New Nikon D90 with HD Movie recording

Here’s a world first: A digital SLR camera that shoots high definition (HD) video. Welcome the Nikon D90.

What its manufacturer may have intended to be just a simple replacement for the dated Nikon D80 may just be the dSLR to change it all. Armed with a 12.3–megapixel CMOS sensor, the D90 is capable of doing most things every digital SLR could do, but adds HD movie recording. Capable of capturing 720p (1280×720px) video, this camera enables video enthusiast to shoot footage utilizing SLR lenses that provide better depth of field control as a result of its larger sensor compared to typical camcorders. This may just revolutionize how videos are captured.

Here’s a rundown of other things on the Nikon D90:

• 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 Mode—Cinematic 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.

The announcement of Canon’s 50D made some heads turn as Canon delivers a new camera sooner than the market expected, however Nikon’s D90 clearly has the spotlight right now. As it stands, Nikon seems to have the more complete and diverse lineup compared to Canon’s digital SLR bodies, especially in the middle to the topmost range. If only Nikon had a more reputable service here in the Philippines, they’d easily leave Canon in their dust.