Nikon's D90 Through the Eyes of a Video Pro

[Brian]

Nikon's D90 Through the Eyes of a Video Pro (http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/591/Nikons-D90-Through-the-Eyes-of-a-Video-Pro/)

""Exceeds demands of passionate photographers" is how Nikon's website describes the D90. Let's skip to the chase here and just say that what they're referring to, what everyone seems to talk about in reference to this camera (and the focus of this scathing editorial) is its ability to shoot video. Let's review Nikon's virtues before we lay into this particular camera. By way of disclosure let me say that I own a Nikon (an entry-level 35mm SLR, the N65) and frankly I love thing. Nikon makes some of the finest consumer lenses and, dollar-for-dollar, I'll take a Nikon over a Canon any day. As a digital SLR, the D90 meets industry benchmarks - more super-duper-mega-pixels than last year's model. That's appreciated, don't get me wrong, but that's normal for technology: cheaper and better as time goes by. It's when companies start adding bells and whistles that consumers didn't ask for that they get in trouble. I'm reminded here of the many jokes made around the pup-tent regarding why prosumer video cameras have the option to take stills. Much like the idea of an SLR that shoots video, I agree that there are certain specific situations that could warrant wanting to take pictures with my very-expensive-machine-designed-to-capture-motion; but really, wouldn't you just buy a still camera? We all love our Leatherman tools, but I wouldn't want to change a tire with one. "

[Shannz]

Thanks for the insightful article.
I sure hope the little man who lives inside the D90 gets it right because video option on a Nikon dslr is one of the main reasons I'd buy it. Starving artists need multifaceted devices.
:/ Luckily, I have the hands of a surgeon! You've given me lots to think about before making this purchase.

[MosaicMarj]

Great article. Really helpful. Very disappointing not to have more control over settings and I hear that once you set focus, you can't change it while shooting. However, the idea of carting around 2 cameras is exhausting and for those of us producing in a multimedia world, this is a good beginning.

[Kurtis]

From the things I've heard so far, the Canon 5D Mk II looks a little more promising on the video front, FYI.

[Martin]

Great article you wrote, very informative.

I purchased the D90 last month and I think it's a great camera. This is a crazy industry that were in and were going to have to adapt no matter what.

I am wedding photographer and for me to shoot stills plus cinema clips from the same camera is amazing. there is so much potential in the D90 that it boggles the mind.

Remember when digital hit the scene in 2000, this is the same situation. All cameras will shoot stills and clips in the near future. I have the D3 and D700 which will be the last still only cameras I will buy. You either change with the times or be left behind.

Red One video camera which cost about $17,000 body only has no autofocus and no audio. go figure?

Here is a little info about the D90. This camera will work in movie mode with all white balance modes plus you can close down the apeture to F8. You can bring the D90 up to your body while in movie mode, just velcro a wait level finder with magnifier to the monitor. I have one from Hasselblad and it works great. I also use an external recorder which sync's up perfectly

The Steadicam Merlin works great with this camera, really flies.

Hope this was helpful.

[Kurtis]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Martin. I agree that the ability to shoot video could be leveraged easily if you're willing to do it. For weddings it would still be hard to make a full-fledged video of the wedding since you have to be shooting stills, but it would be great to have some clips on there along with a Photo DVD or something... it's all in marketing your services creatively and getting the most you can out of your tools. :)

[Ralph]

As a video pro... I have some questions

What is a HVX-100?

You make no mention of audio capture with the D90... the horrid onboard mic with poor placement, lack of inputs, and that a re-foucs while rolling will make a nasty sound.

You make no mention of the lack of auto focus... which is much more of an hinderance for run-and-gun than the stability issues you mention. With LiveView there is no need to ever hold the camera at "arms length".

Another issue is the limit of a single clip to 2Gigs

Poor article with little to no "real" info or field experience