• The Nikon D90 records both still and video images.appareil photo num??rique reflex image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com
  
  Released in 2008, the Nikon D90 succeeded the Nikon D80. The D90 offers photographers a myriad of options for taking both still images and video. While selecting any of the D90's program modes provides quality images, setting the D90 on Manual mode when first using it allows photographers to get the most out of this camera.
  
  

Shooting Stills in Manual Mode

• Manual mode gives the photographer complete control over the camera. Initially, shooting in this mode will feel a little different, but you'll soon begin to understand how digital cameras really work. This understanding helps the photographer create better pictures when shooting in automatic modes.
  
  

Shoot in RAW Mode

• Digital cameras resemble small computers. The sensor collects light and converts it to an electrical signal that is processed and saved to the memory card, usually as a JPEG image. A similar process occurs when shooting in the RAW mode, but the internal processor retains all the data the sensor records. RAW mode is similar to a digital negative. When the camera records in RAW mode it is recording everything that the sensor see's, and it gives the photographer more options in post production editing.
  
  In post production editing you can change the "White balance" of the picture. White balance refers to the type of light you are shooting in, whether you are outside in daylight, or indoors in fluorescent light. Changing the "White balance" settings produces a picture with more natural and accurate colors.
  
  

Shooting Video with the D90

• The D90 includes the feature to record video. Prior to entering the video recording mode, the camera requires you to set the lens aperture. Take sample video clips shooting at different apertures and, when possible, use different apertures for the same scene. This teaches you about depth of field -- the acceptable area of sharp focus in front of and behind the subject -- and the impact that lens aperture has on video and still photography. The lower your aperture setting, the greater the depth of field. When shooting "wide open" the largest aperture setting, that is indicated by the lowest number, look for "Vignetting" in the corners of the video. This occurs when the lens fails to capture light evenly across the entire element. Vignetting -- a reduction of light at the edge of the lens -- is most noticeable when shooting with a large aperture.
  
  The Nikon D90 allows you to shoot video on many levels, from beginner to advanced. Prior to shooting in video mode the camera requires you to set the aperture. If you choose a large aperture, you will be able to shoot at a faster shutter speed, as more light is travelling through the lens. Consequently, if you are shooting with a smaller aperture, where less light comes through the lens then the shutter speed will be slower. Work through and try the different features that the Nikon D90 offers you in video mode.