momentcorp.com
Portfolio Reviews Contact Blog    


Nikon D90 Review

Nikon D90


The Nikon D90 is Nikon's top of the line consumer camera. With the D90 you have a bit wider selection of lenses that can be used as it's the cheapest Dslr Nikon makes that support AF lenses. Any of the lower models only support AF-S lenses for auto focus. The D90 has a near instant power-up time of 0.15 seconds and 65 millisecond shutter lag. The D90 was Nikon's first camera that supported video(D-Movie Mode) The D-Movie mode supports 720P HD(1280×720).

Specifications


Resolution: 12.3 Megapixel (Effective pixels)
Sensor type: DX Format CMOS Sensor (1.5x)
LCD: 3" VGA LCD Display
Features: Live View
Self-Cleaning Sensor
D-Movie Mode (720p HD)
High Sensitivity (ISO 3200)
4.5 fps Burst
In-Camera Image Editing
Expeed image processing
IS0 200-3200 (100-6400 expanded)
Memory Card: Secure Digital (SD & SDHC) Card
Included accessories: EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
MH-18a Quick Charger
UC-E4 USB Cable
EG-D2 Audio/Video Cabl
AN-DC1 Neck Strap
BM-10 LCD Monitor Cover
BF-1A Body Cap
DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
DK-21 Rubber Eyecup
BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
Nikon Software Suite CD-ROM
User Guides
1-Year Nikon U.S.A. Warranty
Dimensions (HxWxD)

4.1 x 5.2 x 3.0" (103 x 132 x 77mm) body only

weight: 22.0 oz (620g) body only
Price from: $899.95 USD

*Instant Savings!(not calculated in price) -$ 50.00 Offer ends 03/27/2010

Positives


  • Great value for money.
  • Self-Cleaning Sensor.
  • RAW support(although it is limited to compressed RAW files).
  • Supports auto focus with Nikon AF lenses.
  • Great LCD screen. If you have used older Nikon cameras before, this LCD screen will blow your mind
  • Viewfinder is really bright..
  • Size and weight.
  • RAW files are very nice, can easily be compared to the Nikon D300, and outperforms the D2X without a doubt.
  • Controls, and button layout.

Nikon D90 Top View Button layout
Nikon D90 top view, button layout
Nikon D90 Rear View
Nikon D90 Rear View, button layout

Drawbacks


  • No light metering with lenses without a CPU, I. E manual focus lenses will have no light metering, they can still be used though.
  • No weather sealing.
  • No CF card support.

Verdict


If you have ever used a Nikon Dslr in the past, you will be up and shooting pictures in a second and never look back. If you haven't used a Nikon camera in the past or if you have moved from another brand, you will also be up and shooting in a second. Digging through the menus you can really unlock all the power of the D90. I find that the Jpeg files straight from the camera are a bit soft, and lacks a bit of contrast. This can all be fixed easily with the Picture control settings.

One thing I have not really commented on here is the Video mode or the D-Movie mode as Nikon calls it. This works well, but you really need a tripod and not move the camera to get great videos out of the camera.

My main gripe with this camera is the lack of light metering with manual focus lenses without a CPU. If you never intend to get old manual focus lenses this is of course not a drawback, but for some people this might be the decision factor between the D90 and the D300S.

Bottom line is; The Nikon D90 is a very complete camera, with very good value for money. Highly recommendable.

Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating HalfRating Empty Features
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Full Performance
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Empty Build
Rating FullRating FullRating FullRating FullRating Full Value

Nikon D90 Price from: $779.95*

*Instant Savings! -$ 50.00 Offer ends 03/27/2010

Kit Options:

Nikon D90 Camera Kit with Nikon 18-105mm VR Lens $1,199.95 USD*$50.00 Instant Savings!

Nikon D90 Camera Kit with Nikon 70-300 VR Lens $1,489.90*$250.00 Instant Savings!

Nikon D90 Kit with Nikon 18-105mm VR Lens & 70-300mm VR Lens $1,789.90*$250.00 Instant Savings!

*Instant Savings!(not calculated in price) Offer ends 03/27/2010

Accessories:

Nikon MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery

Alternatives


Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.

Nikon D300s Price From: $1,519.95 USD

Nikon D700 Price From: $2,399.95 USD

Nikon D3s Price From: $5,199.95 USD

Nikon D3X Price From: $7,469.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from March 15, 2010

Sample Pictures


All sample images taken with 18-105mm VR Sample images have not been post processed! Images have been imported to photoshop CS4 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

 
Support this website Shop at B&H Photo
B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio
Interested in Infrared?
Life Pixel Infrared Conversion
Popular links
Recommended Equipment
Nikon Wireless Flash Setup
Nikon mf Lens Versions
Lens Cleaning
Best of the best, lenses:
Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G
Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D
Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR
Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
Best of the best, cameras

Nikon D3s
Nikon D3x
Nikon D700
Nikon D300s
Nikon D90

Best Value, lenses
Nikon AF-S 18-105mm VR
Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8

Nikon AF 85mm f/1.8D
Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR
Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
Accessories
Recommended memory cards
 

Bookmark and Share  

 

Camera Nikon D90
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 18mm
Exposure 1/2500sec f/3.5
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D90 Nikon Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR sample picture with Nikon D90 at f/5.6
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 24mm
Exposure 1/125sec f/5.6
Note VR: On
   
   
Camera Nikon D90 Nikon Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR sample picture with Nikon D90 at f/7.1
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 62mm
Exposure 1/100sec f/7.1
   
   
   
Camera Nikon D90
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 18mm
Exposure 1/30sec f/11
Note VR: On
   
   
Camera Nikon D90
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 18mm
Exposure 1/13sec f/22
   
   
Home  
Camera Nikon D90 Nikon Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR sample picture with Nikon D90 at f/22
ISO 200
Picture control Landscape
Focal Length 18mm
Exposure 1/60sec f/22
Note VR: On
   
 
Nikon D90 Review © 2010 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.