With the Nikon D90, photography has changed from a relaxing hobby into an aggravating and stressful pasttime I increasingly try to avoid. Personally, I think the D90 and the D700 are the best value cameras Nikon make right now. Personally I am waiting for Nikon to come out with a full frame D700 version with HD video which I will buy in a heartbeat but I was tempted to pick up the D90 in the interim. I started out with the D70 and moved up the ladder (D80 after and currently I shoot with a pair of D300s) but that D90 definitely looks like a nice piece of equipment.
Technology seems to be catching up with our needs for excellent digital imagery. Technology has changed since the D90 and D700 digital cameras have been released. Also, Nikon does need to improve on the video quality in their DSLR cameras.
Thanks to the D90’s large image sensor, D-Movie images exhibit less noise than those of a typical camcorder, most notably in low-light situations. This is a landmark camera and will be the first of many remarkable all-in-one imaging devices using quality lenses and technology suitable for both modes.
The Nikon D90 is a mid-size DSLR with durable build quality without being bulky. The lack of weather-seals means it cannot handle harsh environments, like most cameras in its price-range.
Seriously, the video mode doesn’t match its photo quality, and I can’t recommend to anyone who wants to shoot video with a DSLR to buy a D90 for that. Serious amateurs will frown upon the idea, but beginners and first time DSLR owners will storm the stores in search of the black wonder. Personally, I find the use a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD and the 3-inch LCD more exciting, but hey, I’ve never been a video fan, so I might be biased.
Video people, like me, are always trying to get a film-look out of video. I think what makes the D90 interesting to me for video is it shoots HD with Nikon lenses and gives a more pro look (film-like depth of field) than even my Panasonic HVX-200 with its attached Leica lens system. Video quality is very good, though some might be frustrated that the D90 doesn’t shoot full 1080p video. For most applications, though, the D90’s 720p will be fine.
nikon d5000
nikon d40
nikon d3000
nikon d700
nikon d300
nikon d300s
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD