in an .AVI wrapper.
• The sensor get very warm after running for 5 minutes straight and will need to cool down.  Not sure if this means

Three years we may look back those specs and laugh.  But right now, it’s very exciting for a dSLR Dad to able to combine DX size pixels with lenses that are actually made of glass.  Think about it, HD video shot with a 10.5mm f/2.8G Fisheye, or the 105mm f/2.8G Micro-Nikkor, or even the 70-200mm f/2.8G VR Nikkor Lens. Very nice indeed.  I can’t wait to see how a little friendly competition pushes this along…..

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera is available in two versions:

• Nikon D90 digital SLR Camera (Body Only, available at Amazon and B&H Photo)
• Nikon D90 dSLR with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens (Amazon, B&H Photo)

As always, I thank those of you who have purchased your dSLR gear through the link on this site.  Your support of dSLR Dad.com is appreciated.

D90 Resources

• D-Movie: A new shooting function video from Nikon Imaging
• Sample images from Nikon Imaging
• Product Page with sample photos and video from Nikon USA
• Sixteen page brochure (16-page pdf link)
• Three-Hundred page User’s Manual - Guide to Digital Photography from Nikon USA.
• The latest Chase Jarvis RAW video details the testing of the Nikon D90 by the whole staff of Chase Jarvis Inc for the three weeks prior to it’s launch.
  

  Reviews

  Digital Photography Review - Preview only

  Chase Jarvis - Pro Photographer with advance access to the D90 pre-launch:

  Ok, so I normally steer clear of too much tech hype, but today I’m right up in there. Why? Because this time it feels different. Different, sure, because I got to play with, hammer on, and test the bejezzus out of the Nikon D90 for weeks-on-end prior to anybody even knowing it existed. (Did I say lucky? Soooo fun.) But this also feels different because, beyond all the specifications, numbers, megapixels and other geeky stuff, my gut is that Nikon have really delivered on this product. After using this camera and pushing it to it’s limits, I can honestly say that it’s a camera that will deliver stunning, emotive pictures–and MOVIES for Pete’s sake! MOVIES!–to an entire spectrum of amateur photographers. And that’s exciting. The world can always use better pictures.

  Martin Joergensen (Nikonian) also handled the D90 and has published his first impression.

  Press Release

  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.

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