Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
|
✓ WINNER
 44
SCORE
|
||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2006 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
09/08/2006 | 27/08/2008 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 132 x 103 x 77 mm | 132 x 103 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 668 g | 703 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
10 MP050 | 12.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
3872 x 2592 | 4288 x 2848 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.8 x 23.6 | 15.8 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
3 fps045 | 4.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Nikon Image processing engine | Expeed |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
16003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
32003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | Standard HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | 1280 x 720 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | 24 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 2.5" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✗ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL3e | EN-EL3e |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2700 shots1505000 | 850 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D90 emerges as the winner with a score of 44/100, while the Nikon D80 trails behind at 34/100. Both cameras share similarities as DSLR cameras released by Nikon, with identical dimensions of 132 x 103 x 77mm. The D90, released in 2008, has a higher launch price of $1235 compared to the D80’s $730 in 2006.
The D90’s higher score reflects its superior performance and features. However, the D80 does hold an advantage in weight, being lighter at 668g compared to the D90’s 703g. This could make the D80 more appealing for those prioritizing portability.
Taking all factors into account, the Nikon D90 stands out as the better camera, offering enhanced performance and capabilities. Yet, the Nikon D80 remains a viable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly and lightweight DSLR.
The Nikon D90 outperforms the Nikon D80 in optics with a score of 46/100 as opposed to the D80’s 39/100. This 7-point difference highlights the superiority of the D90 in this area.
Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization. Despite these similarities, the D90 has a higher resolution with 12.3 megapixels compared to the D80’s 10 megapixels. This results in better image quality and more detailed photographs.
The Nikon D90 also has a faster shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second, compared to the D80’s 3 frames per second. This advantage allows photographers to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. Moreover, the D90 features a CMOS sensor and an Expeed processor, which contribute to its higher DXOMARK score of 73, while the D80 has a CCD sensor and a Nikon Image processing engine, resulting in a lower DXOMARK score of 61.
On the other hand, the Nikon D80 has its merits, such as being more affordable and lightweight compared to the D90. However, these benefits do not outweigh the advantages of the D90 in terms of optics.
Taking all these factors into account, the Nikon D90 clearly surpasses the Nikon D80 in optical performance. Its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and better sensor technology make it a superior choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and capturing fast-moving subjects. While the D80 may be more accessible in terms of price and weight, the D90’s enhanced optics make it worth the investment.
When examining the video capabilities of the Nikon D80 and Nikon D90, it is important to note that neither camera offers video functionality. As a result, there is no difference in video performance between these two cameras.
The Nikon D90 emerges as the winner, with a feature score of 41/100, while the Nikon D80 scores 17/100. Both cameras share certain specifications ��� neither has a touchscreen, flip screen, or GPS. However, the differences in other features lead to the D90’s superiority.
The D90 has a larger screen size of 3 inches, compared to the D80’s 2.5 inches. This allows for better image preview and camera setting adjustments. Furthermore, the D90’s screen resolution is significantly higher at 920,000 dots, compared to the D80’s 230,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, enhancing the user’s experience.
The D80 does have one advantage over the D90, which is the presence of WIFI. This feature allows for easy image transfer and remote camera control through a smartphone or tablet. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the D90’s superior screen size and resolution.
In conclusion, the Nikon D90’s larger screen size and higher resolution make it a better camera in terms of features compared to the Nikon D80. While the D80 does offer WIFI connectivity, this is not sufficient to overcome the D90’s advantages. Therefore, the Nikon D90 is the better choice for photographers seeking a camera with superior features.
The Nikon D80 emerges as the winner in the storage and battery category with a score of 53, while the D90 trails behind at 37. Both cameras share similarities in storage capabilities, with one memory card slot each and compatibility with SD and SDHC cards. Additionally, neither camera offers USB charging, utilizing the same battery type, EN-EL3e.
The D80 outperforms the D90 in battery life, providing 2700 shots per charge, significantly more than the D90’s 850 shots. This advantage makes the D80 more suitable for extended photography sessions and reduces the need for frequent battery replacements or recharging.
On the other hand, the D90 does not have any specific advantages over the D80 in the storage and battery department. The lower score simply reflects its shorter battery life compared to the D80.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D80 proves to be the superior choice for photographers prioritizing storage and battery performance. Its longer battery life ensures more shooting opportunities, while both cameras maintain similar storage capabilities.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D80 or the Nikon D90:
