“Purists” photographers need to review the way they are thinking or viewing the world around them, and better stop complainting that a DSLR or device incorporates new features they don’t like or think “should” be (… let’s see if in future they don’t star to use them )

today’s and future Multimedia device technology tends to integrate many features in one device, when possible.

As long as the Image Quality is not compromised, adding a very useful features (for some or many situations) as Video recording is ALWAYS a GOOD thing.

I don’t use GPS feature, but I could NEVER say it is a “Horrible” idea. Just don’t use it, as simple as that.

In the future DSLR will have HD Video recording (hope it happens SOON).
If you don’t like it, don’t use it. SIMPLE as that.

If you are a “traditionalist” who think a “Pro” or “Prosumer” DSLR “Should ONLY” take still photographs, then you should see what happens around you.
Maybe you should also go for a SLR and discard Digital too, not to mention avoid using GPS features, Wireless connection between cameras or devices, 51-points AF (use manual), LiveView, or any new feature that is not compatible with “traditional” photography…

** THE POINT IS: if a DSLR camera can add a Video feature (or any other that could be useful for many people or situations) Whitout compromising IQ, why not to do it?
It Expands the possibility of use. Even more if it is HD at good frame rate video recording.

As one said, he used, in his job, the real time HDMI output of a Nikon D300 to make a TV comercial…. That is AMAZING, and I congratulate him for that intelligent idea.

Journalist Photographers could also take some video clips, not only still images, if the Video recording get Good quality.

Jobs and tasks tend to integrate each other, in MANY Professional areas
Despite High Pro Video (as for Film/Movie making) is still far away from implementation on a Photographic Camera and maybe never happens, there will be some (sveral) approachs to integrate Lot of Features in one Digital Device.

That already happened (and still happens) with Cell phones, the clearest example.

Digital Photography is growing exponentially, so it will also integrate lot of features.

** CONGRATULATIONS TO NIKON for making this GOOD MOVE, and keep improving that. SEVERAL Professionals will appreciate, and take advantages of HD VIDEO recording on DSLR. ***

I’m a photographer since 1994, now I work in VISUAL ARTS and Fine Arts, as well as Computer Graphics imaging, and Photo and Video capabilities are more than wlecome and useful.
Also more MP that allows make bigger prints, more detailed digital stills, or crop an area with more details.
Of course, as long as keeping or improving the Image Quality, that’s obvious.

For the record I am a semi-retired professional photographer with over 20 years of experience who is something of a traditionalist. For those who think that it’s “a horrible idea” to have some form of video capability on the Nikon D90 all I can say is you don’t have to use that function. I don’t use many of the functions on my DSLRs or compact digital cameras. Heck, most of the time I am shooting in manual exposure mode and barely looking at the light meter in my Nikon D300 or Pentax K20D. Autofocus does come in handy though.

I just bought a Samsung NV24HD compact digital camera in part because it can shoot 720p HD video at 30 fps. I am having a blast with it and would be only too happy if the Nikon D90 has similar capability. In fact I will be somewhat disappointed if the D90′s video capability is limited to 640X480 VGA quality. I would want at least 720p HD video but 1080i or 1080p would be better, even at a lower frame rate. Of course a lower resolution high frame rate video capability would be great too. Let’s say 60 fps at 640X480 for example. But I’ll take 60 fps at on 720p HD video if Nikon will be so kind as to provide it.

I look forward to owning a Nikon D90 in the coming months. It may even relegate my D300 to back-up use. Seriously, I don’t need most of the features of the D300 and it is just a tad too big and heavy for my liking. I expect that the D90 would become my primary Nikon body if it has decent video capability. I know it is asking too much to have an articulated viewing screen on it but it sure would be nice if Nikon and other DSLR manufacturers made it possible to attach an articulated viewing screen as an optional accessory on future models of DSLRs.

http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nikonn2br3.jpg

God damn it all the rumors and the rumor discussions about the D90 are dead. Nothing new on it since yesterday

Knut
Aug 5, 2008 10:58pm ET

Why not? If you don’t like it, don’t use it. The cost to implement is probably next to nothing. Why shouldnot Nikon be a spearhed in the march towards integration of video and still. so much conservatisme…….

Cicpan
Aug 6, 2008 6:25am ET

Video in DSLR??????? Why??????? This is a point & shoot, or Semi-Professional Camera???

Catweazle
Aug 6, 2008 10:27am ET

@Cicpan, It’s neither a point and shoot nor a semi professional DSLR. It’s a consumer (maybe “prosumer”) grade DSLR and as such a camera, video capability makes perfect sense.

darrin Johnson
Aug 6, 2008 7:51pm ET

What are people afraid of? This is merging the still and film. There are countless times in the field that having a camera with this capability would be nice. It saves on having to take two pieces of equipment. This is a great add on.

Narna
Aug 6, 2008 8:38pm ET

Great idea. Basically P&S users are used to having this feature and are confused when DSLR’s don’t have liveview and movie mode. If it helps people make the transition then its a good inclusion. How many of the existing features in your DSLR don’t you use now? This is just another one. Oh and the clincher, the first friend I told excitedly said she wanted one once I mentioned video.

Oh and I bet that the video will be effectively crippled by going into auto just like in P&S’s. ie, no manual aperture control or ISO control. Only settings to be changed are white balance presets and size/framerate presets. And dare I say no video in Ai or Ai-s lenses because of lack of metering (I want to use my 50mm f/1.2!!). So there could also be no video in non-AFS lenses because of the constant refocusing it won’t be able to do. Marketing gimmick that not everyone will use regularly, even those that plan on using it right now, and make the camera more expensive than it needs to be.

If your new car would also be able to fly, for the same price, no sacrifices, nothing else would be different other than the possibility to use it as a plane, would you complain about that?