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Nikon D90
44
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 12.3 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video

Nikon D90

General 44Optics 46Video Performance 43Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 37
From $126.40 — 5 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD90
Released2008
Announcement date27/08/2008
Camera typeDSLR

General 44

Brand
Nikon
Model
D90
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2008
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/08/2008
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
132 x 103 x 77 mm
Camera weight
703 g

Optics 46

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.3 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
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.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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.
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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.
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
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.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D90 earns a score of 44/100, reflecting its general specifications. Launched in 2008 with a price of $1235, this DSLR camera measures 132 x 103 x 77mm and weighs 703g (1.55lbs). While the D90’s specifications may have been competitive in its release year, they struggle to stand out in today’s market.

Despite its age, the Nikon D90 remains a reliable option for some photography enthusiasts. However, the camera’s specifications may not satisfy the needs of modern photographers seeking advanced features and capabilities.

Nikon D90 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D90 receives an optics score of 46/100. With 12.3 megapixels and a shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second, it is equipped with a CMOS sensor and an Expeed processor. The DXOMARK sensor score stands at 73, which is relatively low compared to today’s market standards.

This camera has an APS-C sensor size and uses the Nikon F DX lens mount. However, it lacks image stabilization, which can be a drawback for some users. The aspect ratio of the Nikon D90 is 3:2, which is standard for most DSLR cameras.

Considering the current market, the Nikon D90 falls behind in terms of optics specifications. While it may have been competitive during its release, it now struggles to keep up with the advancements in camera technology.

Nikon D90 Video Performance 43

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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.
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.
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.
No
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.
MOV

Nikon D90 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d90 features and benefits

The Nikon D90’s feature score stands at 41/100. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots. However, it lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.

In today’s market, the D90’s specifications may not meet the expectations of some users who desire advanced features and seamless integration with their smartphones and other devices. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen can limit the ease of use and versatility for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth restricts location tagging and wireless transfer of images.

Despite these limitations, the Nikon D90 still delivers solid performance and image quality. Potential buyers should consider their specific needs and priorities when deciding on a camera.

Nikon D90 Storage and Battery 37

Memory card
SD / SDHC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL3e
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
850 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d90 storage and battery

The Nikon D90’s storage and battery receive a score of 37/100. This camera has one memory card slot that accepts SD and SDHC cards. In today’s market, having a single memory card slot may be limiting for photographers who require ample storage space or prefer the security of having a backup card.

The D90 has a battery life of 850 shots, powered by an EN-EL3e battery. While this number of shots per charge is decent, it falls short compared to some modern cameras that offer longer-lasting batteries. The Nikon D90 does not support USB charging, which can be an inconvenience for on-the-go photographers who want to recharge their camera using portable power sources.

The storage and battery specifications of the Nikon D90 are modest and may not meet the needs of photographers in the current market, who demand more advanced features and longer battery life.