A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
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®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
So far so good
I just bought this camera a week before going to Yellowstone National Park so I have by no means learned all the bells and whistles. This was purchased as a step up from my D40...Read complete review
I just bought this camera a week before going to Yellowstone National Park so I have by no means learned all the bells and whistles. This was purchased as a step up from my D40. The pictures seem sharp and the focus was nice. I liked the ease of switching from manual to automatic focus. It is a bit heavier than the D40 but I am getting used to it. It seems sturdy and was fine on longer hikes. I have switched lenses a lot and the process is very smooth. I haven't been impressed with the photos taken in low lighting but I think that has more to do with me learning how to adjust the settings than with the camera itself. Its focus is quiet so wildlife photography has been easier with it. If you are using a bigger lens (I have 70-300mm) you definitely need a tripod even with the VR. I will continue to buy Nikon.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 966 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I purchased this DSLR when i first entered the world of photography...its has given me amazing results and performance in almost every situation..
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I love this camera. Not only is it really fun to use and a great transition into the higher quality professional grade slr cameras, but the quality of pictures is amazing! The ability to use video is completely underrated and now that I have this camera I've been turning laughable moments with friends into easily captured memories! I've loved every bit of getting better aquatinted with this camera and I would definitely recommend this to everyone looking to upgrade to a better slr camera. (One thing no so great is the digital screen at the top of the camera. It took awhile to get used to).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
The picture clarity, the quality of the camers, the solid action of the shutter all adds up the best camera I have ever owned.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Another great camera from Nikon! I've waited quite a while, and finally bit the bullet - boy I wish I wouldn't have waited so long!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I am very happy with my decision to upgrade from my D70s Nikon to the D90. I purchased only the body, as I can use the lenses from my D70 as well as my older AF lenses from my N8008 SLR. After much research, this was the best option for me. This camera does all that I can possible take advantage of, and more. I take many, many photos of our 9 grandchildren and all of their important events, along with travel photos, and nature shots. I was very upset when the D70 was not operating properly and our granddaughter was graduating from 8th grade, really missed the D-SLR. Could not be happier with my new D90, Christmas was well recorded. Looking forward to mastering all the "bells and whistles" including the video component. Also could not be happier with B&H. They provided much needed "hand-holding" during my decision process!! Merry Christmas to me!! Thank you Nikon and B&H...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I teach photography lessons, and students still bring this camera in a lot. Yes, the latest Nikons have several more advantages like multiple card slots, better focusing in difficult situations, and better handling of noise at high ISOs — but the D90 will still take an outstanding picture.
One of the best things about the D90 body is that it has an internal focus motor — something the newer D7000, D5100, and D3100 do not. This means you have quite a few more lens options with the D90.
If you're looking for a solid camera that won't break the budget to own, the D90 is really a great choice. It may be older, but it's not ready to be put out to pasture just yet.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Love this camera! So easy to use and got fast, reliable delivery.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
The Nikon D90 takes exceptional video, works great in low light and sub-sub zero temperatures (-40 below!), battery life is exceptional, and photos always come out very professional and with great color and clarity. I LOVE THIS CAMERA!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
This camera is great for family photos, sports events and other activities. Great response, great focus, great overall camera
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I upgraded to the D90 from an older D70, and I'm glad I took that path. I had a hard time deciding between the D90 or the newer D5100. Many reviews say the D5100 has a better sensor, which it might, but the D90 is a very capable camera and I have not had any issues with noise. The major factors for choosing the D90 over the D5100 is the ease of use, especially coming from a D70, the layout is very similar. I did not like the menu based system of the D5100, I prefer the dedicated buttons. I also prefer the dual command dials and the top mount lcd. Changing settings does not involve sorting through menus, which I think saves time. Also, the D90 is capable if focusing older less expensive lenses without built in motors, and has flash commander mode. These features put it above the D5100 in my opinion. The image quality is a huge upgrade compared to my old D70, there is much less noise as well. I am very happy with the images I am getting from this camera. I highly recommend the Nikon D90. I would say it sits nicely in between the D5100 and D7000.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
For the serious hobbyist/nonpro, this is the camera for you.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I chose the D90 because I have lenses that I used with my N70 and N80. I've only had the camera for about a week, but so far I'm very pleased. My lenses are fully compatible. An excellent users' guide is going to help me grow into the camera and its many capabilities.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
semi-professional
price
great quality
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I bought this to use with my old Nikon lenses. It is a great addition and a great first DSLR for us. Package came factory wrapped and in great condition.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I am a new user to digital photography that is not 'point and shoot'. I learned recently how to use my existing camera - Canon Rebel - by using the optional settings and wanted a 'bigger better camera' so after much research I purchased the Nikon D90.
This was a great decision for me. The camera is easy to learn, the accompanying manual is easy to understand and I've been very successful thus far at developing a better understanding to camera settings.
I purchased a 'refurbished' unit and could not find anything at all wrong with the camera. I am very happy with the purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
Purchased as an upgrade to my old Nikon dslr and I am loving the d90! I could not be happier. Just really getting into photography and working in manual mode and the features are wonderful.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
still have a lot to learn, but really great photo's right out of the box.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I've only had this for a week now, but am completely loving my first DSLR!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I'm the shutter bug of the fam and wanted to go digital. Thankfully I am familiar with nikon SLRs as I have a film SLR with nikkor lenses so the transition went smoothly. My husband who is not the savvy loves the camera and takes great pictures even on auto.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):
I'm a pro photographer specializing in product and industrial photography. This camera is easy and fast to use, and the best is taking pictures directly to a computer. My clients love that. Most of the time they assisting me to take product pictures for a simple reason, they know details about their products. Camera does what you need for a reasonable price. My pictures at: www.faynart.com
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with FX "full-frame" digital, 35mm or APS SLR cameras.