The thing I need to add to my coment was that in some instants of video’s it was easier to auto focus the camera then turn it to manual and not move your location. This is possible when performing some video shots or by trying to setup the camera for major area to be covered by the video.

The other problem was at various times need a short time video to review various processors and installations and due to the travel requirement is very hard to carry multiple Cameras. On Reading reviews and recieving various demonstrations end up purchasing the D90 Camera with the two lens.

Since then have taken several photos and videos for the installation of a major Electrical Substation upgrade. The results have been more than acceptable with various Manager being impresent with the results.

The only problem I have found with the video area of the camera is the requirement to operate in Manual, which is almost impossible with the 200mm lens. The LV screen is very hard to see in day light when viewing in difference positions. Both these problems do impact on the resultant video this could be overcome by being able to view through the eye viewer or with auto focus.

Therefore even with the problems the camera has given results better than expected.

Alex,

Good point. I am a big fan of prime (fixed focal length) lenses too. I agree — Why a zoom when fixed works better? It also forces one to compose better than to rely on a zoom.

Cheers,

Bilka

The way I see it, though, is as an ability to get good quality (HD??) video leveraging the glass I already have. As far as I know there are no existing HD video cameras with exchangeable lenses in the prosumer market that are anywhere near affordable for the enthusiast. Even the Red Camera system is well into the 10s of thousands for a useble system.

The killer at the moment is the 5min limit + cool down time. How long before we see sensor cooling systems in the body. This would be cool (pun intended) for lowlight/long exposure on a standard dSLR setup.

Uh…what do you have to add? It already supports live view…it’s software from there on out to record video.

If it doesn’t do it as well as a discrete device, i can understand. What if it does it as capably as the device it replaces? are we going to condemn technology or it’s progress because we’re too busy being nostalgic? Keep looking behind at that beautiful little angel, and you won’t see the pole you’re about to run into.

I’m sure there’s an outrageous outcry of Panasonic taking out what it an endearing trait of SLRS: the Mirror and the Pentaprism/Pentamirror. Oh, they can’t change years and years of history and tradition. That’s just not on. We can’t have that! rawr rawr this, rawr rawr that. Live view? that’s what looking through the viewfinder, into the pentaprism/mirror is for.

As for me, i’ll pass on the Nikon D90’s video mode. Not because i’m outraged that an SLR can do video, but because 5 minutes at HD quality, or 25 minutes at SD quality, and manual focus isn’t what i’m looking for to replace my video camera. Good for some people, and for people willing to break those time honoured photography rules, it will be an amazing tool for them.

Come on Panasonic, i want that Lumix G1 HD. Show them not only Live view done properly, but Hi def video done with a still too.

I do agree with Bilka where you want to have this one thing do its main task very well. If you have one thing performing multiple tasks, it’s like putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Get that camera into the hands of someone who’s ready to break all the rules and I’m sure we’ll see some new and exciting photography or ummmm…video.