I am using a tripod some to achieve some degree of steadiness with a D90 and find if the motion is all in one plane then the focus is quite acceptable. Worse case scenario is things coming at you or going away requiring wide depth of field. I have experimented with using aperature priority on video mode. One note is that Shake and a whole lot of aftermarket editing is available but I often run my videos as AVI clips in Apple iPhoto and have several quite impressive presentations and I often use 95% of the images as JPEG fine large images, rest AVI video clips. Much of my pro photo use is as a marketing tool for my business which employs half a dozen people and without iPhoto images and shows NOT ONE SINGLE customer would have a clue who we are or what we do. We own Final Cut Studio and a whole batch of other movie editing gear but I rarely personally use that stuff. Studio 460's comments show how radically this field of imagery is shifting. And yes only 44% of DSLR owners with video capability use the video as PB PM points out.
The question is always how effectively do we use our gear. Dorthea Lange made images years ago that are really amazing. Some weeks I am pretty lucky and am at the right place at the right time. I always put image capture as my top priority. When I look back at D100s, D70s, and even F5s.....I have come a long ways. The camera I miss most at times is the Fuji GX 617 panoramic with all the lens. I do wish the Nikon D3s were more affordable. My guess is that Nikon's next serious introduction will be a good one. I hope as most of you do they do not wait too long!
Waiting for D90 Refresh
(170 posts) (40 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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Reading with great interest. I just got back from a cruise to the Norwegian fjords (great) where I took a Fuji HS-10, the new 30x superzoom camera. I have to say that I was hoping, as a novice, that it would give me great pix along with it's pretty enormous feature set. Didn't work out that way...the autofocus is kind of slow, and the image quality leaves quite a bit to be desired.
What I did notice on the cruise is that the Nikon D-90 is superpopular, and various Canons #2. I checked out a few in the stores in Europe, and definitely like the D-90...but not going to buy an end of life product...
I'm ready to buy the new D8000 (or whatever it is called ultimately... I realize that I'm a novice, but I STRONGLY agree that 1080p is a BIG DEAL for Nikon to be competitive....and people do want a camera to be able to do both!
One question: Any idea what the kit lense will be (hopefully at least 18-105 or more zoom....
Posted 2 years ago # -
Dr. B Toronto said:
Reading with great interest. I just got back from a cruise to the Norwegian fjords (great) where I took a Fuji HS-10, the new 30x superzoom camera. I have to say that I was hoping, as a novice, that it would give me great pix along with it's pretty enormous feature set. Didn't work out that way...the autofocus is kind of slow, and the image quality leaves quite a bit to be desired.Yes, you certainly get a lot more with either a DX- or FX-DSLR body than even the best point-and-shoots. The size of the image sensor is a large contributor to the overall image quality, dynamic range, and light-gathering ability of the camera, not to mention the excellent array of DX- and FX-optics available from Nikon.
Dr. B Toronto said:
What I did notice on the cruise is that the Nikon D-90 is superpopular, and various Canons #2. I checked out a few in the stores in Europe, and definitely like the D-90...but not going to buy an end of life product . . .The D90 is a great, high-end consumer camera, but everyone and their brother seems to be rushing out to buy Canon T2is and 7Ds. They're not even exactly sure why they chose Canon, other then a vague general belief that "Canon is better than Nikon," that appears to be ultra-pervasive among novices, mainly due to higher pixel-counts (and also, possibly due to Canon's superior video capability). Oddly, I don't know a single person in real-life that owns a D90.
Posted 2 years ago # -
studio460 said:
Yes, you certainly get a lot more with either a DX- or FX-DSLR body than even the best point-and-shoots. The size of the image sensor is a large contributor to the overall image quality, dynamic range, and light-gathering ability of the camera, not to mention the excellent array of DX- and FX-optics available from Nikon.The D90 is a great, high-end consumer camera, but everyone and his brother seems to be rushing out to buy Canon T2is and 7Ds. They're not exactly sure why they chose Canon, other then a vague general belief that "Canon is better than Nikon," that appears to be ultra-pervasive among novices, mainly due to higher pixel-counts (and also, possibly due to Canon's superior video capability). Oddly, I don't know a single person in real-life that owns a D90.
The Canon vs. Nikon thing really isn't a big deal. Long as you get the shot you want, who cares what gear you're using? Obviously it's better for Nikon if everyone buys Nikon, but where would Nikon be if there weren't competition?
Posted 2 years ago # -
NSXType-R said:
The Canon vs. Nikon thing really isn't a big deal. Long as you get the shot you want, who cares what gear you're using? Obviously it's better for Nikon if everyone buys Nikon, but where would Nikon be if there weren't competition?It certainly doesn't matter to me what other people buy. It's just weird how many people I know are buying Canon, apparently without even considering the equivalent Nikon body. Nikon is again, quickly losing both market- and mind-share, mainly because most novices simply assume that higher pixel-counts, automatically mean higher quality. By many novice's measure, this is their ONLY measure.
My good friend at work (another camera operator), is considering his very first D-SLR purchase. Instead of first asking, "Canon or Nikon?"--his first question to me was, "Should I get the 7D or the 5D?" I tried to be neutral, and recommended that he at least demo a Nikon body before his final purchase decision. I also tried to relay to him a few of the pro-Nikon arguments I've read here. But since he also wants to shoot video, in the end, I had to recommend Canon over Nikon for his particular needs.
As an aside, I happened to be in the photographers' section of a press line to shoot B-roll at a premiere last week, so I looked down from my video camera for a moment, and snapped this quick image of the other photographers. I noticed I happened to be surrounded by FOUR other Nikon shooters! Usually, a typical press line is a sea of white lenses, sprinkled with a few Nikon bodies here and there:
When Nikon does finally decide to upgrade, refresh, or replace the venerable D90 (with features at least at parity with the T2i), they will be far-better positioned to regain some of their share of market, regardless if we really need those features or not. Nikon used to claim the dominant mind-share and brand-recognition prize. Hopefully, a forward-looking strategy is already in place at Nikon. However, it's time they start delivering new, competitive products that will assist in renewing that claim. Hopefully, by Photokina, this fall.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Studio, I totally agree with you on every point. I am afraid that when Nikon brings out the next generation of cameras is going to be late because as you mention those people that are buying Canons are looking into the future of what Canon is going to bring next.
And I know for most of us who understand the photography the size and the count doesn't matter but for the majority it seems to play a big role on their confidence that their camera is better because it has more MPX.
Being a filmmaker as well I bought the D300s purely to shoot video and now I only use it for pictures but sometimes when I am outside I shoot video as well.
Nikon is far behind in the video department which at the moment they thing is not important but if Nikon doesn't bring out something by end of this year they are on a serious trouble.
Nikon is forgetting or ignoring the fact that every other camera manufacture is improving their video capability on a newer generation. A lot of people would of been loyal to Nikon if they did some minor improvement on D90 but because Nikon didn't do anything they left Nikon and went to Canon.
Whether we like it or not very soon professional photographers are going to be forced to by cameras that shoot video because their magazine producers are going to request video footage along side the pictures to post it on the net for on line magazines.
What ever happen we have to wait and see what Photokina bring out this fall. And if Nikon doesn't bring anything new that will address some of the problems that people have been asking then it will be another draw back for Nikon.
Posted 2 years ago # -
studio460 said:However, rolling shutter is going to continue to be an issue. Even a $17,500 RED ONE (body only) has rolling shutter issues (albeit, quite a bit less than a D90's).
Sure, but 60fps on the GH1 eliminates it from being distracting. If you pan fast enough that it is noticeable, then you're probably not making a pleasing video.
As for autofocus, I'm aware that the motion picture industry uses manual focus. They also have power zoom so they aren't twisting two parts of their lens. I only have so many hands! As it is now, I have to zoom and then fix the focus, and while something may look in focus on the LCD, when I import it, I discover that it was a little off. The fact is, for me, AF is non-negotiable.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Good point about the 60 fps and rolling shutter, Joe. Oh, and I want AF and power zoom (and VR).
Posted 2 years ago # -
Nikon will either get with a Nikon D90 replacement by this fall or lose market share and lose so much brand loyalty and brand recognition it will be a disaster for the loyal following they still enjoy. The D90 replacement or lack thereof will be the acid test. Why? Because the Canon models with kit lens cost about what a D90 replacement SHOULD COST. this means those with Nikkor lens could at least have the Canon kit lens which would get them started. To the new buyer though the choice would just get easier without having to even consider a Nikon. I have never been aware of a Nikon era which placed their brand in so much jeopardy. I have seen customers who now demand video as well as still and indeed some are saying "Well I just get lost in stills". I have had clients and allied business say to me "Please shoot just video on this project". Having just reviewed several programs we worked on I do think the Nikon DSLR video conveyed MORE than the still. On line marketing usage has driven much of this. Sometimes I feel I am a dinosaur in this new age. I also still continue to boycott the D3x and D3s due to cost. Having seen their images I just see no advantage certainly compared to a D700 with one exception. D700 has no video. That makes the D90 look like a useful tool, but the video quality needs a quick upgrade.
Posted 2 years ago # -
studio460 said:
It certainly doesn't matter to me what other people buy. It's just weird how many people I know are buying Canon, apparently without even considering the equivalent Nikon body. Nikon is again, quickly losing both market- and mind-share, mainly because most novices simply assume that higher pixel-counts, automatically mean higher quality. By many novice's measure, this is their ONLY measure.My good friend at work (another camera operator), is considering his very first D-SLR purchase. Instead of first asking, "Canon or Nikon?"--his first question to me was, "Should I get the 7D or the 5D?" I tried to be neutral, and recommended that he at least demo a Nikon body before his final purchase decision. I also tried to relay to him a few of the pro-Nikon arguments I've read here. But since he also wants to shoot video, in the end, I had to recommend Canon over Nikon for his particular needs.
As an aside, I happened to be in the photographers' section of a press line to shoot B-roll at a premiere last week, so I looked down from my video camera for a moment, and snapped this quick image of the other photographers. I noticed I happened to be surrounded by FOUR other Nikon shooters! Usually, a typical press line is a sea of white lenses, sprinkled with a few Nikon bodies here and there:
When Nikon does finally decide to upgrade, refresh, or replace the venerable D90 (with features at least at parity with the T2i), they will be far-better positioned to regain some of their share of market, regardless if we really need those features or not. Nikon used to claim the dominant mind-share and brand-recognition prize. Hopefully, a forward-looking strategy is already in place at Nikon. However, it's time they start delivering new, competitive products that will assist in renewing that claim. Hopefully, by Photokina, this fall.
True, Nikon isn't very loud about their cameras, unlike Canon, who seem to have way better marketers than Nikon does. But hey, it's not like I get control over what they do in the first place.
But in any case, for me it's usually a tossup. I often see more Nikons than Canons, but these are usually D90 or D40 style bodies. I've seen a couple film ones, F5, usually. But it's about equal. Lately I've seen more Olympus and Pentax bodies for some odd reason. Perhaps it's because I think J and R has had a discount on them lately.
Posted 2 years ago # -
A lot of the "pros" I know have switched to Nikon D3/S. The D700 is also very popular and I see quite a few of those. The only canon that I've seen in large numbers is of course the 5Dmk2 but the people I see using it are videographers and not photographers.
At the low-end I don't see very many Nikons. I mostly see Sony!
Posted 2 years ago # -
The cameras I see most are, D60, D200, D300, Rebel Xsi, 40D, 50D, D2X, D3, 1Ds MkII, along with some D80s, D90s the odd T1/2i and D5000, a few 5D and 5D MkII. I've only seen one or two D700's in the wild. Never seen a 7D in the wild, not yet anyway.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Perhaps I live and photograph in isolated places most of the time. I am going to Alaska again soon, and I do not expect to see any other D700s in the field. I have never seen but one D700 belonging to someone else and he was running photo safaris out of France and sure knew what he was doing and had in fact owned the lodge I was traveling with before he had sold it to the owner. I see a lot of high end Canons in that kind of setting. Still the D90 is a common one to see in the field and if I ask the owner.....they are very happy with them. Canon T2i though seem to be coming on very quickly.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Regardless of the rapt attention photo enthusiasts are paying to the “When will the D90 be replaced” Q, Nikon’s lack of answer makes one thing clear---there is still a strong market for the camera. Otherwise, the D90-xx would be on the market. Based on turnaround times of past bodies, this is not a matter of product development. Hardware updates are not hard, nor time consuming. Nikon is riding out the wave of buys on D90s before even announcing the D90-XX. Press releases on a new camera will cause sales to crash. They have a winning camera and as long as their market share at this price/design point remains high, don’t expect Nikon to jump for up to several months.
9 months ago, dire predictions were made in this thread that lest Nikon replace it immediately they would lose the enthusiast+/pro- market, product loyalty, stockholders, their homes and ability to pay for food.Business intelligence is not good for consumers but a fact of life.
The only factor working against Nikon's stall is the Cannon T2i. That is a potential pressure point and good for users. A little healthy competition for the market.Posted 2 years ago # -
Good post for your first one, welcome! I agree about the T2i being good for people who want the D90, because the price has come down a lot in the last few months. I see some places selling for under $800, although still a little steeper than the D80 at this point in it's life cycle, which is good for Nikon!
Posted 2 years ago # -
This fourth of July for fireworks I shot the Nikon D90 with a 18-200VR lens on ISO 800 and -4.0 exposure bias in P mode using JPEG fine. It was necessary to focus on boats out in a bay before the camera was switched to Live View as after the video there are no adjustments that can be made. I compared the Nikon D90 to some pro video camera gear. To many the surprise was the Nikon D90 won that shoot out despite my belief that the 35mm lenses plus rolling shutter effects would be negligible. I have shot fireworks on large format and knew a lot about how to do them, but the Nikon D90 video was wonderful and the onboard sound was very exciting and valuable! I have shot with the Canon T2i and considered buying one for an upcoming trip to Alaska. This is a strong indication that my waiting for a D90 replacement was for me not worth the wait. I have also decided NOT to buy the Canon T2i based on my reaction to that camera. NIKON is riding this D90 success right to the edge. The price on the T2i is excellent. Had I owned no DSLR camera yet I would have been very temped to just buy the flimsier feeling Canon. Even the sales people who had both on the counter saw merits in both. If I were a Nikon stockholder I still would be nervous. But stockholders base all their decisions on revenue and I base all of my decisions on having the best image capture system in the field I can afford and justify owning. If I had to buy a DSLR camera TODAY it would still be a D90. The replacement will be more expensive than I would be willing to pay and the wait would cost me images. I'd buy now and sell the used camera if I didn't believe in having more than one backup camera.
Posted 2 years ago # -
NikoDoby said:
A lot of the "pros" I know have switched to Nikon D3/S. The D700 is also very popular and I see quite a few of those. The only canon that I've seen in large numbers is of course the 5Dmk2 but the people I see using it are videographers and not photographers.At the low-end I don't see very many Nikons. I mostly see Sony!
that's what I've seen too. . .my D90 has been a joy to use frankly, the update won't sway dedicated Nikon users IMO. . .I can't even imagine how awesome a D3s would be after shooting my D90 in pitch black situations over July 4th. . .
Posted 2 years ago # -
You know there is another reason the D90 sells, some people buy cameras because of the lens system. If there is a lens they want, they buy the camera to go with it. That alone will drive some sales.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think PB PM's comment applies mostly to the more veteran photographer. A beginning DSLR user is going to start with a camera and a lens, and almost always a kit lens. Frankly I wish i were in a situation where I saw more Nikon D3s used in the field. At this point I do not. That would encourage me to buy and use one. I still regard the D700 as nearly the ideal camera but for me to buy one NOW it would have to have video added. That shows I have gotten used to video on DSLR and almost require it on my rigs to make the purchase decision. I wonder what Nikkor mid-range zooms will really work as I hear very conflicting reports on the 24-120 (FX) which I have never even shot with. I have wide and telephoto covered well enough to say OK.....but as PB PM points out now the LENS is starting to drive my needs, not just the camera. I would want this mid-range video in the 24-120 zoom range to be pretty good on HD video??
Posted 2 years ago # -
Well based on the sales figured posted on the main page of NR, the D90 is selling just fine in 2010 so far, holding first place in terms of sales, followed by the D5000 (3rd) and D3000 (5th), all in the top 5! The T2i (4th), T1i (2ed) are also in the top five.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i hate the t2i. . .i just don't know why. . .too many people have come to me asking about a camera to buy, only to turn to the t2i. . .(and ignoring my D5k recommendations!)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Well because most people only care about price and megapixels. So they just want a camera that gives them "more" (specs) for "less" ($$$). Image quality isn't something you can "see" while buying a camera.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Yes, other than two friends of mine, one of which owns an S5 Pro and the other a hand-me-down S1 Pro, I have only ever seen D40/x s, some D3000 s, and maybe a few D60s and D5000s. Except for once, when I thought I saw a D700 and was amazed at how compact it was for an FX but then realised it was just a D70. All the rest I've ever seen are Rebels. ]: I'm very surprised the first D90 I've seen in the wild is my own. Maybe I should look harder. :P
NikoDoby said:
Well because most people only care about price and megapixels. So they just want a camera that gives them "more" (specs) for "less" ($$$). Image quality isn't something you can "see" while buying a camera.Which is why soccer moms and Joe Six Packs everywhere will keep picking up Canons at the BestBuy. (Not that I have anything against them (c; ) Like two of my friends who were buying computers in the same price range at the same time. (Figures, they were twins. Really.) One of them bought a computer with a low-end Core i7 and 8GB of RAM. The other bought one with a top-of-the line i7 but with only 6GB of RAM. There's no way either of them will ever be using even close to 6GB of RAM. Guess which one's computer ran faster.
I can't argue that Canon SLRs have bad image quality, but it doesn't seem like IQ is Canons top priority by as great a margin as Nikon makes it theirs.
Sorry, I probably just talked your ear off.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Checking sales volume as nearly as any non-owner could do I have been informed that currently the D90 sales are slumping some much from competition with the canon T2i. You might check the big five camera sales places you follow and see what they seem to push or have available. Canon T2i have been selling fast enough to deplete inventory at least in the USA superstores, especially as it relates to the way NEW buyers purchase (with the kit lens). Maybe Nikon better get the D90 replacement out soon as when the D90 just is not moving quite as quickly as it could then maybe the sales versus features hedge has started to erode. I think Nikon has failed to grasp how completely consumers base purchase on megapixels and HD video quality as of late. I am guessing that having D3s on space vehicles is really wonderful but doesn't actually help sell cameras as well as Nikon Marketing would hope.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Actually with the sales figures announced recently by BCNranking, it seems that people aren't listening to us because Nikon is STILL number one in sales!
So despite all the crying and hollering about Nikon losing to canon because of 12mp, no 1080, and no manual video controls they are doing extremely well! So why replace a camera that is still number 1 in the charts after two years?
Posted 2 years ago #
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