Eye-Fi’s SD memory cards come with built-in WiFi, allowing ordinary cameras to transmit photos over nearby WiFi hotspots. But WiFi drains the battery, so the ability to turn the wireless feature on and off is a much desired feature.
Today Eye-Fi announced they have collaborated Nikon to deliver enhanced integration of the Eye-Fi wireless memory card with the new Nikon D90 DSLR. The Nikon D90 detects when an Eye-Fi card is inserted and manages its power settings to ensure that photos upload for sharing and storing.
In addition, the Nikon D90 includes an Eye-Fi menu that allows users to turn the wireless function on or off. “This is a great example of how a non-wireless camera can be optimized for the Eye-Fi card to create the best experience possible,” said Yuval Koren, chief product officer and co-founder of Eye-Fi.
Through the end of this year, existing SmugMug members can automatically upgrade their Eye-Fi Share or Eye-Fi Card to include one year of free geotagging and hotspot access at more than 10,000 Wayport hotspots.
Eye-Fi products include the Eye-Fi Home ($79), Eye-Fi Share ($99), and Eye-Fi Explore cards ($129).
| Nikon D80 | Nikon D90 | Canon 40D | |
| Sensor | 10.2-megapixel CMOS | 12.3-megapixel CMOS | 10.1-megapixel CMOS |
| A/D conversion | 12-bit | 12-bit | 14-bit |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 - ISO 3200 (Hi1) | ISO 100 - ISO 6400 (Hi1) | ISO 100 - ISO 3200 (expanded) |
| Focal-length multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.6x |
| Continuous shooting | 3 fps 23 JPEG/6 raw |
4.5 fps n/a |
6.5fps 75 JPEG/17 raw |
| Viewfinder | 95% coverage
0.94x magnification |
96% coverage 0.94x magnification fixed focusing screen |
95% coverage 0.95x magnification interchangeable focusing screens |
| Autofocus | 11-pt AF Single center cross-type |
11-pt AF n/a |
9-pt AF all cross-type to f/5.6 |
| Live View | No | Yes | Yes |
| LCD size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Shutter durability | < 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Price (body only) | $799.95 | $995 | $1,099 |
Below is a promotional viral video, produced by a professional photographer out of Seattle.
But without auto-focus enabled in the video mode and with a 5 minute max video record time, the camera has limitations. Sony and Canon will, no doubt, have their own competition. Sony’s on-chip VR, for example, might be handy for reducing vibration on prime f1.4 lenses like a 50 or 85mm.
The rumored Canon SX1S ($449), would be a replacement for the S5-IS, with 10 megapixels, a 20x zoom (28-560mm), HD video recording, articulated LCD, and EX-compatible hotshoe. Without external audio in, however, good sound capture remains as problematic as it does on the Nikon D-90.
DP Review has a detailed preview of the new Nikon D-90 which features 12 Megapixels, HD video recording and GPS input. It costs $999 (body only) or $1299 (with 18-105MM F/3.5-5.6 VR lens)
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