Nikon D90 Review

Main Features

12MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor

ISO 200 - 3200( expands to 6400)

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

4.5 fps continuous shooting

1280 x 720 video resolution

703g. 132 x 103 x 77 mm

Replaced Nikon D80

Replaced by Nikon D7000

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Nikon D90 Overview

First introduced in October 2008 , Nikon D90 is a 12.0MP Semi-Pro DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor. Nikon replaced the older Nikon D80 with this model and later D90 was replaced with Nikon D7000. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
Compare Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80
Compare Nikon D90 vs Nikon D7000
or try our multi-camera comparison:
Compare Nikon D90 vs D80 vs D7000

Nikon D90 has an Overall Score of 58/100 and ranked #119 out of 201 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #332 out of 1181 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Nikon D90 Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

Nikon D90 Compared to other DSLR Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon D90 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

11 Focus Points

920k dots LCD Resolution

Long Battery Life (850 shots)

Top LCD Display

Flash Sync Port

Buy Nikon D90 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

No Full HD Video

No Touch Screen

Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP

Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200

Heavy Body: 703g

No Environmental Sealing

Nikon D90 Lens Mount and Lenses

Nikon D90 has a Nikon F lens mount and currently there are 302 native lenses available for this mount. Besides providing one of the largest selection of lenses, Nikon F mount also has backward compatibility which means that you can use F mount lenses even dating from 1960s. It is also well supported by the lenses form third-party manufacturers.

Nikon D90 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 88 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 73 lenses with weather sealing for D90 but bear in mind that D90 body doesn't have weather sealings.

Here are some of the most popular Nikon D90 Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon D90 Lenses

	Focal Length on D90	Max Aperture	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR	27-450mm	F3.5 - F6.3	550gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G	105-450mm	F4.0 - F5.6	425gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G	75mm	F1.4	290gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR	120-600mm	F4.5 - F5.6	1340gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD	225-900mm	F5.0 - F6.3	1951gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Nikon D90 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

Nikon D90 Sensor and Photography Features

Nikon D90 has a 12.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4288 x 2848 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. D90 has a native ISO range of 200 - 3200 which can be boosted to 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Nikon D90 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Sigma Quattro with its 29.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon D90 vs Sigma Quattro or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

Nikon D90 DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Nikon D90 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 73 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Nikon D90 here.

Let's look at how the size of the Nikon D90's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Nikon D90 Physical Specs

Nikon D90 weighs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz) and has external dimensions of 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.06 x 3.03″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 769g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 77mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D90

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D90

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Nikon D90 with the dimensions:

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon D90, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon D90 with its main competitors:

Nikon D90 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Sensor	Weight	vs D90	Thickness	vs D90
Nikon D7000	16.0MP - APS-C	780g	77g heavier	77mm	equal thickness
Nikon D7200	24.0MP - APS-C	765g	62g heavier	76mm	1mm thinner
Nikon D5300	24.0MP - APS-C	480g	223g lighter	76mm	1mm thinner
Nikon D3300	24.0MP - APS-C	430g	273g lighter	76mm	1mm thinner
Nikon D80	10.0MP - APS-C	668g	35g lighter	77mm	equal thickness
Nikon D7100	24.0MP - APS-C	765g	62g heavier	76mm	1mm thinner
Nikon D5500	24.0MP - APS-C	420g	283g lighter	70mm	7mm thinner
Nikon D300	12.0MP - APS-C	925g	222g heavier	74mm	3mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Nikon D90 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Nikon D90 Other Features

LCD and Viewfinder

Nikon D90 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

D90 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. The viewfinder has a coverage of 96% and a magnification ratio of 0.64x. 96% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

Max Shutter speed

Nikon D90 can shoot continuously at max speed of 4.5 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

Flash

D90 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Nikon D90 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

Nikon D90 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

Video Features

With Nikon D90, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 24 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

D90 has a built-in Mono microphone but no speaker.
Nikon D90 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Pentax K-1 Mark II or Nikon D750 in a similar price range.

Connectivity and Storage

You can connect D90 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Battery

Nikon D90 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 850 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 883 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Semi-Pro DSLR Cameras

Nikon D90

Min

Average

Max

Nikon D850 with its 1840shots is the model with longest battery life among Semi-Pro DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon D90 vs Nikon D850 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

Nikon D90 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Nikon D7000 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	1050shots	No	No	No
Nikon D7200 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	1110shots	Yes	No	Yes
Nikon D5300 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	600shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D3300 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	700shots	No	No	No
Nikon D80 >>Compare to D90	None	shots	No	No	No
Nikon D7100 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	950shots	No	No	No
Nikon D5500 >>Compare to D90	1920 x 1080	820shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D300 >>Compare to D90	None	1000shots	No	No	No

User Manual
You can download Nikon D90's User Manual here

What type of Photography is Nikon D90 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Nikon D90 in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the D90 compares with the average DSLR camera.
Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

Nikon D90 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D90 has a score of 56 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D90 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D90 for Street Photography

Nikon D90 has a score of 59 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D90 for Street Photography

Nikon D90 for Sports Photography

Nikon D90 has a score of 79 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
11 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 850 shots
Good Ergonomics&Handling

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.5fps
Environmental Sealings
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D90 for Sports Photography

Nikon D90 for Daily Photography

Nikon D90 has a score of 59 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Large Body

703g
Body Thickness 77mm

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D90 for Daily Photography

Nikon D90 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D90 has a score of 39 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theD90.

Live-view
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D90 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D90 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Nikon D90 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of D90 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon D90 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon D90

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon D90 amongst Camera Decision readers.

Nikon D7000

Compare

Nikon D7200

Compare

Nikon D5300

Compare

Nikon D3300

Compare

Nikon D80

Compare

Nikon D7100

Compare

Nikon D5500

Compare

Nikon D300

Compare

Nikon D90 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Nikon D90 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Nikon D90's price range.

Nikon Z6

Compare

Samsung NX1

Compare

Olympus E-M1 II

Compare

Sony A7 II

Compare

Canon RP

Compare

Panasonic G95

Compare

Panasonic G9

Compare

Fujifilm X-T3

Compare

Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon D90

Does the Nikon D90 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Nikon D90 have RAW support?
Does the Nikon D90 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Nikon D90 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Nikon D90?
What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D90?
is the Nikon D90 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Nikon D90 have Touch Screen?
Does the Nikon D90 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon D90?

Nikon D90 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Nikon
Model	Nikon D90
Announced	2008-10-13
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Nikon F
Number of Lenses	302
Focal Length Multiplier	1.5×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Technology	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	920k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	96%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.64
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Shutter Speed	1/4000s
Continuous Shooting	4.5 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	17.00 m (at ISO 100)
Max Flash Sync	1/200s
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	73
DxO Color Depth	22.7
DxO Dynamic Range	12.5
DxO Low Light ISO	977
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	APS-C
Sensor Dimensions	23.6 x 15.8 mm
Sensor Area	372.88mm²
Sensor Resolution	12 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4288 x 2848
Max Native ISO	3,200
Max Boosted ISO	6400
Min Native ISO	200
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720
Video Formats	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	703g
Physical Dimensions	132 x 103 x 77mm
Battery Life	850 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	EN-EL3e
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Optional
Storage Type	SD/SDHC
Storage Slots	1

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