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Gear Reviews

Nikon D90

Nikon D90

£629.00

Photo answers rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 4.5
The Nikon D90 is Nikon’s enthusiast offering and a more affordable alternative to the heavy-duty D300.

There’s a 12.3Mp sensor on the Nikon D90 and an ISO range running from 200-3200, but this can be expanded to a 100-6400 ISO equivalent. The D90 can shoot continuously at 4.5fps – a decent average among the cameras on test here, while the 11-point AF system (only the central AF point is cross-type) is linked into the D90’s Scene Recognition System, to help track a moving subject by colour. There’s a 3in screen with Live View, and it’s worth mentioning that the D90 was the first D-SLR to feature High Definition video recording, with a maximum resolution of 1280x720 @ 24fps. Though the construction of the D90 is predominantly high-grade plastic rather than metal, it’s still weighted nicely with a positive handgrip that’s matched by a classy finish.
The D90’s Multi-CAM1000 11-point AF system is a solid performer, with AF point selection carried out via the D-Pad at the rear, and the active AF point is clearly defined. Live View is easy to operate, while recording in HD is a breeze too, though note it is manual focus only, and the built-in microphone isn’t very special. Getting to grips with the D90 has got to be one of its strongest points – it’s not short of buttons, but it’s really easy to find your way around, while the menu system is brilliantly laid out, and the best here.

www.nikon.co.uk

DIGITAL PHOTO GOLD AWARD

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating rating is 5

Users' Overall Rating rating is 4.5(7 reviews)

  • superb camera

    adeg

    hereford

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 5

    My first venture into digital photography, just upgraded from a Nikon F55. The two main reasons for my choice were, value for money and that it took the lenses I already had. I would recommend this camera to anyone.

    (Written by: adeg)

    26 October 2011 13:47

  • Great camera

    Eridan Fetahagic

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 5

    I upgraded to D90 from Nikon D50. It's a fantastic camera. And till now my favorite Nikon (I own Nikon FM2, Nikon FM10, Nikon F50 and as I already wrote D50, all entry levels beside FM2 and now D90). It's capable for all I need. Only drawback, it's not weather sealed (when I bought D90, D7000 was not in production yet). I would suggest this camera to all who could not afford D7000 or D300s, but if you have the money, than go for D7000 which is weather sealed and made out of magnesium alloy.

    (Written by: maceridan)

    20 January 2011 11:01

  • Ultimate Classic

    Gerald Watson

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 5

    Having owned the D90 around a year now, this ultimate classic is such a proven camera that is very powerful & as such versitility. The images are pin sharp & gives but just a few shots that are just a little out of sorts(User Error!!!!) This camera has the feel of a pro camera, very little if anything can be faulted in any way. If you need video then why buy a camera???. 3" screen that shows in such detail what you have taken. Many many menu items to choose from. If your looking for a camera that gives so much then in all honesty. set your stall out & buy this ultra superb Camera. Full marks from me.

    (Written by: gedyk04)

    11 September 2010 11:26

  • A dream come true

    hieraco

    SE

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 4

    After a life time of using Pentax (MX, ME, AE Plus and *ist) I made the switch to the Nikon D90. It was a tough decision between Canon and Nikon, The Exceed processor beat out the Canon Digi IV in noise reduction and clarity of image. Also the handling of the Nikon was superior to the Canon. handling the canon I never felt I had a secure grip on it. The Nikon D90 has a deep hand grip that is fantastic even if you have big hands. Testing out the video feature impressed me. The clarity of the video is incredible, and with the in lens vibration reduction, even at 200mm the image was very stable. (you can see a sample of video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1K9xtR4_PY This is the first day of experimenting with the video, so you can see the quality of it right out of the box.) On the down side, the D90 only has a single microphone built into it which picks up all the handling noise. Nikon should have included a stereo jack for an external microphone. I decide on the 18-200mm lens with my kit as a general purpose `do everything' lens, knowing that I would want to pick up specific primary and zoom lenses at a later date. The VR-II is everything that Nikon claims. I can hand shoot down to 1/20 second and with a monopod all the way down to 1/3s. There are way too may great features on the D90 to list them all, from Commander mode for controlling off camera flash, to 4.5fps continuous shooting, this is one major purchase that has lived up to it's advertising hype. I would highly recommend the D90 for any photographer looking to upgrade, regardless of there level of experience. it is simple enough for a beginner to use, but with enough features to keep you going as an expert photographer.

    (Written by: hieraco)

    13 May 2010 09:44

  • I switched from Canon!!!

    Chris Sweet

    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 5

    This camera is just superb! I threw a Canon 50D back at the retailer (first was faulty) because I was not happy at all with the levels of noise and general image quality. I then decided to sell all my Canon gear (a lot) and switch to Nikon, this was the camera I chose, and I have to say, I DO NOT REGRET a thing! This camera handles well, image quality is just superb, noise levels are amazing at all iso's, features are good (commander mode is a fav of mine, you can fire external speedlites remotely with no need for cables or transmitters), both af and af-s lenses can be used with the D90. I tried the D5000 but having used the 50D the 5000 was far too small for my hands! The images taken with the D90 are just superb, I have the Nikon 16-85mm AF-S VR and like most Nikon lenses it is SUPER SHARP at every length and aperture! This camera produces sharper images from the camera (I shoot RAW) than any Canon I have ever used (400D,450D,500D and 50D) and the dynamic range is far superior too! Like I said, I am over the moon that I became a turncoat! Im just annoyed it took me so long to switch!!!! HIGHLY RECCOMENDED CAMERA!!!

    (Written by: SweetPhotography)

    11 February 2010 00:14

  • Great Camera

    AlanK

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 4

    First Digital SLR, owned 6 months, made me rediscover the joys of photography left in a darkroom many years ago. Takes wonderful quality photo's in almost all situations. Great flexibility in menu's setup. Very good value for money with kit lens, even if you dont use video like me. Couple of small gripes, why is wireless remote release sensor on FRONT of camera and no connect to allow connection of alternative wireless release needed for remote nature / macro work? (D300 has I believe). But Yes, overall outstanding image machine!

    (Written by: AlanK)

    18 May 2009 23:02

  • Love it

    William Jeffries

    hayes

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 4
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 5

    I have had my D90 since Christmas, previousley had a D70S. The D90 is everything it says it is. Even with a Nikon 300mm lense on the balance is perfect.

    (Written by: bill jeffries)

    19 April 2009 08:59

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