Nikon D90 Review

 Nikon D90 Review

It does feel like a long time coming, but the Nikon D90 is a direct replacement for the D80.

After all, the cheaper D60, which has the exact resolution, a larger LCD, and a new, image-stabilized kit lens, was beginning to make the more expensive D80 feel slightly ashamed.

High-ISO pictures

Beyond handling benefits, this camera offers many more features that can attract buyers away from the D60.

Although nothing in the specifications suggests any differences, the 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor employs technology “inherited” from the D300, which seems like a clever way of implying that it might not be precisely the same. The ISO range is 200–3200, although it can be “extended” to 100 or 6400 at either end.

The first characteristic to be examined was high ISO image quality, which recent Nikon SLRs have proved to be good. In addition, the maximum continuous shooting speed is 4.5 frames per second (fps) when using a high-speed memory card, and the 11-point AF system is significantly more advanced than the D60’s 3-point system.

The D90 now has a Live View mode due to the move to a CMOS sensor, and it looks fantastic because of the superb 3-inch, 920,000-dot LCD. In addition, the “self-cleaning” sensor unit should also reduce your concerns about dust.

The latest Nikon lens

Another significant change is the introduction of a new 18-105mm VR kit lens. Retailers will undoubtedly offer additional configurations, but this one is the best value. It’s plausible that the D90 is being contrasted with the incorrect camera. The D60 is streets behind it.

It’s so good that the D300 might be more at risk. It doesn’t have the tank-like construction of the D300, but it seems solid enough and portable. So the more pertinent query might be, “What can the D300 do that the D90 can’t?”

According to Nikon, the D90’s shutter is built to last 100,000 cycles (about a professional benchmark), and the battery should last no less than 850 shots before recharging.

Record videos

The D90 is also the first DSLR to have a Movie mode.

With a maximum quality of 1,280 x 720 pixels at 24 frames per second, it outperforms all but a few digital compacts, makes MiniDV camcorders appear a little ill, and may even displace HD camcorders in sales.

Although this Movie mode has several restrictions and downsides, it is nonetheless outstanding (we will devote a two-page spread to it following this review).

Condition LCD

Anyone previously using a Nikon DSLR will be familiar with the D90’s control layout.

The power switch is a spring-loaded lever that wraps around the shutter button and starts up instantly. While the rear LCD can be used to check the settings, it will most likely only be used to display images in Playback and Live View modes because there is a mono status LCD on the top plate.

The small size of some icons on the status LCD is the sole drawback.

Display problems

However, the 3-inch LCD on the back is different. Not only is the size remarkable, but also the saturation, clarity, and level of definition. Bright light can sometimes overwhelm it, but distinguishing it is generally straightforward. However, there are a few minor problems with this.

The first is that it deceives by flattery since it is so brilliant and bright. So when you load up photographs that appear stunning on the camera’s back onto your computer, they may be disappointingly unexceptional.

Its fixed position is another problem. At the same time, you may overlook that the Live View mode’s utility is marginally diminished. As a result, the challenge of editing videos on a fixed LCD immediately becomes apparent.

This is true of most tiny cameras, but if you were to contrast the D90 with a good camcorder, this would be a flaw.

Good construction

The Nikon D90 appears to be a high-quality camera overall. The brand-new 18-105mm VR kit lens is also ideal. It is the perfect weight and size for the D90’s body, creating a harmonious combination. There is no “slop” or “creep” in the smooth, light zoom movement. Although the manual focus ring is slightly slimy, this lens feels pretty excellent overall.

So far, the D90 has received a pretty unequivocal thumbs up; the only thing left to criticize is its image quality, although even this is excellent. Particularly in artificial lighting, the exposures, color rendition, and auto-white balancing are all superb.

A high ISO performance, too? Stunning. The 18-105mm lens has a good definition, and perhaps more importantly, it maintains that definition throughout the entire frame and focal range. You must adhere to no particular “sweet spot” in the aperture or zoom range.

Excellent camera

Interestingly, when this lens was used on the Nikon D90, there was nearly no chromatic aberration, but there was when it was tested on a D50 body. Does Nikon use in-camera image processing to correct?

There are indications that Panasonic, for instance, might be applying a similar technique to some of its cameras.

The D90 is a fantastic mid-range DSLR, but the answer to that issue isn’t quite apparent.

Canon enthusiasts could choose the EOS 40D’s more streamlined design and handling, while Pentax K20D’s photos’ depth and dynamic range might persuade others.

However, the Nikon D90’s features, performance, and value are so exceptional that we feel compelled to award it one of our highest ratings.