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Nikon D90 vs Z9

The Nikon D90 and the Nikon Z9 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2008 and October 2021. The D90 is a DSLR, while the Z9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D90) and a full frame (Z9) sensor. The D90 has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Z9 provides 45.4 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D90
versus
Nikon Z9
Nikon D90   Nikon Z9
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/24p Video 8K/30p Video
ISO 200-3,200 (200 - 6,400) ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.2" LCD – 2089k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
4.5 shutter flaps per second 30 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
850 shots per battery charge740 shots per battery charge
132 x 103 x 77 mm, 703 g 149 x 150 x 91 mm, 1340 g
logo
Check D90 offers at
ebay.com
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Check Z9 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D90 and the Nikon Z9? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D90 and the Nikon Z9. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D90 vs Nikon Z9
Compare D90 versus Z9 top
Comparison D90 or Z9 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z9 is considerably larger (64 percent) than the Nikon D90. Moreover, the Z9 is substantially heavier (91 percent) than the D90. It is noteworthy in this context that the Z9 is splash and dust-proof, while the D90 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D90 gets 850 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL3e battery, while the Z9 can take 740 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18d power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the Z9 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D90, Nikon provides the MB-D80 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the Z9 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D90 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 76 percent) than the Z9, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D90 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon Z9 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Z9 is 130 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the Z9 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 7) than the D90 (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D90 and Nikon Z9 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z9 offers a higher resolution than the D90 (12.2MP), but the Z9 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 5.53μm for the D90). Yet, the Z9 is a much more recent model (by 13 years and 2 months) than the D90, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Z9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D90 are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D90 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 200-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z9 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D90 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z9 uses a Stacked BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D90 versus Z9 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z9 offers substantially better image quality than the D90 (overall score 25 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.6 bits higher color depth, 1.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
2.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
4.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
5.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
6.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
7.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
8.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
9.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
10.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
11.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
12.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
13.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
14.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
15.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
17.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Z9 provides a better video resolution than the D90. It can shoot movie footage at 8K/30p, while the D90 is limited to 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z9 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D90 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the Z9 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D90 (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Z9 has a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D90 and Nikon Z9 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D90 has one, while the Z9 does not. While the built-in flash of the D90 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z9 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z9 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D90 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the Z9 uses CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards. The Z9 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D90 only has one slot.

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Connectivity 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 Nikon Z9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the Z9 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D90 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon Z9 (unlike the D90) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D90 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D90 was succeeded by the Nikon D7000. Further information on the features and operation of the D90 and Z9 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D90 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z9 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D90 better than the Nikon Z9 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D90:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (132x103mm vs 149x150mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 637g or 48 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (850 versus 740) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (76 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2008).


Advantages of the Nikon Z9:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 93%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.3 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 7 vs EXPEED).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 720/24p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.63x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 920k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 13 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D90 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z9 is the clear winner of the contest (35 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D90 08:35 Z9

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D90 and the Nikon Z9 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D90 and the Z9 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check D90 offers at
ebay.com
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Check Z9 price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D90 vs Nikon Z9

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2008 October 2021
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 5,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.8 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 372.88 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.53 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 3.28 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video 8K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 3,200 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 6,400 ISO 32 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 73 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.7 26.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.5 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 977 2451
    Screen Specs Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 2089k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/32000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.5 shutter flaps/s 30 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards CFexB or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D90 Nikon Z9
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL3e Nikon EN-EL18d
    Battery Life (CIPA)850 shots per charge740 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 132 x 103 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
    149 x 150 x 91 mm
    (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 703 g (24.8 oz) 1340 g (47.3 oz)
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