Nikon unveils D90 with movie mode, more

Nikon brought rumors to a head Wednesday with an official release of the D90, confirming the 12.3 megapixel camera, and its accompanying AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm lens with VR function. The camera also introduces an alleged world-first for DSLR cameras, offering users the ability to shoot D-Movie video footage in resolutions up to 720p, with an included HDMI-out port for simplified viewing. Nikon notes that the larger DX-format sensor will allow for lower-noise video than a conventional camcorder.

In addition, the D90 includes EXPEED image processing for speed and quality, complimenting the presence of Live View and the new Face Detection System. Live View allows users to view their subject on the 3-inch, 920,000 pixel LCD, while the D90 can also recognize human faces and scene composition to optimize image quality.

Nikon also includes a new enhanced Active D-Lighting, offering four levels of tone control, with additional options for retouching images on-camera, and many advanced scene modes.

Coupled with the D90 release is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm lens, which offers Nikon's Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction technologies. It offers a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.6.

Photographer Chase Jarvis and his team were recently given a set of D90s to field test, and were able to test out how the camera functions with his professional lenses, equipment, and workflow. Jarvis was impressed, especially with the new D-Movie mode and professional features, as well as compiling a video project and images of the experience.

Nikon ships the D90 in September for $1,000 in a body-only version and a $1,300 kit that includes the 18-105mm VR lens; the lens as a stand-alone option for existing Nikon DSLRs sells for $400 the same month. A GPS add-on that allows users to geotag shots with their position will be available as of November and should receive its pricing closer to the actual ship date.