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).

C/Net’s Crave compares the specs:

  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
fixed focusing screen

 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)