Nikon D90 Comparison Review
The Nikon D90 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in August 2008 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.2 megapixel.
Is the Nikon D90 a good camera? The D90 has a Camera Elo of 1487. This rating puts the D90 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the D90 also ranks below average. – Well, the Nikon D90 is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2008.
| Nikon D90 |
|---|
| Digital single lens reflex |
| Nikon F mount lenses |
| 12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor |
| 720/24p Video |
| ISO 200 - 3 200 (200 - 6 400) |
| Optical viewfinder |
| 3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
| Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 4.5 shutter flaps per second |
| 850 shots per battery charge |
| 132 x 103 x 77 mm, 703 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Nikon D90 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon D90 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D90 | 5.2 in | 4.1 in | 3.0 in | 24.8 oz | 850 | n | Aug 2008 | 1,299 | | |
| Canon 40D | 5.7 in | 4.3 in | 2.9 in | 29.0 oz | 750 | n | Aug 2007 | 1,299 | | |
| Nikon D7000 | 5.2 in | 4.1 in | 3.0 in | 27.5 oz | 1050 | Y | Sep 2010 | 1,499 | | |
| Nikon D3100 | 4.9 in | 3.8 in | 3.0 in | 17.8 oz | 550 | n | Aug 2010 | 599 | | |
| Nikon D300S | 5.8 in | 4.5 in | 3.2 in | 33.1 oz | 950 | Y | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | | |
| Nikon D3000 | 5.0 in | 3.8 in | 2.5 in | 18.9 oz | 500 | n | Jul 2009 | 599 | | |
| Nikon D5000 | 5.0 in | 4.1 in | 3.1 in | 20.8 oz | 510 | n | Apr 2009 | 749 | | |
| Nikon D60 | 5.0 in | 3.7 in | 2.5 in | 18.4 oz | 500 | n | Jan 2008 | 629 | | |
| Nikon D40X | 4.9 in | 3.7 in | 2.5 in | 18.4 oz | 520 | n | Mar 2007 | 729 | | |
| Nikon D300 | 5.8 in | 4.5 in | 2.9 in | 32.6 oz | 1000 | Y | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | | |
| Nikon D80 | 5.2 in | 4.1 in | 3.0 in | 23.6 oz | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon D90 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,299. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check Ebay offers
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Nikon D90 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon D90 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D90 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 977 | 73 | |
| Canon 40D | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.3 | 703 | 64 | |
| Nikon D7000 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 10800/24p | 23.5 | 13.9 | 1167 | 80 | |
| Nikon D3100 | APS-C | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/24p | 22.5 | 11.3 | 919 | 67 | |
| Nikon D300S | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.5 | 12.2 | 787 | 70 | |
| Nikon D3000 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.1 | 563 | 62 | |
| Nikon D5000 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 868 | 72 | |
| Nikon D60 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.5 | 11.4 | 562 | 65 | |
| Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
| Nikon D300 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 12.0 | 679 | 67 | |
| Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The D90 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D90 can use is 720/24p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D90 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 96% and a magnification of 0.63x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D90 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D90 | optical | Y | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.5 | Y | n | |
| Canon 40D | optical | Y | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.5 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D7000 | optical | Y | 3.0 | 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D3100 | optical | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D300S | optical | Y | 3.0 | 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D3000 | optical | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D5000 | optical | n | 2.7 | 230 | full-flex | n | 1/4000s | 4.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D60 | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D40X | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D300 | optical | Y | 3.0 | 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n |
One convenient feature of the D90 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D90 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D90 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon 40D | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D7000 | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D3100 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D300S | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D3000 | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D5000 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D60 | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D40X | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D300 | Y | - | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Nikon D80 | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D90. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D90 | + + | + + | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2008 | 1,299 | |
|
| Canon 40D | + + | + + | 4.5/5 | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,299 | |
|
| Nikon D7000 | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2010 | 1,499 | |
|
| Nikon D3100 | + + | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2010 | 599 | |
|
| Nikon D300S | + + | 82/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | |
|
| Nikon D3000 | + | 72/100 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 599 | |
|
| Nikon D5000 | + + | 75/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2009 | 749 | |
|
| Nikon D60 | 80/100 | + + | 4/5 | o | 4.5/5 | Jan 2008 | 629 | |
|
| Nikon D40X | 79/100 | + + | 4/5 | o | 4/5 | Mar 2007 | 729 | |
|
| Nikon D300 | + + | + + | 5/5 | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | |
|
| Nikon D80 | + | + + | o | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Nikon D90 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D90.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the D90?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Nikon equipped the D90 with the EXPEED image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the D90?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon D90?
Nikon mentions a shutter rating of 100 000 actuations for the D90. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the D90 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon D90?
Nikon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your D90 has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the online shutter count app.
Does the Nikon D90 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The D90's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.
Which battery does the D90 use?
The camera gets its power from the EN-EL3e (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Is there a vertical grip available for the D90?
Yes, Nikon offers the MB-D80 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
| Camera Model | Nikon D90 | |
| Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
| Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | |
| Launch Date | August 2008 | |
| Launch Price | USD 1 299 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 23.6 x 15.8 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 373 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.2 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 288 x 2 848 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 5.53 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 3.28 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 720/24p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 200 - 3 200 ISO | |
| ISO Boost | 200 - 6 400 ISO | |
| Image Processor | EXPEED | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 73 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.7 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.5 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 977 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 96% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63x | |
| Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 920k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 4.5 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDHC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | no | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | EN-EL3e power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 850 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 703 g (24.8 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.
You are here: Home » CAM-parator » Nikon D90 Review