With 720p HD video support, this is going to make my next camera upgrade choice a difficult one. Of course it’s not a ‘pro’ camera but the hd video support changes a few things as far as I’m concerned.
Get all the details to see for yourself. Be sure to check out the HD demo video.
Here’s a slick video with Chase Jarvis (obviously a Nikon marketing vid) test driving the D90 ahead of the public:
After attending Kris Krug’s Digital Photography session yesterday at Northern Voice 2007, I’ve been re-inspired to take/post more photos. Since moving to the new server, I’ve setup Coppermine to host my pix here and after Northern Voice, I’ve also decided to post more pix on Flickr. I’m planning on taking a ton of photos when…
What an epic weekend! So much going on surrounding the best little conference ever, Northern Voice. As usual, I’ll try to detail my experiences with photos and video I shot: Things kicked off Thursday at Federico’s Supper Club with the somewhat controversial (due to political sponsorship) opening dinner which was a lot of fun. It…
After a spectacular time at the Brewfest, the next morning came a little too quickly as Marc and I headed down to the Kona pier to embark on a snorkel and whale watching tour with Body Glove Hawaii. Snorkelling is something I love doing and try to do as much of as possible when I visit Hawaii. Surprisingly, I’d never done a boat trip before. All my snorkelling was done from shore so I was stoked to hear that we’d be headed to a secluded reef.
As I expected, my MacBook Air arrived today ahead of the projected shipping time and before my friend who ordered earlier than me and paid extra for faster shipping. I did have mine shipped to the office and he had it shipped to his house in Port Coquitlam so that may have been the difference….
Well, not really…but kinda. I’ve been using a fake Leica iPhone 4 skin on my iPhone for a few months now and it’s been amazing the response I get from people when they see it: But wanted something a little different. Then I found this guy’s ebay listing for something a little more up my…
During the recent Twestival at the Vancouver Lookout, I played around with the iPad 2 camera and photobooth using the kalidescope mode. I think the results turned out pretty cool, if not a little Inception-esque. Being on top of Vancouver probably helped too: The Seabus couldn’t escape either: Even night shots turned out pretty interesting:…
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A few things you’ll want to keep in mind about the HD video:
1. Fixed focus for duration of video
2. Mono sound
3. Limited to 5 minutes maximum
Yah, I’m curious why you’re so excited about the video portion. Given the constraints with regards to the video I’ve been reading about, it doesn’t really seem that exciting. I’ll give big kudos to Nikon for introducing this feature, but I think it’s mainly to appease consumers who would have been forced to give up video from their point and shoots if they wanted to go the DLSR route.
I guess if you really want a DLSR but still really want video, then it’s not a bad option. I think there’s huge potential for having video in a DLSR, but I don’t think this first iteration is terribly exciting yet.
A dSLR that does video? Like Duane though who miss the video portion of their cameras (going from compact digi to dSLR) I suppose would enjoy a video feature.
I rarely ever use my SD750s video feature and I have only used my Flip a couple times. I guess I am just not big on video lol Though does this not take the pro out of prosumer now?
Though the Canon 50D looks promising as a replacement for the 40D (15MP, Full frame, DiGiC 4 etc)
Guys: I’m well aware of the video constraints.
I haven’t pre-ordered my D90 yet. I simply said this kind of feature will make my next camera purchase a tougher one…I didn’t say that purchase was going to be next week.
The reality is that this is one of the most interesting developments (for me) in the DSLR space for awhile. Everyone always says it’s the glass that matters, not the body when using a DSLR. There is no way I can afford a respectable HD camera that allows for interchangeable lenses (which I already own or have access to).
There are a few other features of this camera which have nothing to do with video that are also interesting which I’m looking forward to checking out.
Fixed focus only matters if you don’t know how to do a rack focus.
The five minute limit is quite probably something that could change with a firmware update if it’s a hard limit vs simply a card capacity limitation. The mono audio is most likely a limitation of the onboard mic – there may be a means to attach an external/remote mic.
I’ll reserve judgement (as I’ve always done) until I’ve played with one in person.
I don’t care what Duane says. I want one. I’ll take two.
Like I said, it’s interesting, and I give kudos to Nikon. But really, can you actually see the average consumer rack focusing?
The 5-minute limit is only for HD video, the other video modes go up to 20 minutes. And I think this is fantastic — the video this camera will produce will be fundamentally different from pretty much anything else available for the price, because (a) the DX sensor is pretty much the same size as a frame of 35 mm movie film (remember, those are half the size of a 35 mm still frame), and (b) all the interchangeable lenses.
Most importantly, the bigger sensor will permit proper shallow focus effects, which no current consumer camcorder (even HD) permits — their sensors are too small, and have too great a depth of field.
It’s true that your average user will miss autofocus, but I wouldn’t in most circumstances. I find myself turning the autofocus OFF on camcorders pretty often, because it regularly “hunts” and focuses on the wrong thing when I’m trying to make an interesting composition.
So yeah, the D90’s video mode is limited, but it could also be a wonderful creative tool, especially with some of the faster or wackier Nikkor lenses.
Totally aside from the video, while I’m not in the market for a new SLR (my D50 and film F4 are still plugging along), if I were, the D90 would probably bump the D300 off my list right now. Not least because it’s almost half the price. :) I think it’s a much more interesting new camera than the Canon EOS 50D (which I’m sure is also excellent) — and I’d probably say that even if I weren’t an unrepentant Nikon fanboy.
And for us, Nikon finally has a new SLR feature first, for the first time in decades. It will be interesting to see what the other makers do to follow up.
Man, this is the best time for SLRs ever, I think.
Apparently I missed the 50D announcement..I’m gonna go read it now. If it’s not full frame, I’m gonna be sad.
Nope, no full-frame love on the 50D. It’s nice, but basically a step up from the 40D, much as the D90 is a step up from the D80.
Check out the official sample movies (the BMX looks like it’s from the Chase Jarvis sessions). Lots of different lens samples — f/1.4, fisheyes, plus the crazy-expensive 200 mm f/2 lens.