Nikon D90: The Era of Video SLR Begins?

The new Nikon D90 receives a rave review from David Pogue of the New York Times, which he calls a "mind-blowing, game-changing camera". It is the first SLR that can record video. That may not seem like a big deal, since most point-and-shoots can record video already, and dedicated camcorders are prevalent anyway.

Think again. This is a video camera with interchangeable lenses. As Mr. Pogue points out:

[H]ere’s the real mind-blower: You now have a video camera that takes interchangeable lenses. Before the D90, if you wanted a hi-def video camera with removable lenses, you’d pay $7,000 for the camera alone, and another $7,000 to $20,000 for each lens.

On this camera, though, I tried Nikon’s $500 fish-eye lens, and filmed a complete 180-degree vista without having to turn or pan. With a macro lens, I filmed a bumblebee, huge and clear as though it were in a National Geographic documentary. With a huge telephoto lens, sitting in my bleachers seat at the Pilot Pen tennis tournament, I was suddenly filming what other people could capture only as still images. (You can see sample stills and videos at nytimes.com/personaltech.) Independent filmmakers, rejoice.

Some photographers might not be too enthused about the SLR/Camcorder, but I do see its conveniences, especially for those who shoot with an eye towards journalism, for the tourist or the YouTube uploader. I had been intending to buy the Nikon D80, but not anymore. I'll wait and splurge for the D90.

More D90 specs from Ken Rockwell and Melissa Perenson of PC World.

• New Nikon Holds a Secret -- New York Times