Claim check—Nikon D90: The first SLR with hi-def video

The 12-megapixel Nikon D90 SLR, $1,000 (body only), claims to capture HD video with a "cinematic" 24 frames per second rate and resolution of 720p (1280 x 720 pixels). But the frame rate is too slow for many uses, and in our tests, resulted in flickering with horizontal panning or horizontal subject movement.

[UPDATE Dec. 12, 2008: The Nikon D90 has now been fully tested by our technicians. See our latest blog entry: "Digital SLR Ratings: Nikon D90 and other new models." If you have a subscription to ConsumerReports.org, you can find the D90 in our latest Ratings of Digital SLRs. —Ed.]

And while it's true that the D90's file resolution is 720p, images recorded at that setting contained far less detail, even in the best lighting conditions, than what most HD camcorders capture at similar settings. Those images were no better than those a VHS tape typically captures. In fact, the D90's video image quality fell short of that produced by the lowest-rated HD camcorder in our Ratings (available to subscribers), the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000. Because the Xacti records video at 60 fps, more than twice the frame rate of the D90, it doesn't display the flickering effect that's noticeable on video taken with the D90.

Another drawback of the D90: When we recorded video, most of its controls, including autofocus, were disabled. So, if your subject goes out of focus, the D90 won't automatically refocus. You can manually refocus, however.

Bottom line. Although the D90 lets you record HD video, its capabilities and performance are middling at best. It isn't a substitute for a decent HD camcorder. We'll report on the D90's still-camera capabilities soon.

Comments

[Dan Gillen]

This review of the D90's HD video mode totally misses the point. Having the ability to limit depth of field with fast glass and use a wide variety of interchangeable optics allow for far more professional looking results than you could ever get with a consumer camcorder. Also, being able to shoot at ISO 1600 with little grain allows for much more usable footage in low light situations.

Yes, the resolution isn't as high as a dedicated HD camcorder, but who cares when the results look orders of magnitude more professional.

[Paul Eng]

To all:

We recently updated our complete Ratings of digital cameras and in our ratings of digital SLRs. For more information, see our latest blog entry:

Digital SLR Ratings: Nikon D90 and other new models
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/12/digital-slr-rat.html

If you have a subscription to ConsumerReports Online, you can access the Ratings, which includes information and performance reviews of the Nikon D90. Just click on the links:

Ratings of digital cameras:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras-photography/digital-cameras/point-shoot-digital-camera-ratings/ratings-overview.htm

Ratings of digital SLRs:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr-camera-ratings/ratings-overview.htm

Nikon D90 SLR model and performance review:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras-photography/digital-cameras/digital-slr-camera-ratings/models/overview/99022155.htm

Thanks,
Paul Eng
Web Senior Editor, Electronics

[Andy]

Hello,

I'd like to request that CR test two inexpensive 28 mm wide angle subcompact cameras in time for Christmas shopping: the Casio EX-Z150 (also the EX-Z250, when available) and the Fuji J150W. The EX-Z150 and J150W are less than $200 at Best Buy, that's where I saw them, but I will wait until CR has a chance to test these and others. It appears that Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic also have cameras with a 28 mm lens but they are much more than $200.

Thank you!