Replacing the popular Nikon D80, is the Nikon D90, which offers more than just a small upgrade. The D90 now comes with some of the same features found on some of the higher-end models including a new CMOS sensor and a DSLR movie mode. It even offers a new shutter and a 3D tracking AF. These features, along with the user-friendly design that Nikon is known for, will make the Nikon D90 a camera that will appeal to a broad range of photographers.
Ease Of Use & Functionality
Like other Nikon cameras, the D90’s best feature may be its functionality. Simply put – the buttons are easy to use and the features are simple to operate. In fact, this Nikon model has buttons that are even easier to press, because they are less recessed than previous models. The screen is easy to read with a clear, crisp picture, and with 4.5 frames-per-second, it is easy to capture dramatic action and special moments.
If that isn’t enough, Nikon also included a help function, which allows the user to view help pages for every function on the camera. That’s a great feature for novice photographers. This makes it very easy for someone that is new to photography to jump straight into the action and start taking beautiful snaps in an instant.
Image Quality & Options
Photographers at all levels will be pleased with the image quality and control. The camera offers 12.3 million pixels and supports high ISO sensitivities along with formatting as NEF, JPEG, AVIM-JPEG, and NEF + JPED. Additionally, the user can input up to 36 alphanumeric characters for comment or file name. The D90 also offers a great deal of image control including standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, landscape and portrait, as well as nine custom controls. That’s not to mention the five levels of quick adjustments for image quality, ten levels of auto sharpening, seven levels of contrast and three levels of brightness.
Buy Nikon D90
Additional Features
Camera enthusiasts will be impressed with the Nikon D90, because it is the first D-SLR with an HD movie mode. This mode allows the photographer to also capture movie clips at 24 fps with sound up to 720p HD. What’s more – the three inch screen offers a 921,000 dot colour LCD, which provides a crystal clear view of images and videos. Another important feature is the in-camera photo editing capabilities. The photographer can edit for distortion control, red-eye reduction, image overlay, fisheye effect and monochrome. Editing at this stage can help a photographer avoid further hassles.
It is also worth noting that due to the fantastic quality and clarity of the display, it makes previewing images a much better experience. Typically you have had to upload the images to your computer only to find out they are rather blurry. This isn’t the case with the D90 thanks to the high quality display it makes it easier to pick up on these kinds of problems within seconds of taking the shot.
High Definition Video
What is interesting about the unit is it’s the first DSLR with HD video recording which the Nikon D3100 could only dream of doing. You can record movies in full 720P resolution which makes the camera even more versatile when you are out and about. Soon there will be no need for video cameras what so ever as more and more DSLR’s are going to start showing up that offer integrated HD video recording.
There are some limitations of the video recording though. Videos are limited to a total size of 2GB and a maximum duration of 20 minutes, although I feel that is more than enough to keep most people happy. Having the ability to record video with a wide choice of lenses should certainly open up some new creative avenues though.
What is in the Box?
Depending on the supplier, a Nikon D90 will usually come with all of the accessories necessary to get started. These might include a MH-18a quick charger, EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery, USB cable, audio video cable, Dk-5 eyepiece cap, DK-21 rubber eyecup, camera strap, monitor cover, body cap, accessory shoe cover, and a software suite CD-ROM. The current price range for the D90 is around £750 which includes an 18-105mm lens. Additional lenses and accessories are available such as a wireless remote, monitor cover and correctional eyepieces.
Thats quite a generous amount of accessories to be included which helps to make the camera very good value for money when compared with other DSLR packs out there.
Nikon D90 Review Conclusion
The Nikon D90 has definitely been designed with the photographer enthusiasts in mind. Popular features from the D80 were combined with some of the more professional features found in higher-end models, putting this camera over the top. Plus, the ease of use makes these professional features more accessible to the amateur photographer. As a result, the D90 is one of the best options for those who are enthusiastic about photography and wish to advance in skill and equipment.
The camera has been very popular since its release thanks to all of this and has been well received by the photography community. I would strongly recommend this DSLR to anyone, whether you’re new to photography or looking to upgrade your existing camera.
Image Gallery
You’ve got to admit it, the device is absolutely beautiful to look at. It has all of Nikon’s classic styling while been trim and compact. Clicking on the images will enlarge them; click them again to close them down.
Nikon D90 Specifications
To be honest the camera offers that many features, I could go on for pages and pages. Instead of forcing you to read through lots of technical jargon that doesn’t really make sense anyway I have summarised the most important specifications of the camera below.
- 12 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
- Expeed Image Processing
- Large 3 Inch Display
- 4 Frame Per Second Shooting
- SDHC Memory Card Compatible
- D-Movie Video Mode
- Record 720P HD Video
- 11 Point Autofocus With Face Detection
- Lens Distortion Correction
- Live View Mode
- Built In Flash
- HDMI Compatible
- Tough & Lightweight
All in all the camera weighs just 620 grams without the battery and a total of 703 grams with the battery. That’s not to heavy for a camera of this calibre and Nikon have managed to pack all of these great features into a body that measures just 132 x 103 x 77mm. It kind of reminds me of the Nikon D7000 in a way and looks quite similar.
See It In Action
Read The D90 Manual
If you want to read the Nikon D90 manual before your purchase, or perhaps if you lost the original you can download the manual in PDF format.
Well that completes my Nikon D90 review, I hope you have enjoyed it. If you have any questions about the device or photography in general then please contact me, I love to hear from our readers.
