Is the D90 worth buying? at DVinfo.net

Stephen Boss · October 5th, 2008, 09:15 AM

I’m seriously considering buying this camera (mostly because of the video feature). I was looking to buy a DSLR anyway, so the D90 with the built in video would be an added bonus. But if the video feature just isn’t there yet, then I’ll just as well wait and go for a D300 or 50D. Anybody used this camera that can comment on it?

Jeff Zimmerman · October 7th, 2008, 09:29 PM

I'm in the same boat as you so I took the leap and bought it last Thursday. So far the video looks good in combination with a tripod. I would not suggest shooting without a tripod. The video will just look to jumpy doing a hand held pan. I'm sure there's more I have to learn about the camera. Audio seems to be fine so far.

Here's a few links I found that helped me make the choice on the D90.

Tibet D90: Nikon D90 in Tibet on Vimeo

D90 Demo Video: Chase Jarvis and friends try the D90

Japanese Sample: D90 Japanese sample on Vimeo

Other Notes: Shoots a 720p 24fps AVI video file format.

In Final Cut Pro used a 720p HDV Easy Setup - video needed to be rendered

Clips: Will post once I have more samples.

C.S. Michael · October 7th, 2008, 10:40 PM

I just bought one also, a few days ago.

I made the purchase almost impulsively, but after getting my hands on it for a few days, I really love it.

As a DSLR, it's wonderful.

As a video camera, it's got issues...but it also has a lot of potential. I agree with Jeff that a tripod of some sort is strongly recommended. The rolling shutter is severe, but the excellent DOF, lowlight performance, and color are exciting. Mastered, there's no reason the D90 can't help create a beautiful film.

I'm sure the upcoming Canon will outperform the D90, but at twice the cost, it certainly should. The D90 is something of a bargain. For my purposes (as an easily portable "b-roll" camera for Web delivery) it should work well.

I'm posting a video tomorrow on my blog with a few D90 shots. In the coming weeks I will try to use it more extensively, and if I create anything worth posting, will do so.

John Wyatt · October 13th, 2008, 03:05 AM

Someone has posted a fix to help the "stair-stepping" artifact for use in After Effects (but the principal could probably translate to a NLE which allows masks). This fix should make the D90 image more viable for some folks...

Jon Fairhurst · October 13th, 2008, 10:47 AM

I have a running request for a D90 owner to connect the camera with HDMI to an HDTV and measure (with a ruler, if that's what you have) how many lines are un-obscured by the menu graphics. (I'm interested to know if you can get a clean 2.25:1 aspect ratio.)

Also, does the picture look cleaner than the M-JPEG video recorded to the card?

Thanks!

October 5th, 2008, 09:15 AM	#1
Stephen Boss Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 52	Is the D90 worth buying? I’m seriously considering buying this camera (mostly because of the video feature). I was looking to buy a DSLR anyway, so the D90 with the built in video would be an added bonus. But if the video feature just isn’t there yet, then I’ll just as well wait and go for a D300 or 50D. Anybody used this camera that can comment on it?

October 7th, 2008, 09:29 PM	#2
Jeff Zimmerman Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton, Colorado Posts: 386	Nikon D90 Tryout and links I'm in the same boat as you so I took the leap and bought it last Thursday. So far the video looks good in combination with a tripod. I would not suggest shooting without a tripod. The video will just look to jumpy doing a hand held pan. I'm sure there's more I have to learn about the camera. Audio seems to be fine so far. Here's a few links I found that helped me make the choice on the D90. Tibet D90: Nikon D90 in Tibet on Vimeo D90 Demo Video: Chase Jarvis and friends try the D90 Japanese Sample: D90 Japanese sample on Vimeo Other Notes: Shoots a 720p 24fps AVI video file format. In Final Cut Pro used a 720p HDV Easy Setup - video needed to be rendered Clips: Will post once I have more samples. __________________ Jeff Zimmerman • Love what I do • Colorado + North America www.m3films.com

October 7th, 2008, 10:40 PM	#3
C.S. Michael Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 197	I just bought one also, a few days ago. I made the purchase almost impulsively, but after getting my hands on it for a few days, I really love it. As a DSLR, it's wonderful. As a video camera, it's got issues...but it also has a lot of potential. I agree with Jeff that a tripod of some sort is strongly recommended. The rolling shutter is severe, but the excellent DOF, lowlight performance, and color are exciting. Mastered, there's no reason the D90 can't help create a beautiful film. I'm sure the upcoming Canon will outperform the D90, but at twice the cost, it certainly should. The D90 is something of a bargain. For my purposes (as an easily portable "b-roll" camera for Web delivery) it should work well. I'm posting a video tomorrow on my blog with a few D90 shots. In the coming weeks I will try to use it more extensively, and if I create anything worth posting, will do so. __________________ Bored? Check out my blog (shot with Sony EX1, Panasonic TM700, Nikon D7100, Sony NEX-5N, GoPro2): LongLongHoneymoon.com

October 13th, 2008, 10:47 AM	#5
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	I have a running request for a D90 owner to connect the camera with HDMI to an HDTV and measure (with a ruler, if that's what you have) how many lines are un-obscured by the menu graphics. (I'm interested to know if you can get a clean 2.25:1 aspect ratio.) Also, does the picture look cleaner than the M-JPEG video recorded to the card? Thanks! __________________ Jon Fairhurst

October 13th, 2008, 03:05 AM	#4
John Wyatt Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: West Country, UK Posts: 141	Someone has posted a fix to help the "stair-stepping" artifact for use in After Effects (but the principal could probably translate to a NLE which allows masks). This fix should make the D90 image more viable for some folks...