Nikon D90

Description

Nikon D90 12 MP DX digital camera. A pro camera with an amateur price and it's very easy to use. Words really don't do it justice; you need to experience it to understand. The D90's giant colorful LCD really tells me instantly if I have got the shot. The D90 has a fantastic set of separate buttons on the camera to control parameters like ISO, white balance, metering, autofocus, image quality, shooting mode, etc.

The D300 is the origin of the D90 and shares the same 12.3MP image sensor, same 3” 920,000 pixel LCD, the EXPEED image processor and Picture Control system. The D90, like the professional models that come before it, produces images that many people find somewhat soft and flat who are accustomed to P&S images. The D90 images are similar the D300 and the JPEG pictures don’t have the sharpness and intensity as those from the entry-level D40. This is on purpose as the D90 is placed to appeal to advanced amateurs and photography enthusiasts, and professionals looking for a lighter second camera to share with their D3 or D300. These people are more likely to post process their images and they don’t want the camera perform it before they get to see the image.

Unfortunately Nikon has also decided to change the default JPEG images to match the higher end D3/D700/D300 cameras which produce more neutral images. Consequently, the D90 images are less punchy than the D40/D40x/D60/D50/D80, so I like to turn up the in-camera saturation and contrast.

The three things about the D90 that jump out at me way above all others

Sharpness: Oh my god this camera is sharp. as a sharpness nut and a pixel peeper, trust me on this. It's amazingly sharp.

Auto Exposure: very good; but not blow me away great. It took me some getting used to and I think perhaps I will have to fine tune it more than I thought I would have to. Not a big deal and it's not bad; again just not knock my socks off great out of the box.

Low-light performance:  Unfortunately, the low-light performance is nothing to write home about here. It is certainly better than the D200/D80/D70/D60/D50 (all previous Nikons I have used)  but this camera is not an as good a low-light performer as the D3 and the D700 (I don't pay much attention to the marketing stuff) so this might not be a detraction but I just thought I would mention it for those of you that care about low-light performance (this is more and more a big item these days). Frankly it is even be fine for some professional work at ISO 400-800 but nowhere near the level of competence of the D700/D3. That old "You get what you pay for thing again",  Remember, I said it was  better than Nikon D200/D80/D70/D60/D50 cameras.

This camera is the successor to the Nikon D80 • The Nikon D90 is a 12.3-megapixel DX-format camera. The D90 works with all normal Nikkor AF, AF-I, AF-D and AF-S lenses in fact it works with all AF lenses made since 1986.

Features

Nikon Digital SLR image quality Exceptional image quality is a prerequisite for all Nikon D-SLRs, and the D90, featuring a new 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, fulfills that essential performance requirement with ease. Borrowing a host of technologies, including low-noise, high ISO performance, from the award-winning D300, the D90 will change the notion of what‘s expected from an enthusiast D-SLR.

New D-Movie Mode Features 720p HD cinematic quality The D90’s creative potential explodes with the capability to record smooth 24fps, motion JPEG sound movie clips. Leveraging the D90’s 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, legendary Nikkor optical quality and the one-button Live View function, the D-Movie Mode gives still photographers a new and exciting way to express themselves in 720p HD.

Comprehensive feature set Compact, yet powerful, the D90 captures up to 4.5 images per second. Accurate 11-point autofocus is now even faster and more intelligent, aided by Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System. The unique Nikon 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix II Metering system, now enhanced by EXPEED image processing technologies, delivers extraordinary exposure accuracy -- immediately evident when reviewing images on the D90’s super-density 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor.

Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200 High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO settings.

3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.

Built-in image sensor cleaning Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low pass filter.

11-point AF system with Face Priority Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.

One-button Live View Easy Live View access activates 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.

Comprehensive exposure control Five Advanced Scene Modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

Auto Active D-Lighting Selectable and automatic, Active D-lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrasts situations in real time.

Durable, high-precision shutter Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.

In-camera image editing Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.

GPS geo-tagging The optional GP-1 GPS unit provides automatic real-time geo-tagging.

Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning Nikon D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90’s breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90’s cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.

Specifications

Nikon D90 - Introduced August 27, 2008
Active D-Lighting	Select from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off
Autofocus	• 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000
Battery	Standard EN-EL3e battery (D80, D200, D300, D700, etc.). Rated 850 shots with 50% flash
Built-in Flash	Guide number 17 (ISO 200)
Compatible Lenses	• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible • D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) • AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible • Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure modes A and M but exposure meter does not function. Electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides
Continuous Shooting	• 4.5 fps • 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW)
Dimensions	132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
External Flash Shoe	Yes
Image Presets	• Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome • Landscape • Portrait • Storage for up to nine Custom Picture Controls
Image Processing Engine	• Expeed • 12 bit
Image Sizes	• 4,288 x 2,848 (12 MP) • 3,216 x 2,136 • 2,144 x 1,424
In-camera Retouching	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye
Kit Lens	18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR
LCD Monitor	• 3.0" TFT LCD • 920,000 pixel TFT (RGB x 3 colors) • 170 degree viewing angle • Removable protective cover
Lens Servo	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • 3D Tracking AF (11 points) • Manual focus (M)
Live View	Yes
Memory Card	No CF Card - Only SD card. SD cards don't come in professional speed grades, like Lexar 300x and 233x and SanDisk Extreme IV, and SD card readers aren't available in Firewire to support those speeds. It takes too long to download photos in the large quantities shot by pros. This is too bad, as the D90 is good for pro needs in every other way
Mirror Lock-up	No
Movie mode	Yes
Other	• Scene Recognition System • Face Detection • Calendar Display • New information display on main LCD • Vignetting control in-camera
Sensitivity	• ISO 200 - 3200 • ISO 100-6400 with boost
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format)
Sensor Cleaning	• Image Sensor Cleaning • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Shutter Speed	30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Viewfinder Frame coverage	• Approx. 96%
White Balance	• Auto • 6 presets • Kelvin color temperature • Manual preset (immediate or from photo)
Weight	• No battery: 620 g (1.4 lb) • With battery: 703 g (1.6 lb)

Item Includes

• EN-EL3e battery
• MH-18a charger
• DK-5 eyepiece cap
• DK-21 Rubber Eyecup
• UC-E4 USB cable
• EG-D2 AV cable
• AN-DC1 Strap
• BM-10 LCD Monitor Cover
• Body Cap
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
• Software CD
• Nikon ViewNX browsing and editing software, which also does raw (NEF) image adjustments and conversions.

Nikon View is one of the few good software programs from Nikon.

Accessories

Memory Cards & Card Readers Batteries & Power Bags & Cases Flash & Flash Accessories Lenses

Remote Control & Cords Tripod & Support Books & Tutorials Sensor Cleaning LCD Screen Protector

Viewfinder Accessories Filters Teleconverters Software Nikon Field Guides

Reviews

A splendid upgrade from my D40!!, August 6, 2009

By Jason (CA)

I bought this DLSR as an upgrade from my Nikon D40 that I had for around 3 years. I felt that I had gotten to the point where I was being limited by the D40 so it was time to move up. I bought this body strictly for photography, although you can do 720p HD video as well. I am not all that interested in the video portion, although it is nice that it is there, so I don;t have to carry 2 devices if I want video. I would like to see a little more in the way of manual controls for video but perhaps if that is your main purpose for buying, you should look at the D300s. As a still camera is is fantastic! Sharp images and a beautiful layout of the command dials and buttons. The only thing that could get me to move from this camera at this point would be a full frame body. For my money in the DX line of bodies, the D90 is it for me!

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Best Nikon camera for the price, love it, August 5, 2009

By M. Russell "real person" (SAN ANTONIO, TX, USA)

I will not put down cannon's, but I have owned 6 Nikons and they "feel" better, the buttons are where you need them. For a very complex camera its functions are fairly intuitive. It allows me to take pictures that are better than I could ever have take before. Whenever I pick up my camera there is the knowledge that I can take a photo and expand it to the size of a poster and it will still look professional. It is difficult to believe the details this camera brings out. Before you buy go to a camera shop and feel all the cameras you can. Most of the features in this camera came from the Nikon D300.

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Amazing Camera, June 25, 2009

By J. Kim "www.curiosity-media.com" (California, USA)

I got this camera about a month ago, and just love it. It doesn't just take pictures, it does video, which is sooo cool. You can also put it on commander mode, and use a sb600 speed light and use it for strobe lighting. A lot of great features, and all the essential options are outside the camera, so you can change them at the click of a button or dial.

The quality of the images are also very clean. But this will be my last nikon camera, I will probably not upgrade from here, because my next purchase is going to be a hasselblad, medium format camera. But Love Nikon.

Press Release

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D90, a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera that redefines the creative boundaries of digital photography allowing photographers to easily create stunning still images and High Definition (HD) movie clips with sound—with the same camera. A host of Nikon core technologies were leveraged to develop the D90’s scope of versatility, calling on years of photographic and optical expertise. Whether consumers are graduating from an advanced compact digital camera or are a seasoned D-SLR enthusiast, the Nikon D90 emphasizes brilliant image quality and versatility with its exclusive advanced Scene Recognition System, intuitive creative controls, blazing fast performance and the industry-first ability to create HD movie clips at 720p in the new D-Movie mode.

Inspired by Nikon’s acclaimed flagship DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300, and building on the success of the wildly popular D80, the D90 delivers stunning image quality. The CMOS image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combined with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system deliver outstanding images with fine details, smooth tones, brilliant colors and low noise across a broad ISO range.

Photographers are able to easily compose stunning images using the Live View Mode on the large 3-inch 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen. The 11-point auto focus (AF) system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System and Face Detection to help make the best shot in a variety of environments. Matched with the new versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-105mm Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lens, and a burst rate of up to 4.5 frames per second, photographers can confidently capture fast action and precise moments as they unfold. Also helping to ensure no memory is missed, the D90 offers fast handling with a power-up time of a mere 0.15ms and split-second shutter response measuring just 65ms, eliminating the frustration of pictures lost to shutter lag.

“The D90 delivers incredible imaging performance and control, setting a new standard for its class. This marriage of outstanding still image performance and HD movie clip capacity represents the dawn of a new age for D-SLR cameras. The D90’s handling characteristics and long list of features are sure to deliver the photographic experience that Nikon photographers have come to expect from Nikon engineering,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “Everyone at Nikon is especially eager to see the myriad of ways that imaginative D90 photographers will explore the world of cinematic 24fps HD video through the eyes of NIKKOR optics.”

Legendary Image Quality

For shooting in a variety of lighting conditions, the D90 has a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 (expandable to Lo 1 ISO 100 and Hi 1 ISO 6400) to deliver incredible low-noise images. The camera also employs an Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images.

The new D90 companion lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR provides a versatile focal length, and the benefits of Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. Nikon VR reduces the image blurring effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible*, assuring dramatically sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Borrowed from Nikon's professional line of digital cameras, the D90 is the most affordable camera to include Nikon's Scene Recognition System and adds newly-developed advanced Face Detection technology. The intelligent Scene Recognition System interprets color and brightness information of each individual shot from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies changes to AF, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 can also detect up to five faces using the new Face Detection system, producing flattering portraits with astounding definition and accuracy. While in playback mode, simply press the zoom button and portraits captured with Face Detection can be immediately magnified to ensure proper focus on the subject and faces are displayed on the LCD screen within brackets for easy reference and subject tracking.

The D90 benefits from Nikon’s comprehensive digital image processing engine, EXPEED, which provides smooth tones, rich colors and defined image details, as well as enhanced processing performance. Additionally, Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating each scene, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of over 30,000 scenes derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. To push the creative boundaries even further, Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing.

The Next Big Blockbuster

For the first time in digital SLR photography, Nikon introduces the addition of the D-Movie mode, allowing consumers to create their own HD movie clips (1280 x 720) with sound from their D-SLR camera. Photographers will appreciate the cinematic qualities that come from the 24fps frame rate, which matches theatrical film, whether producing vacation clips or creatively melding stills with video. Additionally, the large size of the D90’s DX-format sensor, combined with the optical superiority and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses, provides shooters with the ability to capture amazing perspectives not possible with typical camcorders. D-Movie clips also benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which is automatically activated during recording to aid the low-light capability that trumps many other hybrid devices. Users can record movie clips onto an inserted SD / SDHC card, created as Motion JPEG AVI files that are easily edited with widely available video editing software. The D90 also features an HDMI terminal, allowing viewing of both pictures and movies on High Definition televisions.

D90 Delivers Peak Performance

The D90's unprecedented start up time and imperceptible shutter lag derives from the same standards as the professional sports photographer choice, the Nikon D3. JPEG bursts can be shot as rapidly as 4.5 frames per second, allowing photographers to capture detailed action sequences or catch fleeting expressions that might otherwise be missed. Images are also processed and previewed rapidly at 120ms, which is less time than it takes to move an eye from the viewfinder to the screen. Users are also able to creatively stop the action with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second or create long-time exposures down to 30 seconds.

Nikon's 11-point AF also offers best-in-class speed and performance, helping to ensure sharp focus at any focal length. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Module, the AF system’s center area wide-frame operation adds inherent focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when changing the composition after focusing on a subject.

Push Creative Boundaries to the Limit

No matter the level of experience, the D90 makes high-quality photography fun and easier for a remarkably broad range of picture-takers. Users can enjoy complete control over all manual features or let the camera optimize settings automatically. For the camera novice and photography enthusiasts, the D90 puts all of the tools to explore new creative possibilities at their fingertips through the simple menu-driven interface. For those looking to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Mode dial with Advanced Scene modes on the camera. There are many options when it comes to realizing creative vision, such as Picture Control settings to provide an assorted palette of color effects that optimize color, saturation and hue through user-selected choices of Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape. Popular editing tools such as Nikon’s exclusive D-Lighting and image trimming, image overlay, and a wide assortment of color filters can also be applied to images after capture. The D90 also provides new options for in-camera image enhancement, including:

• Distortion Control: Adjusts lens aberration
• Straighten: Helps to correct linear inclination of an image for straight horizons and landscapes
• Fisheye Effect: In camera filter produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens

Skillfully Capture Inspiring Images

The D90 has been engineered with the photographer in mind with an intuitive interface that places a variety of automatic and advanced features at the hands of the user. The camera is built to withstand the rigors of an urban excursion or backcountry safari while boasting an impressive shutter mechanism that is tested to 100,000 cycles for durability. Whether upgrading from a compact digital camera or already a seasoned hobbyist, the D90 D-SLR will help anyone take great pictures, thanks in part to the following new features:

• Battery life: New circuitry enhances power consumption, affording up to 850 shots in typical conditions on a single charge of the Lithium Ion battery (CIPA standard)

• Viewfinder: The bright viewfinder offers a luminous 0.94x magnification to more accurately compose images

• LCD screen: The high-resolution 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen gives a 170-degree angle of view to make both composing and sharing easy and fun

• New playback function: Users can show their images in either four, nine or 72 thumbnail images, or use a new calendar format to easily find photos; users can also show their photos via Nikon's Pictmotion slideshow, including background music

• Built-in Flash: The built-in Speedlight offers a guide number of approximately 18/56 (ISO 200) and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full iTTL mode

Nikon System Legacy

The D90 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s extensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, including DX NIKKOR lenses, which are designed for optimum performance with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. NIKKOR lenses offer legendary optical superiority and add to the D90’s ability to deliver outstanding images. Paired with the D90 is the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which provides a versatile 5.8x optical zoom and VR image stabilization, for even sharper handheld picture taking. This lens offers a 27-157.5mm focal length in 35mm equivalent, a one-lens solution that offers a broad focal range to let photographers get up close and personal to their subjects from a distance, or wide for breathtaking landscapes. The built-in Silent Wave Motor ensures quick and quiet AF operation, while an aspherical element and ED glass deliver high resolution, high contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

Photographers will also enjoy advanced functionality anywhere in the world with system accessories designed for the adventurous globe trekker. When used with the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit (available separately beginning November 2008), the D90 provides geotagging to images with latitude, longitude and altitude data imprinted on the images' metadata. Users can also prolong their adventure with the MB-D80 battery pack that accepts two EN-EL3e or six widely available AA-size batteries. Additionally, photographers can share and upload their images with a wireless interface optimized for the Eye-Fi™ wireless enabled SD card wherever there is a wireless network.

The D90 is also fully compatible with Capture NX2 software (available for purchase separately), Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap into the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX2 affords photographers the ability to use revolutionary control points.

Price and Availability

The D90 will be available throughout the United States beginning September 2008 at an MSRP of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit that includes the new AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The GP-1 GPS unit will be available in November 2008, and pricing will be announced near the time of its delivery to the marketplace. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

*As determined in Nikon performance tests

** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Press Release