A lens and a memory card are required but not included with this camera. Please be sure to purchase a lens and a memory card for this camera.
The Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only), with its 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS, 3" High resolution LCD display, Scene Recognition System, Picture Control, Active D-Lighting, and one-button Live View, provides photo enthusiasts with the image quality and performance they need to pursue their own vision while still being intuitive enough for use as an everyday camera. It features Nikon's EXPEED image processing engine to deliver outstanding images featuring fine details, smooth tones, rich colors and low noise across a wide ISO sensitivity range, and significantly accelerate camera performance on all levels. With a start up time of just 0.15 seconds and a shutter release lag time of approx. 65 milliseconds, the D90 delivers instant response, and provides continuous shooting at a rapid 4.5 frames per second. In addition, the D90 introduces the D-Movie mode, allowing for the first time, an interchangeable lens SLR camera that is capable of recording 720p HD movie clips.
The Nikon D90 lets users take advantage of the superior optical quality and broad selection of available NIKKOR lenses, and the refined 11-area AF System (based on Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module) ensures consistently fast and precise focus lock in various shooting conditions while Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate automatic exposure control, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
The D90 provides remarkable user operability, featuring Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System that advances precision in auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance in diverse shooting situations - so you'll get stunning images with point-and-shoot simplicity. The Live View mode allows for users to frame their images on the large 3" high resolution color LCD - providing for easy image framing, even when shooting at odd angles. There are also three contrast-detect AF modes to allow photographers to focus on any point in the frame, and enabling a greater variety of composition. In addition, the D90 has a face priority AF mode available in the Live View mode for even sharper pictures of people.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Camera Format | DX / (1.5x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.3 Megapixels |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 23.6 x 15.8 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: AVI, MJPEG |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 5 Minutes |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) , Focus Lock AF Area Mode |
| Autofocus Points | 11 |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism |
| Diopter Adjustment | - 2.0 to +1.0 m |
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (920000) |
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-6400 |
| Shutter | 30 - 1/4000 sec |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, 3D Color Matrix Metering |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Program, Shutter Priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Manual |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: 1st Curtain Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction |
| Effective Flash Range | Up To - 55.77' ( - 17 m) |
| Max Sync Speed | 1 / 200 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 4.5 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-up Time | 0.15 Seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.065 Seconds |
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec |
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: XP, Vista Mac: OS X 10.1.5 or later |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| AC Power Adapter | EH-5a AC Adapter (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.1 x 5.2 x 3" / 10.41 x 13.21 x 7.62 cm |
| Weight | 22 oz / 624 g Camera body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
D90 vs. D40
I am fairly new to photography. Last year I got the D40. I just upgraded to the D90 because I was tired of futzing with the white balance of the D40, and I wanted...Read complete review
I am fairly new to photography. Last year I got the D40. I just upgraded to the D90 because I was tired of futzing with the white balance of the D40, and I wanted more low-light sensitivity (better ISO), as well as the flexibility of using faster lenses, many of which are not AF-S.
I have been very impressed with the D90. I’m comparing it to the D40. The things that I think are important are ranked from most to least important.
1. Active D-lighting (ADR). This has gotten me photos with large dynamic ranges of light (highly shaded subjects with a bright background) that I would have otherwise botched. Also, we rent a house where they did a quick paint job in white, but there are splotches of beige and light green underneath. We’ve never successfully taken photos of this with the D40 or our point-and-clicks. The D90 pulls these out (without flash) to the point where it’s easier to see them in the photo than by eye, and it nails the colors! I also suspect that the ADR is helping tame the noise at high ISO levels (see #3 below).
2. White Balance. The white balance is a big improvement over the D40, which botched AWB lots of times. If you look closely, it’s not perfect, but close enough for all but the perfectionists, and the beauty is it works in Auto. That means that you can focus on taking pictures and not on fiddling with your settings so much. There’s also a lot of flexibility to set your AWB defaults with a lot of precision.
3. Low light photography. I take a lot of shots indoors without flash. Until very recently, there weren’t any f/1.4 prime lenses that were AF-S (needed on D40). The D90 helps in 2 ways: a) takes AF-D lenses and b) has better high ISO performance. I did controlled tests using my 55-200mm VR lens at 55mm (f/4) and looked at ISO sharpness and color on the D40 and D90. I did it in manual mode, following the exact procedure of Ken Rockwell (tripod, VR off, remote trigger). I find that the D90 is between 1 and 2 stops better ISO than the D40. D90/ISO 6400 is too dirty, but D90/3200 is pretty usable. With the D40 at ISO 800, the sharpness is slightly better than the D90 at 3200 (but worse than D90/1600), but there’s a lot more out-of-control, day-old pizza look in dark sections with the D40 at 800 than the D90 at 3200 (I’m guessing that ADR is helping here). The D90’s color starts to fade at little at ISO 1600, and drops more at 3200, then quite a bit at 6400.
4. The 11-point AF has helped get things in focus compared with the D40’s 3 spots. AF also feels faster. Autofocusing is a big improvement.
5. I also really like that it’s quicker changing ISO, WB and QUAL. I’ve also set AF as my top choice under My Menu, making it 1 button away as well (hit the Fn button). This was another Rockwell suggestion.
6. The screen is amazing, as others have said. Also, you can navigate a zoomed image on the screen really fast.
7. I’m also looking forward to using my SB600 flash remotely in commander mode (you can’t do that on the D40).
Another observation: I’m not that familiar with the D300 and D700, but the D90 feels pretty solid compared to the D40. I thought that weight would help stabilize hand-held shots, but I also find that it’s shutter is stronger than the D40, and that vibration tends to cancel out its heavier weight in terms of holding the camera still.
I don't like Live View and don't use the video, so I don't use it and didn't take off points in my rating b/c of it.
For someone who doesn’t like to adjust the manual settings very much, the main benefits of the D90 over the D40 are the ADR and WB. These upgrades will probably appear in the D40 replacement in ~6 months. I might wait for that. For others who use their manual settings regularly, this is quite a camera.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Leaving Nikon
My first DSLR was my D50. Great little camera, good for beginners and takes very nice shots. I upgraded and went to a D5000. I had THREE of them because each one had ...Read complete review
My first DSLR was my D50. Great little camera, good for beginners and takes very nice shots. I upgraded and went to a D5000. I had THREE of them because each one had a bad sensor. I then told the shop I no longer want this camera, give me a D90. Good overall camera, but everyone I've spoken to agrees with me....it shoots "soft". I can't get the details and crispness I want in my images. So...I am jumping ship and now going to buy myself a Canon T3i which I've briefly tried out at [*]. Beautiful crisp and sharp images and the color is gorgeous.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I bought this camera to bring my photography to the next level.
Upgrading to this from my d3100 has been a good investment.
I use this camera mostly for headshot work and commercial photography.
The image quality is outstanding and the top lcd screen is handy aswell.
Only tiff i have with it is that its a little on the bulky side but thats hardly a con.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an upgrade from their entry level camera.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
easy to use
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
My first DSLR was my D50. Great little camera, good for beginners and takes very nice shots. I upgraded and went to a D5000. I had THREE of them because each one had a bad sensor. I then told the shop I no longer want this camera, give me a D90. Good overall camera, but everyone I've spoken to agrees with me....it shoots "soft". I can't get the details and crispness I want in my images. So...I am jumping ship and now going to buy myself a Canon T3i which I've briefly tried out at [*]. Beautiful crisp and sharp images and the color is gorgeous.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Great camera for my photography needs!
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
So far, I have been using it in the FL keys for scenery and nighttime pictures. It's been a blast to play around with. The user interface is easy to learn and understand.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I've been photographing with a digital camera now since 2004. My first purchase was a Nikon D50. Loved it! Eased me in to world of digital photography and expanded my portfolio of work. Purchasing a Nikon D90 is my first upgrade in 8 years.
The ease of use was amazing. Since I already knew most of the settings I just had to learn the new ones and the expanded features. No reason to purchase any lenses because with this Body you are able to use older lenses unlike the D3100 and D5000. The shortcut controls are the best. A combination of buttons being pressed and there you are. My older D50 is now sitting in the corner semi-retired for a few months due to this fantastic upgrade.
Using Lightroom for 95% of my editing I noticed that all the settings I once had are now just for the D50. The image quality is phenomenal since the D90 has more flexibility with image enhancements that were lacking on my D50. Not knocking the D50, love it to death and I will still use it. Just the D90 is KILLLER!
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I've been working with a Nikon D3000 for the last 2 years learning the fundamentals of shooting DSLR and when it went in for a viewfinder crack the beginning of this month I knew I needed another body. I did my research, looked at the D3100/5100 and for where I wanted to expand my photography they just didn't have what I needed...an Auto Focus motor built into the body for using Prime lenses and lenses without AF built in. With some advice from a friend I decided on the D90 and since I've had it I have never looked back. Fast shots, rich color and photos I couldn't even dream of getting with my D3000. Even though this camera came out in August of 2008 it still stands tall with the likes of other cameras that have come after it from both Canon and even Nikon. This is the camera I should have started with but at the time money was the factor in what I purchased. Yes there are other cameras with more megapixels but anything past 10MP is just splitting hairs in quality. It makes up for it in its richness in colors, less noise at high ISO's and speed. An added perk is that it takes 720P video which yes its a camera first but in a pinch it is nice to have that feature backing you up. In conclusion this camera is an excellent choice for someone wanting to step up from an entry level camera into a more professional/high end DSLR and who is on a budget. Since it Has been out so long it is more affordable yet still gets the job done.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I have owned my D90 for over 2.5 years. I have shot everything from Indy Car races to weddings. This platform is perfect for what i was first thinking when i bought it. But having interest in photography and some better understanding (class instruction) this surpasses what i was wanting from a DSLR camera. When i was first looking into buying a DSLR i was comparing this model to the D5000. As some on here have said it is nice that the D90 has the top info window for changing your settings without having to use the back LCD. Dedicated buttons for your core adjustments are a help and a plus when working at a race or outdoors in multiple light areas. I have had good luck with my two lenses (18-105mm, and 50-200mm) i have upgraded my flash to a Nikon SB-700 speedlight and love it. The D90 has a remote flash capability that i like messing with now and then and helps in certain situations. I am sure there are Pros on here that have a better understanding of that then i as i dont have a huge need for more then one flash in conjunction with the camera, but still a plus.
I have been able to take about 1500 - 2000 pics on one battery but i dont leave the camera on the whole race. The shutter is a little louder then some cannons that i have been next too (some people comment on the noise that the shutter makes)
all in all i am very happy with this model and dont think i could have done better with my first DSLR purchase.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I wanted a reasonably priced mid level camera for my part time photgraphy business that would take great photos without investing in high end D3 or D4 Nikon. the D90 has all the features to get the job done----including a little video to boot. Other professional Photographers with whom I am in contact highly recommending the refurbished D() as long as it came from B&H. They are right.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I have deceided to go back into Pro Photography after a 20 year abscence. I upgraded to the D90 and will be buying the D7000 and using the D90 as a 2nd Body. These Camera's are OUTSTANDING.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I bought the d90 for a trip I was taking to the Galapagos Islands and I was not disappointed. I took over 7,000 photographs during the trip as well as a few short videos. The camera handled beautifully. It had quick startup time fast reaction time and long battery life. Many of the images I shot were in RAW (NEF) format and I've very much enjoyed printing them. Since my trip to the Galapagos I've used this camera under a variety of circumstances (snow, mountains, etc) and it has held up well in all cases.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
We've always been fans of Nikon, and the D90 doesn't disappoint. Great quality. The video is ok, but it's a camera not a video recorder. If you want great quality video buy a video camera. Great camera for those just getting into the digital SLR.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I'm a student photographer for my college newspaper and have occasional photo shoots. This D90 was to be an upgrade to my trusty Nikon D70.
Although the D7000 is said to be an "upgrade" from the D90 with more advanced features, the D90's photo quality is still exceptional to say the least. Metering and white balance are accurate and ISO settings can be bumped past 3200 for low-light situations abeit signs of noise. Battery life is quite fantastic: without much abuse of the D90's Live View capabilities, I was able to take over 1,000 shots on a single charge.
The Nikon D90 was iconic for being the first DSLR to incorporate HD video. However, its max resolution is 720p and the internal mic audio is mediocre at best and there is NO external mic jack. Manual controls and capabilities for video are extremely limited when compared to other models. If you plan to shoot serious video, I suggest you look elsewhere *cough cough Canon*.
So, why not just buy the newer entry-level D3100 and D5100? For starters, the D90 features a pentaprism viewfinder instead of the pentamirror viewfinder found on most entry-level DSLR bodies. In lamest terms, a pentaprism viewfinder is larger and offers greater eye relief and clarity when composing your shot. In addition, the D90 features a top LCD for quick setting reference and dedicated buttons to quickly change ISO, WB, and quality. In contrast, the D3100/D5100 lack dedicated buttons and these settings must be changed via the D-pad on the main 3" LCD. These may seem like trivial differences, but they do make a difference. These reasons alone swayed me to go D90 over D5100 hands down.
Bottom line: If you want a responsive and reliable DSLR that'll deliver stunning photos without burning a hole through your wallet, then the Nikon D90 is a great bang for the buck! There's a reason why the D90 is still a strong seller despite is age. However, if you're serious about video or feel the need for a camera with very advanced settings, look elsewhere.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
great camera
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
This is a great camera for its price
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I use this mostly for hobby and travel. I plan to use the video capabilites for RC boat racing this Summer.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Excellent camera which continues to be a solid workhorse in the Nikon line. Its small, light and also good as a backup. This was a gift to my daughter as she expands her photographic endeavors.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
The Nikon D90 is 4 years old, but still cannot be matched in price and quality by any other camera within its price range. If you're looking for a camera to get serious with photography, this is it.
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
This camera is awesome, I use it to photograph pro wrestling and can only say this performed wonderfully. It focus fast and there was no lag on shutter release .
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Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Bought this camera recently and love it. It is my first dslr and I could not be happier.
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DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with FX "full-frame" digital, 35mm or APS SLR cameras.