4.4News coverage of the Nikon D90 introduction focused on the fact that this is the first SLR to shoot video, a feature long available on even low-cost point-and-shoots. After working with the camera for several weeks, though, we're less excited about the video than the D90's strong across-the-board performance when shooting stills. This 12.3-megapixel camera is easy to handle, scored very well in nearly all of our lab tests, and offers effective training-wheel features for newbies without losing any of the hands-on fine-tuning seasoned Nikon shooters expect. The detailed review follows.
Conclusion With so much activity in the lower end of the digital SLR market, we're especially pleased to see the D90 combine accessibility to a wide range of photographers, regardless of their photographic skills or background, with consistently excellent lab test results and a solidly built, professional-feeling body. The fact that you can shoot video with this camera may have grabbed the headlines, but we're still on the fence about the practicality of this feature. Given the size of the D90, we still expect most casual YouTube videographers will reach for their cellphone more often than their SLR to capture their drunk buddy's embarrassing antics. Setting video aside, though, there's an awful lot to like about this camera, from its fast burst mode to its fine low-light performance for flash-free photos and a Live View mode that's still not perfect, but does prove comfortable and convenient in certain shooting situations. For $1000 plus lens, you're getting a camera you're unlikely to outgrow or tire of, and we'd call that a pretty good deal.
Likes
- Impressive lab test results
- Beautiful LCD display - Reasonably practical Live View mode
- Video capture mode
Dislikes
- Relatively expensive - Somewhat bulky - Movie performance not very impressive
With so much activity in the lower end of the digital SLR market, we're especially pleased to see the D90 combine accessibility to a wide range of photographers, regardless of their photographic skills or background, with consistently excellent lab test results and a solidly built, professional-feeling body. The fact that you can shoot video with this camera may have grabbed the headlines, but we're still on the fence about the practicality of this feature. Given the size of the D90, we still expect most casual YouTube videographers will reach for their cellphone more often than their SLR to capture their drunk buddy's embarrassing antics. Setting video aside, though, there's an awful lot to like about this camera, from its fast burst mode to its fine low-light performance for flash-free photos and a Live View mode that's still not perfect, but does prove comfortable and convenient in certain shooting situations. For $1000 plus lens, you're getting a camera you're unlikely to outgrow or tire of, and we'd call that a pretty good deal.