Gizmodo: d80

Nikon D90 Available For Pre-Order From Circuit City, HD Movie Mode Confirmed

John Mahoney — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EDT

Good ol' Circuit City has jumped the gun on the official D90 announcement and has put it up for pre-order. Release date is listed as September 5, and the price and most of the specs listed on the product page we already knew, but CC's page confirms that the movie mode will in fact record in HD (aspect ratio and actual resolution we still don't know), as was rumored. Also we learn that the sensor is a 12.3 MP CMOS, not a CCD as was used in the D80, D60 and down the line—so that looks like a good sign in the noise-reduction department, if the amazing D700's larger CMOS is any indication. Bounce all of that on top of the great specs we saw before, and it's a pretty solid D80 upgrade at $1299. This thing is bound to go official before the week is up, possibly as soon as tomorrow. See the full product description below. UPDATE: It's been pulled. [Thanks, Dan!]

Features

12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor: This Nikon D90 camera body features a DX-format CMOS image sensor that provides the highest level of performance. Its integrated A/D converter enables selection between 12-bit and 14-bit conversions. The sensor design supports the broad light sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, and features refined high-ISO noise reduction.

3.0" LCD monitor: A high-resolution, super-density, 920,000-dot LCD monitor makes critical image review possible. This monitor also allows ultra-wide, 170-degree viewing in all directions.

Live view: You’ll also have a live preview of your subject, giving you point-and-shoot feel with the quality of a DSLR.

11-area AF: The sensor module offers an 11-area AF that ensures consistently fast and precise focus lock under varying shooting conditions. The wide area AF system gives greater compositional freedom when shooting sports and action.

4.5fps continuous shooting: Capture fast action and fleeting expressions. The D90 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second.

Scene Recognition System: This system recognizes subject and scene conditions prior to capturing the shot. Enjoy improved subject tracking and subject identification for rapid and accurate focus area selection. Highlight analysis optimizes auto exposure by providing more accurate control. Light source inference studies both subject and pattern to achieve optimal white balance.

HD movie mode: Capture your surroundings in cinematic quality. The D90 features the D-Movie mode, which shoots HD movie with sound at 24fps.

D-Lighting enhancement: This technology compensates for underexposed images or insufficient flash by automatically adding light and detail to selected shots where needed, without affecting properly exposed areas.

In-camera editing menu: The in-camera editing features include Nikon D-lighting (that adds light and detail to selected shots only where needed), red-eye correction, image trimming, image overlay, monochrome black and white, sepia and cyanotype along with skylight, warm tone and custom color filter effects.

Lens included: You'll be ready to go in no time with the included 5.8x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, including Live View and a cinematic-quality 24-fps D-Movie Mode, the Nikon D90 exceeds the demands of passionate photographers. Outfit includes the 5.8x, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens with VR image stabilization and legendary NIKKOR optical quality.

ENGINEERED FOR ARTISTRY. UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL.

• 12.3-effective megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
• 5.8x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens included
• D-Movie Mode — Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
• One-button Live View
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames per second
• 12.3-effective megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
• 5.8x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens included
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second
• D-Movie Mode — Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
• 11-point AF system with Face Priority
• One-button Live View
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
• Comprehensive exposure control
• Auto Active D-lighting
• Shutter precision and durability
• In-Camera Image Editing
• GPS geo-tagging

[Circuit City]

First Official Nikon D90 Images and Specs Leak

John Mahoney — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:37:17 EDT

Nikon Rumors and Neutral Day have more on the D90, well, mostly just these product shots being touted as "100% legit." That, and a few more "official" spces—12.3 megapixels, movie mode (still no resolution confirmation), 3" LCD, an ISO range of 100-6400 and 11 AF points (same as the D80). The confirmed AF-S 18-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens is not a big one, so the body is looking nice and compact here. The shots seem to match what we've already seen (the added GPS-in there on the bottom), all coming in at $1300, so yeah, looks like bona fide D90 release is just a few days away. Hit the jump for a few more angles, and check out the rest of the shots over at: [Nikon Rumors, Neutral Day]

Forthcoming Nikon D90 Looks Certain, Kit Priced at $1,299

John Mahoney — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:35:43 EDT

Rumblings of new Nikon DSLRs have been reaching deafening levels, and this Circuit City SKU pretty much confirms the D90 is on the way. The successor to the fantastic D80 is going to drop soon, bundled with an 18-105mm VR lens (probably the same one the D80 was kitted up with) for $1,299. Not bad, considering a similar D80 kit will probably run you about a grand if you were to order today. But don't, because release date rumors have been indicating the new hotness could become official as early as next month. [Nikon Rumors]

Details Emerge On Nikon's Mysterious D90 DSLR

Matt Hickey — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:49:36 EDT

The popular Nikon D80 is getting a replacement called—wait for it—the D90, and it looks like it's living up to the line's rep. The camera takes the D80's feature set and adds a few more very high-end tools, like live preview on the larger LCD screen,GPS input, HDMI out, video recording with audio, and an upgrade to the CCD sensor from 10-Megapixels to 12. It'll ship in a kit with an 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G zoom lens and should hit the streets at under $1000 if it keeps with the D80's pricing, as is expected. [Nikon Rumors]

Nikon Steadies Up 18-55mm Kit Lens With Image Stabilization

Matt Buchanan — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:40:22 EST

Feature trickle—the movement of bells and whistles from high-end to low-end gear—is great. As Crave points out, image stabilization is one that's been falling down the line pretty steadily, now landing in Nikon's standard kit 18-55mm lens. The new, tricked out AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens— VR standing for vibration reduction—is only $200, and launches next month, just in time for stocking stuffing. [Crave]

Three Sub-$1000 DSLRs Compared: Which is Right For You?

Jason Chen — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:00:14 EST

Not everyone wants to purchase an expensive DSLR camera just to take pictures of our friends' weddings and vacations to Reno—but some still want the option of tinkering around with DSLR functionality on occasion. Here are three sub-$1000 cameras: the Sony Alpha A100, Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80. Which one's the best for you? It depends what you want.

If you're looking for better image quality, the Canon is the winner. If you're looking for quicker shot to shot speed or startup to shot speed, it's the Nikon. The Canon also had less noise and more dynamic range, but the Nikon performed better in low light. However if you've got troubles holding your camera still, the Sony is the winner in image stabilization. If you're looking for which camera looks the best (subjective), they anoint the Nikon as the king.

The Sony Alpha A100 is intended for buyers who don't plan to buy more advanced equipment soon. The Canon certainly could be, and the Nikon is not just an entry camera, it's an appropriate backup body for prosumers and pros on a budget.

– Jason Chen

Faceoff [Digital Camera Info]

Nikon D80 Hands-On Video Preview

Jason Chen — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:00:34 EDT

Here's a live video on what the Nikon D80 looks like in the hands of a real person. At least we think she's real—we've never actually seen a female in person before.

She mostly restates the features we listed before, but it's nice to see how big the screen, body, and lens is in case you wanted to pick one up soon. – Jason Chen

One Minute Video Preview: Nikon D80 [Shiny Shiny]