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IRL: Nikon D90, myCharge Portable Power Bank 6000 and Phosphor's World Time Sport
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Desperate times call for desperate measures -- namely, new gadgets. Disappointed with his Droid Charge's ever-depleting battery capacity, Tim took a $100 portable charger for a spin to see if he could eke out a little extra runtime before racing for an outlet. Meanwhile, Dan agreed to wear his first E-Ink watch after his analog Fossil timepiece outlived all compatible wristbands. Rounding things out, we have a more traditional account of gadget nostalgia from Don Melanson, who explains why he won't be replacing his aging D90 anytime soon.
Ask Engadget: Best sub-$100 camera/laptop bag?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Joseph (he's from Atlanta) who needs a camera bag for his semi-professional photography enterprise. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've recently gotten into semi-pro photography and I've come to the problem of how to transport all my gear. I'm looking for a camera / laptop bag that has enough space for a DSLR body (Nikon D90), a 15-inch laptop, 3 or 4 lenses and a speedlight or two. My budget can't stretch beyond $100 and I need it to be durable and weather-proof. I don't have any preferences with style (backpack, messenger bag etc), I just need a large, affordable bag to carry all of my gear. Thanks for the help and keep the gadget passion guys!"We don't think you should scrimp too much on a bag, given it'll be carrying $3,000 worth of kit. Your host uses a Lowepro Fastpack 250, costing $99.95, its only drawback that it has no space for a tripod or cables, so you have to sacrifice a couple of lens slots just to tote your power lead. Other staffers suggested using a standard bag with individual Crumpler pouches (a suitable Crumpler like the "7 Million Dollar Home" is $150) or the KataKTD, which sadly doesn't pack a laptop sleeve. How about you, commenters? What's the budget bag you wouldn't let your DSLR venture away from? Together, we can work it out.
Nikon D7000 to be the D90's spiritual (and actual) successor?
With the Nikon D3100 now official and out in the open, it's time to tilt the rumor mills back towards a successor to the company's much-loved D90. Nikon Rumors has a few morsels, including what it's confident is the official name: D7000. (Rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?) No source is provided, so until we get something official, just use pencil to write it down on your wishlist. Got that? Good. The site also has a few other details that it's less sure on... but just to tease: 100 percent viewfinder coverage (in contrast, the D90 has 96 percent) and dual memory card slots of some sort. Last we heard, the whispers pointed to a mid-September reveal with a 16 megapixel sensor, 1920 x 1080 HD video, and a $1200 price tag -- tempting, but then again, that D3100 is looking mighty nice for the impatient consumer in us.
Nikon D90 torn down, rebuilt in pink (video)
Words... what good are words when you're trying to describe the horrific visage of a growling, rugged, heavyweight camera coated in the frilly tutu of the color spectrum, magenta? We shan't try to describe the peculiar mix of revolt, disgust and subtle desire that this whole thing incites in us, and will just point you after the break for the video. There's plenty of good clean fun to be had while exploring the dismantled D90 (though there's one instance of foul language when the modder gets an electric shock, understandable) and if you're of a nervous disposition you can always skip the shockingly pink finale.
CoolerBot photographs nature, gets its power from it
If you're into real life bunny wabbits and other such wildlife, but not a fan of the cold, wet and windy outdoors, what do you do? We'd say just boot up the console and shoot you some pixelated peoples, but Steve Norris' idea might be just a tad more practical. He has authored the above mobile snap-station, which is equipped with an infrared video camera, a Nikon DSLR, and pairs of motors, 10Ah batteries, and solar panels. Power flows from the latter into the former to turn wildlife stalking into a pleasurable pastime for even the most indoorsy of folks. Video demonstration of the hardware after the break.
Homebrewed Nikon D90 lens is a fish-eyed theft deterrent
It may look like just a bit of corkwood taped to the front of a pretty expensive shooter, but that's only because it is. If you're already willing to withstand gadget muggles sniggering at your mighty DSLR and its six inch frontal protrusion, surely adding this sort of a ghetto mod isn't going to dent your self-respect too much. Put together using the ultimate in ordinary household objects, this fish-eye lens manages to kick out some pretty useful-looking images and seems a viable alternative for those with more time than money. Check out the read link for the full instructions and a gallery of photos taken with the lens.
Nikon D90 now up for order at Circuit City
Nikon's still unofficial D90 DSLR may have been pulled from Target's website after making a brief appearance a few days ago, but it looks to be holding steady at Circuit City, where you can now get your pre-order in for the expected price of $1,299.99. As you can see above, the site is also listing the camera with a release date of September 5th, which is only a tad off the mark of some of our earlier tips. There's also no surprises with the specs, although the "real movie-like" video recording mode that piqued our interest yesterday is apparently now officially known simply as an "HD movie mode" -- a step backwards if you ask us.[Thanks, Chris]Update: Looks like the game is still afoot! Circuit City has pulled its page too.
Seemingly official Nikon D90 pics, specs surface
Nikon's much-anticipated D90 has been popping up all over the place lately, but it hasn't actually shown its face -- in any non-Photoshop fashion, that is. That now looks to have changed, however, as the all-but-official picture above (and a few more) recently made an appearance on Target's website only to be unceremoniously yanked, but not before being grabbed by a helpful member of the dpreview.com forums. Nikon Rumors also claims to have some "100% legit" specs for the camera, including word that it clocks in at 12.3 megapixels, and that it'll sport a 3-inch LCD, ISO 200 to 3,200, 11 AF points, and video recording with "real movie-like" quality. Be sure to head on past the break for another pic, and dig into the links below if you still want some more.[Via Neutral Day, Nikon Rumors, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nikon D90 gets UPC code
If there was any doubt that the Nikon D90 D-SLR was coming your way, and a Best Buy stock record wasn't enough after a Circuit City inventory screen didn't sway you, then perhaps a snapshot of the product UPC will convince you? This code showed up on UPC database last night and, well, let's just say that it's time to start saving your pennies for this $1300 wonder.UPDATE: Meanwhile, a UPC for the Canon EOS-9D also popped up on the site. UPC haters can (and should) move along, but the link is here. [Thanks, Scott F]
