Nikon D90

Nikon D90 Preview - September 2008

It had to happen sooner or later and Nikon are the first!

The New Nikon D90 ($999 USA, 899€) introduces High Definition 1,280x720p/24, motion JPG .AVI video to the world of the DSLR! This is, I am sure, a point that will have photographers from all genres and experience levels arguing its good and bad points. The simple way to see it is progression and commercialism.

Technology moves on regardless of what we think and manufacturers have to promote it to stay ahead of the game...simple.

My view is this, if you don't like it, don't buy it! Check out these video clips and sample images from the D90: Click the Image

I have written this in a slightly different way because Nikon have introduced/improved on quite a few items of technology with the Nikon D90...not all particularly useful to most people. Of course, these are just my opinions so you can have your say at the end.

So, with that out of the way, let's look at the full spec of the Nikon D90.

Here are the key features and tech specs taken from Nikon USA:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor: Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing technologies and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking image fidelity is assured.
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second: Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.
• D-Movie ModeCinematic 24fps HD with sound: Record cinematic-quality movie clips at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200: High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO setting.
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor: High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.
• Built-in image sensor cleaning: Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor's optical low pass filter.
• 11-point AF system with Face Priority: Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.
• One-button Live View: Easy to use Live View activates access to 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System: Nikon's renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.
• Comprehensive exposure control: Five advanced scene modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.
• Auto Active D-Lighting: Selectable and Automatic, Active D-Lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrast situations in real time.
• Durable, high precision shutter: Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.
• In-Camera Image Editing: Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.
• GPS geo-tagging: GP-1 GPS unit (optional) provides automatic real-time geo-tagging.

*ESP (Estimated Selling Price) listed only as an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. Some of the main highlights here are:

D-Movie

Like it or loathe it, the video application will come in handy for many families who don't want to carry cameras and video for family days out, holidays etc. For serious video, the specs don't really make the grade for things such as stock footage but having the ability to create such amazing depth of field with DSLR lenses is incredible. To be able to use Canon L lenses on my Sony PMW EX1 video camera to get the same results, I would need an adaptor costing around $1200!

This is the way consumer cameras are heading and I would expect this to become the norm on most models in the future with the exception of the professional DSLR's...maybe!

Low Noise at High ISO

Nikon edged ahead with low light performance with the D3 and if the Nikon D90 gets the same treatment, this camera should be great as a back up for wedding photographers for example.

Scene/Face Recognition

Is this just another fad or something useful? I personally do not like to use anything on a DSLR which takes away my control of focussing. Focussing is, in most cases, paramount. I can handle and correct slight over/underexposure particularly if shooting RAW but getting an important shot out of focus...nothing gets my goat more!

3 super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor

I am guessing that the quality of the LCD screen on the Nikon D90 will be incredible. I am a little disappointed with the screen on the Canon 1D Mark III with just 230,000 pixels especially when zooming in to check focus.

One Button Live View

Nikon, at the time of writing, are still ahead of Canon on this one as they have nailed auto focus whilst in live view although Canon's recently released EOS 50D has also added autfocus to its live view mode. I only occasionally use this feature but I can see how it can be handy to have available. E.g. sometimes when shooting interiors I have the camera backed right up against the wall so cannot get behind the viewfinder but I can still see the screen, especially with the 170° viewing angle.

Auto Active D-Lighting

Being a wedding photographer, I am all for anything that tackles high contrast, high dynamic range situations (wedding dress Vs Dark Suit. Most manufacturers are now concentrating on this problem with their research and development.

In Camera Image Editing

Red eye reduction maybe, but distorting and playing with images in camera...not for me! For one, the difference between working on an image on a 3" screen and a computer with 15-30" screen is obvious, are we taking digital imaging technology a little too far? Fad!

GPS Geo Tagging

I am on the fence with this as I don't know enough about it...I guess I don't miss using it so I don't need it?!? The best thing about reflecting on old images for me is that it spurs the memory back into action. Even the fact that my distant memory is a little jaded at times doesn't matter as I fill the gaps with nice things.

Could it be that when my kids look at photos in years to come they will say "Oh look, do you remember when we went to Portland Bill - Latitude: 50.5142, Longitude: -2.4564, Altitude 52 Metres"? Naa! Still, it may have its uses for some people.

HDMI Out

Pretty cool for viewing your Nikon D90 images instantly on a full 1080p HD TV.

The rest of the specs are pretty standard although improved.

Here are the full Tech Specs for the Nikon D90;

So, is the Nikon D90 worth buying? You decide. For me, if I had the Nikon D80 or D40 I wouldn't be rushing out to upgrade to the D90. If I had a D100 or D50 with a ton of Nikon lenses or if I was new to digital photography looking for a funky starter camera...I recon I would go for this.

Buy from B & H Photovideo

Full Review Nikon D90 at DPreview