Nikon D90

The Nikon D90 is an APS-C DSLR released in 2008. A 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a pentaprism optical viewfinder define the shooting experience.

It offers eleven autofocus points and a maximum burst of 4.5 frames per second, and the pentaprism optical finder suits photographers who prefer composing through the lens.

The camera weighs 703 g and measures 132 x 103 x 77 mm. The EN-EL3e battery is rated at 850 shots, cards are SD or SDHC, and there is no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

At the heart of the optics is a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. The relatively low pixel count keeps individual files small, which eases both storage and editing. Nikon's Expeed processor handles the image processing.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 200 to 3200. Because there is no in-body stabilisation to counter camera shake, steady technique or a support matters at slower shutter speeds, where camera movement has the greatest effect.

Autofocus uses 11 points, and continuous shooting reaches a stated maximum of 4.5 frames per second, though that rate cannot be assumed in every shooting mode. The shutter tops out at 1/4000 second.

Framing happens through a pentaprism optical viewfinder, which draws no power from the battery. The Nikon F DX mount ties the camera into Nikon's SLR lens system, giving the D90 access to that range of optics.

The D90 records video at a maximum resolution of Standard HD, and its maximum frame rate is 24 frames per second, with clips saved as MOV files. The two figures are separate limits, so they do not by themselves describe a single recording mode.

Framing for video relies on live view on the 3-inch LCD, and the screen does not tilt or flip. Anyone shooting from low or high angles will need to work around the fixed display when composing shots.

There is no built-in time-lapse function, so interval work has to happen outside the camera, for example by shooting a sequence of stills and assembling them in software afterwards. That limitation aside, video on the D90 amounts to straightforward clip recording within the limits already described.

The 3-inch LCD carries 920,000 dots for reviewing shots and checking focus. It is not a touchscreen and does not tilt or flip, so settings change through the buttons and awkward angles rely on live view.

Flash options are practical: a built-in unit for fill light, plus support for an external flash when you need more power or control. The camera also lacks GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so there are no built-in wireless features.

The Features score of 41 is modest, and the camera sits in the lower range of cameras in our database for Features. The lost points trace to the absent weather sealing, touch screen and Bluetooth, while live view earned full marks and the screen size and dot count earned partial credit.

Storage is a single SD/SDHC slot. There is no second slot, and that missing redundancy is the main reason the Storage & Battery score is a limited 37; the partial battery-life rating and the absence of USB charging also cost points.

The EN-EL3e battery is rated at 850 shots per charge. The figure is a rating, and actual endurance varies with how the camera is used and configured.

The battery does not charge over USB, so you cannot top the camera up from a computer or a USB outlet. For long sessions, plan around a charged battery or carry a spare.