Nikon D90 Review: The Role as Video Recorder.

The status of the first SLR capable of recording video the D90 turned in one of the most celebrated news of the last Photokina. A video recording mode of the D90, as christened by Nikon D-Movie, has caused rivers of ink and has aroused much interest. While many photojournalists are afraid that this technological progress may force them to perform two functions at once, some traders look askance video potential intrusion into their professional segment.

However, this pioneering SLR in hand, these fears appear unfounded today. And is that despite its large sensor, high sensitivity and its undeniable optical quality, the D90 can not do even a shadow vi

The D90 is just the first step towards the implementation of this function in the digital SLR. In fact, Canon has taken a step forward with its EOS 5D Mark II can record HD video with 1080 lines.

Outside the SLR, Panasonic has already announced the development of a Micro FourThirds with video capture function and a quiet approach not to ruin the audio.

Without Autofocus
Undoubtedly, one of the most valued in an SLR camera like a camcorder is its precision and speed of approach, which year after year demanding professionals and advanced users.

For this reason, the absence of autofocus during video capture on the D90 means of entry, a drastic limitation frustrates the expectations that many had placed in this revolutionary service.

Anikon_d90_2nd this deficit is that invalidate the role of video for any application requiring a minimum of agility. When you start the capture, the focus is fixed in position and can only last several manuals.

(Despite the title of a pioneering show, the D90 is lagging in this section with respect to the aforementioned EOS 5D Mark II, the autofocus system remains active during recording.)

In addition, the video recording works only through the Live View mode, and the process approach should be made with the 3 inch TFT screen.

Much more accurate results would be if this feature could be used for the wonderful display that shows the D90. Furthermore, the position they should adopt a framework for the rear monitor is not the most appropriate to manipulate the focus ring on the lens.

One Aspect of Cinema
Apart from the limitation of the approach, the most noteworthy of the videos taken with the D90 is its attractive texture film. The dynamic range and color management offered by this reflex are much higher than those of most similar priced camcorders that can be found today in the windows.

Similarly, the ability to use multiple lenses is only found in camcorders and professional range of several thousand euros.

In fact, one of the great shortcomings of the current window of amateur video is the possibility of optical angle greater than 35 millimeters.

The D90 is also capable of producing beautiful blur, very characteristic of film productions and impossible to achieve with a price camascopio restraint.

All this is achieved thanks to the immense size of its CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm, which far exceeds the dimensions of which put all the video less than 6,000 euros.

The characteristics of the sensor also affect the response to work with high sensitivities. And we can record video clips at 3200 ISO with a presence of noise unusually low compared to what we can expect from a camcorder aimed at enthusiasts.

Processing Problems
The D90 HD video recording with a frame size of 1280 x 720 pixels and a rate of 24 frames per second. Sequences are compressed according to the standard MJPEG and stored in the popular AVI container, so its compatibility with major video players should not be a problem.

Reviewing the recorded videos, it is clear that the camera does not perform an efficient process. Some shots are serious problems of compression, with jagged edges and areas with low sharpness and plaster.

Also shows an unnatural and choppy movement in the sequences obtained, especially evident when shoot moving objects at high speed.

Interestingly, these problems are less visible in some compact cameras a lot cheaper, would not limit the length of the clips. The D90, remember, does not permit catches of up to 5 minutes duration.

A Long Way to Go
Having seen, it is unlikely that a photojournalist with a D90 could eventually replace the work of an operator with a good video camascopio.

And not just because of the lack of autofocus and the problems of processing the video, but also because the ergonomics of an SLR is the most appropriate to make a film.

Make a pan or a movement in the D90 is far more difficult than with a camcorder properly seated in the shoulder or to one of the ultralight models that swarm over the current showcase of digital video.

It should be emphasized that the sound recorded with the D90 is totally unusable for any minimally serious.

Still, there is no doubt that the D90 opens an interesting path to explore. Despite its flaws, is capable of generating small video clips really beautiful, with an aesthetic that fascinated many amateur filmmakers.

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June 8, 2009 · Posted in Nikon 

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