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Nikon's New SLR is the First to Shoot Video

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Point-n-shoot digital cameras have had the ability to shoot video for quite some time, but the same feature has been noticeably absent among digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. Adding insult to injury, even low end DSLRs typically cost more than high end digital cameras, yet if owners of the latter want to take videos, it meant spending even more money on a camcorder.

Nikon looks to change that trend with the release of its latest digital single-lens reflex camera, the D90, which is the company is billing as the first SLR with video capability. Nikon made it possible to record video by using a faster frame rate and a different way of processing the images.

"The big plus is that you can now shoot video with a great lens," says Steve Heiner, Nikon's senior technical manager.

The D90 will be capable of recording both high definition and standard video clips, but the new functionality won't come cheap. Expect to pay around $1,300 for the D90 with lens when it becomes available in stores next month.

Image Credit: Nikon

COMMENTS
avatarThis looks very promising,

This looks very promising, and a great "next-step" evolution of the live preview feature of higher end DSLR's.  DPReview.com had a limited hands with the D90 and had this to say of the movie capture mode:

"Using an SLR for movies may seem like yet another 'solution looking for
a problem', but Nikon believe that the unique advantages offered by
such a large sensor (compared to any compact stills camera or
camcorder) will bring get users' creative juices flowing. These
advantages include the ability to use selective focus effects in movie
clips (shallow depth of field), the ability to shoot movies with
fisheye or extreme telephoto lenses and the ability to capture movies
in very low light thanks to the higher sensitivity."

 

Personally, I am waiting to see how Canon responds.  I've too much invested in lenses to switch now.

 

Grey

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