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.

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

[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!