NIKON Announces D90 Digital SLR
by Wesley Fink on August 27, 2008 1:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Nikon USA has announced the D90, which updates the two-year old D80 DSLR. The new D90 increases resolution to 12.3 megapixels and includes the high resolution 3” LCD screen featured on the D300/D3/D700. Also introduced is the 18-105mm AF-S VR lens which will be available as a kit lens with the D90 or a standalone.
Below are Nikon Press Releases for the new camera and lens. Full D90 Specifications and a Brochure comparing current Nikon models are available at Nikon USA.
The Nikon D90 and 18-105mm lens will begin shipping sometime in September. We plan a review when production D90s are available.
Below are Nikon Press Releases for the new camera and lens. Full D90 Specifications and a Brochure comparing current Nikon models are available at Nikon USA.
The Nikon D90 and 18-105mm lens will begin shipping sometime in September. We plan a review when production D90s are available.
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D90, a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera that redefines the creative boundaries of digital photography allowing photographers to easily create stunning still images and High Definition (HD) movie clips with sound—with the same camera. A host of Nikon core technologies were leveraged to develop the D90’s scope of versatility, calling on years of photographic and optical expertise. Whether consumers are graduating from an advanced compact digital camera or are a seasoned D-SLR enthusiast, the Nikon D90 emphasizes brilliant image quality and versatility with its exclusive advanced Scene Recognition System, intuitive creative controls, blazing fast performance and the industry-first ability to create HD movie clips at 720p in the new D-Movie mode.
Inspired by Nikon’s acclaimed flagship DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300, and building on the success of the wildly popular D80, the D90 delivers stunning image quality. The CMOS image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combined with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEEDTM image processing system deliver outstanding images with fine details, smooth tones, brilliant colors and low noise across a broad ISO range.
Photographers are able to easily compose stunning images using the Live View Mode on the large 3-inch 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen. The 11-point auto focus (AF) system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System and Face Detection to help make the best shot in a variety of environments. Matched with the new versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lens, and a burst rate of up to 4.5 frames per second, photographers can confidently capture fast action and precise moments as they unfold. Also helping to ensure no memory is missed, the D90 offers fast handling with a power-up time of a mere 0.15ms and split-second shutter response measuring just 65ms, eliminating the frustration of pictures lost to shutter lag.
“The D90 delivers incredible imaging performance and control, setting a new standard for its class. This marriage of outstanding still image performance and HD movie clip capacity represents the dawn of a new age for D-SLR cameras. The D90’s handling characteristics and long list of features are sure to deliver the photographic experience that Nikon photographers have come to expect from Nikon engineering,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “Everyone at Nikon is especially eager to see the myriad of ways that imaginative D90 photographers will explore the world of cinematic 24fps HD video through the eyes of NIKKOR optics.”
Legendary Image Quality
For shooting in a variety of lighting conditions, the D90 has a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 (expandable to Lo 1 ISO 100 and Hi 1 ISO 6400) to deliver incredible low-noise images. The camera also employs an Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images.
The new D90 companion lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR provides a versatile focal length, and the benefits of Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. Nikon VR reduces the image blurring effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Borrowed from Nikon's professional line of digital cameras, the D90 is the most affordable camera to include Nikon's Scene Recognition System and adds newly-developed advanced Face Detection technology. The intelligent Scene Recognition System interprets color and brightness information of each individual shot from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies changes to AF, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 can also detect up to five faces using the new Face Detection system, producing flattering portraits with astounding definition and accuracy. While in playback mode, simply press the zoom button and portraits captured with Face Detection can be immediately magnified to ensure proper focus on the subject and faces are displayed on the LCD screen within brackets for easy reference and subject tracking.
The D90 benefits from Nikon’s comprehensive digital image processing engine, EXPEED, which provides smooth tones, rich colors and defined image details, as well as enhanced processing performance. Additionally, Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating each scene, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of over 30,000 scenes derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. To push the creative boundaries even further, Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing.
The Next Big Blockbuster
For the first time in digital SLR photography, Nikon introduces the addition of the D-Movie mode, allowing consumers to create their own HD movie clips (1280 x 720) with sound from their D-SLR camera. Photographers will appreciate the cinematic qualities that come from the 24fps frame rate, which matches theatrical film, whether producing vacation clips or creatively melding stills with video. Additionally, the large size of the D90’s DX-format sensor, combined with the optical superiority and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses, provides shooters with the ability to capture amazing perspectives not possible with typical camcorders. D-Movie clips also benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which is automatically activated during recording to aid the low-light capability that trumps many other hybrid devices. Users can record movie clips onto an inserted SD / SDHC card, created as Motion JPEG AVI files that are easily edited with widely available video editing software. The D90 also features an HDMI terminal, allowing viewing of both pictures and movies on High Definition televisions.
D90 Delivers Peak Performance
The D90's unprecedented start up time and imperceptible shutter lag derives from the same standards as the professional sports photographer choice, the Nikon D3. JPEG bursts can be shot as rapidly as 4.5 frames per second, allowing photographers to capture detailed action sequences or catch fleeting expressions that might otherwise be missed. Images are also processed and previewed rapidly at 120ms, which is less time than it takes to move an eye from the viewfinder to the screen. Users are also able to creatively stop the action with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second or create long-time exposures down to 30 seconds.
Nikon's 11-point AF also offers best-in-class speed and performance, helping to ensure sharp focus at any focal length. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Module, the AF system’s center area wide-frame operation adds inherent focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when changing the composition after focusing on a subject.
Push Creative Boundaries to the Limit
No matter the level of experience, the D90 makes high-quality photography fun and easier for a remarkably broad range of picture-takers. Users can enjoy complete control over all manual features or let the camera optimize settings automatically. For the camera novice and photography enthusiasts, the D90 puts all of the tools to explore new creative possibilities at their fingertips through the simple menu-driven interface. For those looking to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Mode dial with Advanced Scene modes on the camera. There are many options when it comes to realizing creative vision, such as Picture Control settings to provide an assorted palette of color effects that optimize color, saturation and hue through user-selected choices of Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape. Popular editing tools such as Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting and image trimming, image overlay, and a wide assortment of color filters can also be applied to images after capture.
The D90 also provides new options for in-camera image enhancement, including:
- Distortion Control: Adjusts lens aberration
- Straighten: Helps to correct linear inclination of an image for straight horizons and landscapes
- Fisheye Effect: In camera filter produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens
Skillfully Capture Inspiring Images
The D90 has been engineered with the photographer in mind with an intuitive interface that places a variety of automatic and advanced features at the hands of the user. The camera is built to withstand the rigors of an urban excursion or backcountry safari while boasting an impressive shutter mechanism that is tested to 100,000 cycles for durability. Whether upgrading from a compact digital camera or already a seasoned hobbyist, the D90 D-SLR will help anyone take great pictures, thanks in part to the following new features:
- Battery life: New circuitry enhances power consumption, affording up to 850 shots in typical conditions on a single charge of the Lithium Ion battery (CIPA standard)
- Viewfinder: The bright viewfinder offers a luminous 0.94x magnification to more accurately compose images
- LCD screen: The high-resolution 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen gives a 170-degree angle of view to make both composing and sharing easy and fun
- New playback function: Users can show their images in either four, nine or 72 thumbnail images, or use a new calendar format to easily find photos; users can also show their photos via Nikon's Pictmotion slideshow, including background music
- Built-in Flash: The built-in Speedlight offers a guide number of approximately 18/56 (ISO 200) and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full iTTL mode
Nikon System Legacy
The D90 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s extensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, including DX NIKKOR lenses, which are designed for optimum performance with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. NIKKOR lenses offer legendary optical superiority and add to the D90’s ability to deliver outstanding images. Paired with the D90 is the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which provides a versatile 5.8x optical zoom and VR image stabilization, for even sharper handheld picture taking. This lens offers a 27-157.5mm focal length in 35mm equivalent, a one-lens solution that offers a broad focal range to let photographers get up close and personal to their subjects from a distance, or wide for breathtaking landscapes. The built-in Silent Wave Motor ensures quick and quiet AF operation, while an aspherical element and ED glass deliver high resolution, high contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.
Photographers will also enjoy advanced functionality anywhere in the world with system accessories designed for the adventurous globe trekker. When used with the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit (available separately beginning November 2008), the D90 provides geotagging to images with latitude, longitude and altitude data imprinted on the images' metadata. Users can also prolong their adventure with the MB-D80 battery pack that accepts two EN-EL3e or six widely available AA-size batteries. Additionally, photographers can share and upload their images with a wireless interface optimized for the Eye-Fi™ wireless enabled SD card wherever there is a wireless network.
The D90 is also fully compatible with Capture NX2 software (available for purchase separately), Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap into the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX2 affords photographers the ability to use revolutionary control points.
Price and Availability
The D90 will be available throughout the United States beginning September 2008 at an MSRP of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit that includes the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The GP-1 GPS unit will be available in November 2008, and pricing will be announced near the time of its delivery to the marketplace. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
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Lord 666 - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
Wes,Is this D90 going to be a Top or Best seller for Nikon? ;)
foolsgambit11 - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
So... just to be fair to all competitors in the DSLR market, after posting the Canon press release with some photos, you're doing the same with the new Nikon?Wesley Fink - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
I have been posting DSLR Press releases or comments from Press Announcements for months now. DSLR makers announce their new models weeks to months before they are available in the market. DailyTech often catches the rumors of the new models but they do not always provide the in-depth announcement of the new DSLR models, or the extra pictures provided by manufacturers to reviewers.Since the new models are often the source of many rumors the Press release normally answers a lot of questions abot the specifications and features for those who are interested. With Canon and Nikon new model announcements and a more detailed Field review and images from the Olympus E-520 all published in the last few days there should be something for most everyone.
Now if we could just get the Press Release for the Canon 5D Mk II (or 7D or whatever the new full-frame is called) and the Sony A900 (24 megapixel full-frame) we would have most of the big gun announcements expected at Photokina. There are also some rumors of a Pentax full-frame for Photokina which come and go.
foolsgambit11 - Thursday, August 28, 2008 - link
Maybe I'm in the minority. I just think this should be a DailyTech article, and when you get your hands on a camera, you can do a full prerelease review on AnandTech. I'm not used to seeing full press releases about new CPUs, GPU, chipsets, monitors, or cases, for example, as articles on AnandTech.Or maybe I'm just not paying enough attention.
Lord 666 - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
I'm curious why Wes included a picture of the LCD protective cover.Wesley Fink - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
Just to let you know the LCD cover is STILL included in the D90 package :)Nikon still provides them for free, Canon doesn't provide one, and Sony will sell you one.
strikeback03 - Thursday, August 28, 2008 - link
The Canon cover is built in. Should you break it, costs about $15 and takes about 3 minutes to replace. So handy in that it can't be lost, but a problem if you break them often.ncage - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
I definitely going to give this camera a hard look when it comes out. The kit lens it comes with will probably be a good deal for the price (VRII & ultra zoom) but just don't expect it to rival nikon pro lenses in image quality and its a relatively slow lens. The LCD is very nice it seems. I love the dust reduction thing. It won't totally eliminate dust but it should help. They did come out with some features i REALLY don't care about. Like the video feature. A SLR is made to take pictures. If i want video then i will get a video camera. I'm also not big on "live view (eventhough it seems like most cameras have it now).Here is what its missing that i think it SHOULD have. First is an integrated GPS. it kind of sucks you have to buy it as an accessory and what if you want to use the external fill flash at the same time? I want VR built into the body like sony does on their alpha lines. Yes VR in the body is not as good as VR on the lenses but it definitly helps. So for things you need that "Extra" bit of reduction that a lens would give you then get a VR lens but VR in the body would help with every lens you have. This is one of the biggest features i really wanted but instead they add things like video that most serious photographers really don't care about. The focusing system is kind of a bummer too. The center focus point is the only one that has dual light sensors in it (vertical and horizontal). This means all the other focusing points will have poorer low light performance. You will have to step up to the D300 for that.
Ya i'm definitly going to give this a camera a hard look after it comes out and has some through reviews (dpreview). I'm curious how the image quality compares to the D300. I also will look to see if the price of the D300/D700 drops that much. The d700 might drop if canon comes out with a new version of the 5D at photokina next month. D700 is actually my dream camera body because of the full format sensor but its out of my price range at the moment.
Ncage
JarredWalton - Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - link
While including a movie mode isn't the greatest thing ever, the fact that this is a 24FPS 720P movie mode is certainly impressive. I do on occasion like to record a video of something, and cell phone cameras absolutely suck while even the better P&S cameras leave a lot to be desired in recording video. How does everything else work? Well, I'm in no rush to upgrade DSLRs anyway - still using an XTi.