This is the first Digital SLR camera that shoots video. First let’s look at the specs:
- 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
- Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second
- D-Movie Mode—Cinematic 24fps HD with sound: (Record cinematic-quality movie clips at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format. Max per movie clip is 5 mins. At lower resolutions, max is 20 mins per movie clip.)
- Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
- 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
- Built-in image sensor cleaning
- 11-point AF system with Face Priority
And I’m not saying this just because I am now a Nikon user.. I am saying this because I started photography back in the old film days. When digital cameras came around people were sceptical, when I say “people” I mean the professional photographers. It started with digital compact cameras first and the normal laymen who didn’t understand about photography, started buying them because they thought it was saving them money from not having to purchase rolls of film anymore.
And then when they started making digital SLRs, it offered photojournalists who worked for news organizations something very important – speed. Meaning the time it takes to shoot an assignment up to the time it lands on the editor’s desk. With tight deadlines for newspapers, digital SLRs began to take on a new life. We started to bypass the long process of processing film and printing prints. It made photojournalists jobs much easier and also faster.
And so now we have the Nikon D90, the first digital SLR that shoots video clips. Even though it can only do a maximum clip of 5 minutes at its highest resolution at 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels), and at lower resolutions a maximum of 20 minutes, it’s more than enough and more than what we need! Unless you are doing an interview that lasts more than 20 minutes, the Nikon D90 is a fantastic tool for Photographers who want to incorporate videography into their presentations. Because now we have the internet which is such a powerful communication tool, news organizations are incorporating stills and videos into their websites.
I think this is just the start of something that will change the entire photography and videography industry worldwide. Photographers can now do what Videographers can do. And with the world moving towards Web 2.0 and online multimedia, still photos and movie clips will be merged into one form of communication.
Check out this video about the Nikon D90 from NikonUSA and you will begin to see the endless possibilities of photo and video working hand in hand to tell a story. Indeed the D90 is a powerful tool.
You can find out more about D-Movie here.
My only gripe is why didn’t they put video recording capabilities into the D700??!!
Chun Chung
You’re right about your opinion about the D90 and its potential. To be honest at first, at first I laughed at the new innovation but thinking deeper and reading your opinion I feel it really will change we as photographers work. Thanks for your objective point of view.
Aug 31, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
Rick
What do you think would be the best lens or pair of lenses to have with this camera?
Dec 03, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
jiminlai
Rick, there is no best lens. You choose what you like depending on what kind of photography you are doing. Of course for me I’d go with all the f2.8 and f1.4 lenses
.
Dec 03, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
Joseph Ung
I recently added the D90 to my existing D3 and I love the camera for its portability,image quality and flexibility.
I’ve never used the video so far but will try one day. As for the 1.5x crop, it can be used to your advantage for tele-use and to achieve those focal lengths that are in between when you use a ff body. Whenever I do not need ultra high speed bursts or ultra low light shooting capabilities, the D90 is preferred over the D3. Excellent value for money as I chose it over the D300 a a backup.
Dec 08, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Enche Tjin
yeah jim i have same idea about d90, but it is not exclusive anymore because 5D mk ii can do it too, and it is better.
Jan 19, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
Shireen
Hi Jimin,
I’ve been following your blog for a year now. First of all, thanks for sharing your photography life with us. I;m not a professional. If I were, you’d probably heard of me..heheh…but no, I’m a well, you could say a beginner…Also, one of those people who has an entry level DSLR. I’m thinking of a second camera body. I’m currently at a tussle between a D90 and the new D300s. I was told by someone that to learn better, get a full-frame. But unfortunately, we live in Malaysia and earn RM so it’s not so simple as upgrading to such advance camera.
So, if you have the time, and could help me out here :
in your opinion, which camera, a D90 or a D300. Both do fit my budget but I am at a cross-road.
Thanks in advance,
Shireen
p.s : No worries, I won’t hold it (your opinion) against u.
Sep 30, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
jiminlai
Hi Shireen, I really have no idea which is better because I have not done my research on the D300s yet. I assume the D300s is a faster camera more for professionals and the former is more of an amateur photographer’s camera. If you want to get more info and reviews of these cameras, you can go to a very popular site http://dpreview.com
Cheers,
Jimin
Sep 30, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Shireen
Thanks for the link. I will check it out in a jiffy!!
Oct 01, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Conrad Nge
Hello…there Jimin. Small world…I never thought I would bump into you at the Nikon Roadshow. How long has it been since we last met? I think it was during primary school days at Bukit bintang boys school..haha. I want to congratulate you for your excellent work in photography. Your talk this evening was very motivational, educational and most of all inspiring for newbies like myself…. Keep up the momentum….bro.
Regards,
Conrad Nge
Oct 18, 2009 @ 1:41 am
jiminlai
Hey Conrad, I sent you an email, maybe you haven’t checked. Yeah, it’s been a very long time. What are you doing these days? Let’s catch up bro.
Oct 23, 2009 @ 1:37 am