Nikon's D90: the DSLR for HD junkies?
[Thanks, Stephen]
Filed under: Other hardware, Others
[Thanks, Stephen]
Relevant Posts
- Nikon D90's 720p movie mode gets critiqued (41 days ago - 6 Comments)
- JVC turns on the first 720p billboard in Times Square (2 days ago - 0 Comments)
- Prosilica's GE1910 camera brings Kodak HD sensor together with GigE Vision standard (5 days ago - 1 Comment)
- Sony's BRAVIA KDL-26M4000/R LCD HDTV reviewed (7 days ago - 2 Comments)
- Chinese pirates offering cheap AVCHD Blu-ray rips on disguised DVD-Rs (18 days ago - 7 Comments)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AR @ Sep 8th 2008 8:25AM
I have to admit, this DSLR has pretty broad-based appeal. Whether you are a pro, amateur or just starting in the DSLR game, this camera has the specs. As for the motion-Jpeg 720p, I doubt it would replace my HF10, but it is nice to have available.
I'm curious to know if people think it is worth the premium over the Canon XSi.
Jim @ Sep 8th 2008 9:38AM
I think that it only films 5min-max 24fps clips so it won't replace anything, it will just be a "nice to have" feature. Nobody should be buying the D90 for this feature alone. It is only recording the live-view feed.
Aaron @ Sep 8th 2008 9:40AM
The biggest problem isn't the motion JPEG, but the audio -- a crappy mono mic and no input jack just won't cut it. Nor will the 5-minute clip limit.
The image quality is astounding -- you simply cannot get that shallow depth of field with a $1000 video camera.
You could probably make a decent short film with a D90 if you recorded the audio externally and sync'd it up in post -- but it won't replace a camcorder just yet.
The D90 is a good start -- a shot across Canon's bow showing that the old market segment lines aren't going to stand for long.
The list of what they need to fix to make it a true HD camcorder competitor is pretty short:
- 5 minute clip limit
- 24p frame rate
- Mono audio
The first one is a firmware fix. The second is probably a sensor limitation, but going from 720/24p to 1080i/60 shouldn't be rocket science for the next generation. The third could be fixed with a grip-style add on that includes a stereo shotgun mic and external jack.
Verdict: A good v1 experiment, and inches away from changing the market for good.
Eric @ Sep 8th 2008 11:33AM
If you were wanting to do a short film, then 24p is the best part about it. The 5-minute limit isn't that bad either, although it could certainly be better. The mail drawbacks would be the audio, and as far as I can tell the lens is still zoomed manually.
But those are all things that can be worked around. If you're on a tight budget for a short film, it might be a good alternative to Red's Scarlet.
AlphaTeam @ Sep 8th 2008 12:57PM
This would be great for people who don't normally use camcorders, but are on the edge between a standard P&S with video and a DSLR.
Rich Thompson @ Sep 8th 2008 2:18PM
So far the example images I have seen for the D90 are stunning, especially the depth of field examples.
I have actually used the Casio EX-F1 for a while (example HD quality here: http://www.robotthoughts.com/cute/2008/09/kid-acting/) and found it DID replace my camcorder for most uses. Of course the EX-F1 leaned a little bit further into the video camera territory.
@Aaron the EX-F1 did not have any of those limitations, but I think the video quality is a bit worse than what examples I have seen for the D90.
Brenda @ Sep 8th 2008 3:48PM
I sure as hell am. I just saw the videos and pics over at chipchick.com and they are awesome. Just be sure to have Firefox to cruise the videos in youtube....you don't have the high quality option in IE7 for some reason.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT8XWTgA684&eurl=http://www.chipchick.com/2008/09/nikon_d90_sample_videos_unboxing.html
Mark M @ Sep 8th 2008 9:54PM
Consider the Sanyo Xacti HD1010, its actually pretty amazing.
Doogs @ Sep 9th 2008 7:27AM
Sigh. I don't know if I really want the market changed. DSLRs are one of the last few holdouts where a product focuses exclusively on doing one thing and doing it well.
DR. Z @ Oct 3rd 2008 1:48AM
well don't you all run to the store and make a big deal out it like you all did with iphone. luv Nikon but are thei trying to con us that format went away with win98. stick with your regular Dslr
because this one sounds like trouble. i'll wait for something in the mpg2, mpg4, h264 compression some thing truly HD. mjpg no not impressive. i'm in the video just as much as photography and it would be nice to less'n the load but D90 is not there yet. who thei made this camera for anyway?ooh i know the porno industry is gonna luv this one. that about it. and if shot anything good with i like to see it.