Review based on a production Nikon D90 with firmware V1.0
Almost exactly two years after the D80 was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90. The D80 has been one of Nikon's quiet successes, and even today, despite being positively Methuselah-like in digital camera terms it continues to sell and often makes its way into our top 10 most clicked on cameras. Because it looks so similar to the D80 the D90 appears at first glance to be one of those rather subdued incremental upgrades, but dig a little deeper and you'll find there's plenty to keep Nikon fans happy.
First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we'll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300.
And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to us the D90 is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time 'step up' customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300. Whether the D90 is as capable as its feature set suggests, we'll see as the review unfolds.
Nikon D90 Key Features
- 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
- 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
- Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
- Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
- Illuminated focus points
- Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
- IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
- 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
- Expeed image processing engine
- 3D tracking AF (11 point)
- Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
- Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
- Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
- Improved user interface
- New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
- Same battery and vertical grip as D80
- Vignetting control in-camera
- 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback
Nikon D90 vs D80: Key Differences
- 12.3 MP CMOS sensor (D80: 10.2 MP CCD)
- Dust removal system
- Bigger, better screen (as D3, D300)
- Live View with contrast detect AF
- Movie Mode
- Wider ISO range, upgraded AF system (3D tracking, face detection)
- Active D-Lighting, vignetting control and extra retouching options
- Automatic chromatic aberration correction
- Picture Control presets
- Faster continuous shooting and larger buffer
- Pictmotion slideshows
Compared to the Nikon D80, major feature and specification differences
As you can see from the table below the D90 carries some quite significant improvements compared to the D80. Nikon D90 |  Nikon D80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | • 12.3 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format) | • 10.2 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD (DX format) |
| Image sizes | • 4,288 x 2,848 (12 MP) • 3,216 x 2,136 • 2,144 x 1,424 | • 3872 x 2592 (10.0 MP) • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296 |
| Sensor cleaning | • Image Sensor Cleaning • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) | • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX software required) |
| Autofocus | • 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000 | • 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 |
| Lens servo | • Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • 3D Tracking AF (11 points) • Manual focus (M) | • Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • Manual focus (M) |
| Sensitivity | • ISO 200 - 3200 • ISO 100-6400 with boost | • ISO 100 - 1600 • Up to ISO 3200 with boost |
| Built-in flash | Guide number 17 (ISO 200) | Guide number 13 (ISO 100) |
| Active D-lighting | Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off | No |
| Continuous | • 4.5 fps • 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW) | • 3 fps • 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW) |
| White balance | • Auto • 6 presets • Kelvin color temperature • Manual preset (immediate or from photo) | • Auto • 6 presets • Kelvin color temperature • Manual preset (immediate or from photo) |
| Image presets | • Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome • Landscape • Portrait • Storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls | • Normal • Softer • Vivid • More Vivid • Portrait • B&W |
| Viewfinder Frame coverage | • Approx. 96% | • Approx. 95% |
| LCD monitor | • 3.0" TFT LCD • 920,000 pixel TFT (RGB x 3 colors) • 170 degree viewing angle • Removable protective cover | • 2.5" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT • 170 degree viewing angle • Removable protective cover |
| Dimensions | 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in) | 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in) |
| Weight | • No battery: 620 g (1.4 lb) • With battery: 703 g (1.6 lb) | • No battery: 585 g (1.3 lb) • With battery: 668 g (1.5 lb) |
| Image processing engine | • Expeed • 12 bit | • New for D80 • Based on D200 / D2X • 12-bit algorithms, 2-channel |
| In-camera retouching | • D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • fisheye | • D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Overlay • Monochrome and Filter • Small picture • Image overlay |
| Movie mode | Yes | No |
| Live View | Yes | No |
| Others | • Scene Recognition System • Face Detection • Calendar Display • New information display on main LCD • Vignetting control in-camera | |
Foreword / notes
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author, we recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of them, click to display a larger image in a new window.
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Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.
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|---|---|
| Price (body only) | • US: $ 999.95 • UK: £ 699.99 • EU: € 959.00 |
| Price (with 18-105) | • US: $ 1299.95 • UK: £ 849.99 • EU: € 1164.00 |
| Body material | Combination of aluminum alloy and plastic. |
| Sensor | • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor • 12.9 million total pixels • 12.3 million effective pixels • Supports high ISO sensitivities • High-speed data readout • Nikon DX-format sized CMOS sensor • Power-saving design |
| Dust Reduction System | • Image Sensor Cleaning • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) |
| Image processor | Nikon EXPEED |
| A/D conversion | 12 bit |
| Image sizes | • 4,288 x 2,848 (L) • 3,216 x 2,136 (M) • 2,144 x 1,424 (S) |
| File formats | • NEF (compressed RAW) • JPEG: Fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression • NEF (RAW) + JPEG • AVI M-JPEG • Up to 36 alphanumeric characters can be input using the camera monitor and multi selector (contained in Exif header) |
| Lens mount | • Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • Approx. 1.5x lens focal length (Nikon DX format) |
| Usable lenses | • DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkors do not support some functions) • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported. • AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. |
| Auto Focus | • 11 focus points (1 cross-type sensors) • Multi-CAM 1000 • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode |
| Lens Servo | • Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] • Manual focus [M], Electronic range finding supported • Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in AF [A] |
| Focus Point | • Single point from 11 focus points • Center point narrow or wide zone • Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame |
| AF Area Mode | • Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF • Automatic-area AF • 3D Tracking AF (11 points) |
| Focus Lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
| AF assist | AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1.6-9.8 ft.) |
| Exposure modes | • Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M] • Auto • Advanced Scene Modes (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, night portrait) |
| Metering | TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, or 10 mm dia. circle in center of frame • Spot: Meters approx. 2 mm dia. circle (about 2.0 % of frame) centered on selected focus point |
| Metering range | • 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens |
| Meter coupling | CPU (not AI) |
| Exposure lock | Locked using AE-L/AF-L button |
| Exposure bracketing | • 2 or 3 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV steps • ADL (Active D-Lighting) bracketing: 2 frames (one with ADL, one without) |
| Exposure compen. | • +/-5.0 EV • 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
| Sensitivity | • Default: ISO 200 - 3200 in 1/3 EV steps • Boost: 100 - 6400 in 1/3 EV steps |
| Shutter | • Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 or 1/2 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Bulb • Time (optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 required) • Release time lag Approx. 65 ms • Viewfinder blackout 120 ms • Tested to 100,000 exposures |
| DOF Preview | • Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button |
| Active D-Lighting | Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off |
| White balance | • Auto (420-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (12) with fine tuning • Manual presets (five) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K) • White balance bracketing (2 or 3 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3) |
| Picture Control | • Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome • Landscape • Portrait • Storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls |
| Image parameters | • Sharpening: Auto, 10 levels • Contrast: Auto, 7 levels • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 7 levels • Hue: 7 levels • Quick Adjust: 5 levels (A multi-parameter adjustment) • High ISO Noise Reduction (High, Normal, Low, Off) |
| Color space | • sRGB • Adobe RGB |
| Viewfinder | • Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder • Frame coverage Approx. 96% horizontal and 96% vertical • Magnification Approx. 0.94x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m-1) • Eyepoint 19.5 mm (–1.0 m-1) • Diopter adjustment –2 to +1 |
| Focusing screen | • Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark II screen with focus frame • Superimposed on-demand grid lines over the viewfinder display. • "Vari-Brite" focus area display built in (The color used to highlight the active focus area (focus brackets) in the viewfinder display changes automatically in response to lighting conditions). |
| LCD monitor | • 3.0 " TFT LCD • Approx. 920,000 dots (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • 100% frame coverage • Brightness adjustment |
| Movie | • File format AVI (Motion-JPEG) • Image size (pixels) 640 x 424; 24 fps 320 x 216; 24 fps 1280 x 720; 24 fps • Compression: Motion-JPEG Audio Monaural on/off selection • Exposure: Determined with matrix metering utilizing output from the image sensor • Exposure lock available • Exposure compensation available in P, S, A, M modes • Maximum single clip length: 1280x720/ 5 minutes, others 20 minutes |
| LCD Liveview | • Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face priority is selected) • Face priority, wide area, normal area |
| Shooting modes | • Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 4 fps • Continuous High [CH]: 4.5 fps • Self-Timer • Delayed remote, quick response remote (optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 required for remote shooting) |
| Self-timer | • 2, 5, 10, and 20 s |
| Flash | • Auto pop-up type (auto pop up in Auto, portrait, close-up, night portrait modes) • Guide no. 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft.) or 13/43 with manual flash (ISO 100, m/ft.) • Guide no. 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft.) or 18/59 with manual flash (ISO 200, m/ft.) • Sufficient to illuminate the picture angle of an 18mm lens |
| Flash control | • TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-400 • Auto aperture: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lens • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22s • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800 |
| Flash Modes | • Auto, portrait, close-up - Auto and auto with red-eye reduction available with built-in flash - Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional flash units • Night portrait - Auto slow sync and auto slow sync with red-eye reduction available with built-in flash - Slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional flash units • Landscape, sports - Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional flash units • P, A- Fill-flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, auto slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction • S, M - Fill-flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction |
| Flash Accessory Shoe | ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided |
| Flash Sync Terminal | No |
| Flash compensation | • -3 to +1 EV • 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
| Creative Lighting System | • Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as remotes • Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400 • Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units |
| Playback mode | • Full-frame playback • Movie playback • Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback • Playback zoom (image size L up to approx. 27x, M up to approx. 20x, S up to approx. 13x) When one or more faces (up to 10) were detected with shooting, the faces are enclosed in white borders. When playback zoom is applied, different faces can be displayed by rotating the sub-command dial. • Slide show playback • Pictmotion • Histogram display • Highlights display • Auto image rotation • Image comment (up to 36 characters) |
| Retouch functions | D-Lighting, red-eye correction, trim, monochrome, filter effects, color balance, small picture, image overlay, NEF (RAW) processing, quick retouch, straighten, distortion control, fisheye |
| Languages | • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Danish • Dutch, • English, • Finnish, • French, • German, • Italian, • Japanese • Korean, • Norwegian, • Polish, • Portuguese, • Russian, • Spanish • Swedish |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector • PTP transfer protocol • NTSC or PAL video output • HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type C mini connector provided) • Remote control / GPS terminal |
| Storage | • SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, SDHC-compliant |
| Power | • Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (Approx. 850 shots, CIPA) • Included battery charger MH-18a • Optional AC adapter EH-5a/EH-5 • Optional Battery Pack MB-D80 |
| Vertical Grip | • Optional MB-D80 multi-power battery pack |
| Dimensions | Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.) |
| Weight (no batt) | Approx. 620 g (1 lb. 6 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover |
| Operating environment | Temperature: 0 - 40 °C / 32 - 104 °F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation) |
| Box contents | Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio/Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC1 Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-10, Software Suite CD-ROM (Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area) |
| Optional accessories | *Remote Cord MC-DC2, *GPS Unit GP-1, Photofinishing software Capture NX 2, AC Adapter EH-5/EH-5a, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, Eyepiece Correction Lens DK-20C, Eyepiece Magnifier DG-2, Eyepiece Adapter DK-22, Right-Angle Viewing Attachment DR-6, Semi-soft Case CF-D80, Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15, Camera Control Pro 2 |
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