Nikon D90 review part one - Did Nikon hit the sweet spot?
When Nikon announced the FF camera D700 it seemed like the natural upgrade path from Nikon D300. I was considering the pros and cons for the move. I missed (and still do) the feeling of depth I got with my 35 and 85 mm primes and my Nikon SLRs. The high ISOs advantage is of course a positive factor for a FF camera with its fat pixels, and the ability to take a lot of punishment in post processing. On the other hand, it felt too early to replace the excellent D300. The caveat I had with the D300 was mostly the weight, and to some extent, the relative loud shutter. The D700 would not be an improvement in these areas; on the contrary, the weight of the D700 body is 995g versus the 825g of the D300. I have not heard the sound of D700 shutter personally, but my guess is that the larger mirror and the tough shutter construction do not help making it any more silent than the one in the D300.
There are also obvious size advantages with the DX system, which makes it nice and compact. Considering the millions of APS-C bodies sold it will likely be around for a long, long time even though FF cameras picks up momentum. Nikon has a slew of compact DX lenses for walk around, several featuring stabilization and long zoom ranges. So abandoning DX for FF is not a clear-cut case, especially if you value portability. And then of course there is the financial hit.
Those were my thoughts when the Nikon D90 entered the scene. The IQ from the D300 in a smaller, lighter and relative fast package (4.5 fps) at a lower price. And a completely new feature that spiced up the deal - video. The video feature causes controversy and I will save it for last in this review, so those who don’t like it can skip over that part.
Anyway, I put the upgrade plans for the D300 on hold and ordered a D90. If it was good enough I would keep it to have a competent all-rounder in the DX camp, even if I traded in the D300 for a FF in the future.
So, how good is it? Is the D90 the sweet spot in DX/APS-C category if we factor in IQ, portability, performance and price? How does it compare to its big brother, the D300?
I wont go over all the features; you can read about those in sites like www.dpreview.com or www.imaging-resource.com. But here are some observations.
If we start with the body it is very similar to the D80 in overall appearance, with small refinements and a little different layout and design of buttons and switches. The LCD is of course better, with same high res display as on the D300. It is well built, in the Nikon tradition - but it is not a small D300. The D300 has a heavy-metal tool-like feel that reminds of a classic Nikon pro SLR like the F3. (I have a F3 on my desk for the moment, the family resemblance is striking, especially if you mount the MD4 motor on the F3 and the MB-10 on the D300). Construction wise it feels like you get what you pay for when you pay a premium for the D300 body. But again, the D90 is smaller, lighter (703 g w battery) and the shutter is more silent and discrete.
The live-view switch is much more convenient on the D90, probably thanks to the video function. The Active D-lightning function has two more settings - auto and extra high. Here are some samples of high contrast scenes shot with the extra high setting:
One feature that D300 has but which is missing on the D90 is the ability to use Nikkor AI and AIS-lenses with full meter functionality. It is a bit unfortunate, since the AI/AIS lenses are ideal for the video function, and many of the advanced video users who gets a D90 probably want to use them. I got a small collection of fine AI lenses available (35 2.0, 85 2.0, 105 2.5, 70-150 E and 300 4.5 – I plan to write about their performance in a coming article). When you mount these compact lenses on the D90 you feel how well they balance on the body, and I think it would have been nice if Nikon had implemented the meter functionality from the D300. And while we are at it, why not light up the center AF-bracket as a manual focus confirmation instead of the little green light outside the image in the viewfinder. Here is the 35 2.0 AI mounted on the D90:
Beautiful bokeh thanks to the legendary 105 2.5 AI (exposure by guess, checking the LCD, and then adjust):
The 18-105 VR kit lens is well made, despite the plastic mount. The zoom ring has smooth action and the almost 6x zoom range from wide to tele is rather useful, although it does not quite give the powerful flexibility you get with the 18-200VR. I have not tested the optical quality in a serious way yet, but so far it looks like a bargain at the kit price.
From wide…
…to tele:
Image quality
Since the D90 has the same sensor specifications as the D300, many took it for given that the image quality would be identical. When DPReview published their test and suggested that the D90 was not quite as sharp as the D300 many were disturbed. Then the pendlum swung the other way, when samples from Imaging-Resource seemed to show that the D90 had a fraction lower noise at high ISOs. And finally www.dxomark.com showed that the D90 sensor had the best overall performance of all APS-C sensors.
My personal opinion is that is pixel peeping with little relevance for image quality in real photos. In practical use images from the D300 and D90 looks more or less identical.
Take the D90 vs D300 test
Here is a test. See if you can see the difference between D90 and D300 when the same lens is used on both cameras, in these cases the Nikkor 70-200VR and the 18-105VR. Images shot as NEF/RAW, processed in ACR/Photoshop CS3.
I will reveal the answers at the end of this article.
A:
Full size, click here. Use your browsers back button to return.
B:
Full size, click here.
C:
Full size, click here.
D:
Full size, click here.
12 bits vs 14 bits
One difference between the D90 and the D300 is the restriction to shoot at 12-bits versus 14-bits on the D300. So far I have not seen any difference between 12 and 14 bits, not in my own photos and not in anyone elses. Possibly the differences are more clear when you have to do heavy post processing, with 14 bits having more headroom. Let me come back on that if I find any real world example that shows this.
14 bit (Nikon D300):
Larger image, klick here.
12 bit (Nikon D90):
Larger image, klick here.
High ISO performance
The high ISO performance of the D90 is excellent, about state-of-the-art for APS-C cameras. I usually have my auto ISO max setting at ISO 1600, but with this camera I sometimes goes as high as ISO 3200. Afterwards, when you look at the exif, you often get surprised at the good results. This is shot at ISO 2200:
Larger image here.
As most are aware, the worst conditions for high ISO shots are when you cant use daylight WB. Indoors, in artificial light and with large areas in shade challenges even the best high ISO performers. Two samples at ISO 3200:
Larger image.
Larger image here.
Now we go all the way to ISO 6400. A comparision between D90 (left) and D300 (right). Jpeg, NR low. In this case the AWB on the D90 was better, but usually the D300 and the D90 are very close.
Full sized image here.
The D90 shares the same nice colors as those from the D300. Some samples to round up this chapter about image quality:
The D90 vs D300 test - answers: A: D300 left, D90 right. B: D90 left, D300 right. C: D300 left, D90 right. D: D90 left, D300 right.
Addition - AF precision
I got a question about the precision of the AF in the D90 versus the D300.
I did a little test with the 85 1.8 AF wide open, mounted on a tripod.
D90 crop to the left, D300 to the right in these samples (click on the images to expand them):
I could not see any disadvantage of the D90 in regards to AF precision compared to the D300 in these simple tests with stationary subjects.
Go here for part two of the D90 review: Action and AF.
prest1ge | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply
Hi PL,
I am a sprouting photographer and I’m currently on the market for a D90 as my first camera. I was wondering if you could critique my kit selection before I make the final purchase.
Body:
-Nikon D90 (body only)
Lens:
-17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX
-50mm f/1.4G
Filters:
-Nikon 77mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter II (Slim)
-Hoya 58mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter
Flash:
-Nikon SB-800 Speedlight
PL | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
Seems like a great set. A few things - I guess you read my review of the 17-55. It is built like a tank, and also quite hefty. Sometimes you may want a lighter alternative. Personally I think the 18-105 kit lens is a great value when bought with the camera, and I would consider adding it. Also, you should think about if you intend to stay with the DX-format for a long time before investing in a DX pro lens. Good luck!
Docteur cinoque | Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
Hi, (from France)
Reviews and comparisons are very interesting, well done and illustrated.
A very good compromise between tests too complicated (dpreview) and the basic ones.
A “human scale” blog with “human scale” comprehensive content.
Regards.
PL | Jan 9, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, Doctor cinoque:)
Sirraj Fechter | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for your excellent reviews. Do you have any thoughts on how the D90 feels with large, heavy lenses like the 17-55mm or 70-200mm?
Thank You
PL | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
Sirraj,
I dont have the 17-55 anymore - I sold it when I bought the D90. But it felt rather hefty for a normal zoom even on the larger D300. As for the 70-200VR, it feels large on any camera, but the grip of the D90 is good, and the comfort is better than a D40/D60 class camera combined with the 70-200VR. So I think the D90 handles well even with the 70-200VR mounted.
Lars Jensen | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
In your sharpness tests you are using RAW as source. As far as I remember DPreview was commenting the JPG softness.
PL | Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
To Lars,
They made a RAW-comparison too. See: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond90/page33.asp
Nicolas | Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
Hi PL,
Could you comment on AF Accuracy from D90 especially using 50/1.4 wide open? I read in a forum someone mentioned about it. He said D300 is much better in that regard. Thank you.
PL | Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
To Nicolas,
I dont have the 50 1.4, but the 85 1.8 should have about the same DOF wide open. I will try to get the time to add a focus accuracy comparision to the D90 review. The D300 has of course the focus adjustment feature, which could play a part.
Nicolas | Feb 22, 2009 | Reply
That would be great! I’ll wait for your update. I have 85/1.8 too but still can’t decide between D90 and D300.
PL | Feb 26, 2009 | Reply
To Nicolas,
I updated the page with a simple AF-precision comparision.
Jeffrey | Mar 1, 2009 | Reply
Hi PL,
You have done great job creating this good review!
When I see pictures comparison between D90 and D300, it looks like pictures from D300 have more color than D90. Does this relate to camera setting ? What’s your vivid & saturation setting for each camera when you did the test ?
Thanks PL !
PL | Mar 1, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks, and glad you liked the review.
Both cameras were in standard mode. If you look at the images under the headline “Take the D90 vs D300 test”, they are shot in RAW and converted in ACR. So they are not affected by the picture styles settings. Many of the other samples are shot as jpegs, though (but at the standard settings).
Nicolas | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
Thanks PL,
it looks like D90 good enough for me, although D300 looks very nice in store.
Dianne | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
Hi PL,
I stumbled into your site while searching for information on different Nikon lenses and was very glad I did. You’ve done a great job with all these reviews and because of you, I understand the Nikon world so much better!
I am not a photographer by any means and have never even taken a course. However, I travel a lot and love to take pictures and capture those special moments during my trips. I recently redeemed my corp. credit card points to acquire a Nikon D90 with the 18-105 VR kit lens. I also bought the 50mm f1/8D lens to use with the camera. The 18-105 lens is great but it does not seem to zoom very far. I’ve always been an Olympus user and loved the fact that their cameras are very small, light and with great zoom … excellent for travel. However, I can’t seem to be able to take a decent night shot on this camera or any other point and shoot camera for that matter (I also have a Kodak EasyShare M1093IS that I keep handy just for some quick shots here or there) even with a tripod!
I would like to find a Nikon lens for my D90 that I can easily travel with that can give me pretty good pictures in all situations. My subjects can be anything from landscapes to portraits, from still photos to moving objects and from all weather conditions as well as different lighting conditions. Can you give me some suggestions as to which lens I should buy?
I travel very light and want something that I can just run around all day with. If I want to take just one (or maximum two) lens with me on let’s say a 2 weeks trip to Germany, can you give me a suggestion on which would be the best lens to take with me? I don’t have a lot of money and since I’m not a professional, I’m not looking for a professional, top of the line lens. I’m just looking for something more affordable but will be able to give me decent pictures for most of my needs.
Thank you!
Dianne
PL | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Dianne:),
The best one-lens solution for travel is IMO the Nikkor 18-200VR. It is a little heavier than the 18-105VR, but extremly versatile. The other option I suggest is to complement the 18-105VR with either a 55-200VR - small, sharp, inexpensive. Or, if you want longer reach, a 70-300VR. I have not used this, but it gets very good reviews. I have reviewed the 18-105VR, 18-200VR and 55-200VR here on my site, but maybe you have already seen that.
Good luck with your choice!
Sajgon | Jul 2, 2009 | Reply
PL excellent job done as the first, and as for my dilemma… My father owns Minolta X500 MD’s manual lenses: Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Tamron SP Adaptall-2 24-48mm F/3.5-3.8, 80-210mm F/3.8-4, 500mm F/8. Will they work better on D90 or D300? Or simply forget old stuff? Thanks in advance.
PL | Jul 3, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Sajgon,
as for your question - I personally dont know of any adapters that makes Minolta lenses work on Nikons, but the Tamrons, which I believe had an adapter system might. If they are adaptable to Nikon AI/AIS mount/functionality they might work with the metering of the D300 (the D90 does not meter with the old lenses). But I think you should research it more and see if it is worth the trouble. The 500/8 which I guess is a mirror tele, could be interesting. For the others, there are affordable modern options from Nikon that perhaps is a better chooice
Brent | Jul 13, 2010 | Reply
We own the D80 and the D90. The D90 is by far superior in every aspect. Lenses owned: Nikon 50mm f/1.8; Sigam 105mm f/2.8; Nikon 70-300 VR f/4.5-5.6; Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5. All the lenses have their own practicality. I would like a 35mm equivalent with great DOF but that will have to wait.
black celebs | Aug 10, 2010 | Reply
Sign: wdpad Hello!!! uprbb and 2611qqfysmgwmn and 9438 : I love your site.
Love design!!! I just came across your blog and wanted to say that Ive really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.