USA Today has officially confirmed the existence of the brand spanking new DSLR from Nikon, the update to the Nikon D80, predictably named the D90! Normally not that big of a deal, the new 12.1 megapixel DSLR has one really interesting feature. It’s able to shoot HD video to SDHC cards. Thats right, you can put those beautiful thousand dollar lenses to use making VIDEO. This is a total game changer, and I extolled the virtues of it a few weeks ago.
The camera will also feature a microphone on board, SDHC compatibility, a 3 inch live view display, and automated sensor cleaning.
All of this awesome technology will run you $1,299 with a brand new lens (probably an 18-105). Considering that many video pros will spend another $5,000 to add SLR lenses to their near $5000 video cameras, this could become a very interesting little tool.
For all of you spec nerds, here are the tech specs courtesy of Nikon Rumors:
Nikon D90 specs:
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
Tags:
Camera,
D90,
DSLR,
Nikon,
Rumors,
Video 
