Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review

Nikon D90

Digital Camera Review

4.2 News 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.
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Specs Table
Nikon D90 Specs
Type DSLR  
Price 999.95  
Length 5.20  
Width 3.00  
Height 4.10  
Weight 22.00  
Mega Pixels 12.90  
Effective Pixels 12.30  
Sensor Type CMOS type DX  
Image Size 4288x2848  
Aspect Ratio 3:2  
IR Cut Low Pass Filter Unknown  
Media SD SDHC  
Image Format JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality AVI Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)  
Compression JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality AVI Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)  
Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount  
Compatible Lenses 1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible 2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) 3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II  
Diopter Adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)  
Frame Coverage Approx. 96%  
LCD 3 in. diagonal, Super Density  
Mirror Quick-return type  
Auto Focus Type # # Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection,  
Focusing Modes Single-servo AF (S) Continuous-servo (C) Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Live View autofocus; Face-priority, wide area, normal area  
Focusing Points 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor  
AF Assist Illuminator yes  
Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane  
Shutter Speed 30s to 1/4000  
Self Timer 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration  
Modes Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program Shutter-Priority Auto (S) Aperture-Priority Auto (A) Manual (M) Auto  
Speed Yes  
Burst Yes  
Automatic Modes Auto, Portrait Landscape Close-up Sports Night Portrait  
Exposure Compensation ±5EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1  
Bracketing Yes 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV  
Built in Flash yes  
Flash Range 56 at ISO 200 ft.17 at ISO 200m  
Sync Contact hot-shoe  
Resolution 4288x2848  
ISO Sensitivity 100-6400  
White Balance Sun Shade Fluorescent Incandescent Flash Preset Fine Tune by Kelvin color temperature setting Auto  
Playback Options Full frame Zoom Slideshow Pictmotion Histogram Shooting data Highlight point display Auto image rotation Sound playback  
Direct Printing Yes  
Video Output Yes  
Battery Power Source MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack  
Movie Mode Movie with sound HD 1280 x 720/24 fps VGA 640 x 424/24 fps QVGA 320 x 216/24 fps  
Storage Type SD, SDHC  
LCD Pixels 920000  
Resolution Maximum 4288x2848  
Resolution Minimum 2144x1424  
Ratings Raw Weight 
Color 9.98  
Resolution 11.01  
Noise Auto ISO 1.91   1.15 
Noise Manual ISO 10.48  
Low Light 9.27  
Dynamic Range 8.16  
Size Portability 7.25  
Model Design Appearance 8.00   1.3 
Handling 7.50  
Control Button Positioning Size 10.50   1.85 
Front 7.75   0.65 
Back 8.75   0.75 
Left 6.50   0.5 
Right 7.25   0.5 
Top 9.00   0.75 
Bottom 7.75   0.5 
Menu 8.00   1.65 
Auto Mode 8.25   1.05 
Auto Focus 10.00  
Focus 8.50   1.5 
ISO 8.50  
White Balance 8.50   2.5 
Exposure 10.50   1.75 
Meterng 8.75  
Shutter Speed 10.00   1.75 
Aperture 0.00  
Custom Image Presets 3.50   0.5 
Drive Mode 9.00   2.5 
Picture Quality Options 8.10   1.25 
Picture Effects Mode 8.50   2.15 
Playback Mode 10.75   1.5 
Movie Mode 9.00  
Viewfinder 9.25  
LCD Screen 8.75   1.75 
Flash 8.25   1.75 
Lens Mount 10.50   1.75 
Memory 4.00   0.5 
Battery 9.00   1.95 
Startup 1st Shot 9.20  
Shot Shot 4.44  
Shutter Shot 10.00  
Software 2.50   1.25 
Jacks / Ports / Plugs 6.50  
Direct Print Options 4.00   0.4 
Ease of Use 8.25   0.75 
Other Features 30.77   0.75 
Value 7.50   2.5 
Processing Speed 13.00  
Total (weighted)   710.42

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