As one of Nikon’s most revolutionary DSLRs, the venerable D90 holds a special place in the brand’s history. Released back in 2008, it ushered in HD video alongside excellent imaging into an affordable package. But over 14 years later, does this classic camera still deliver reliable performance?
As an enthusiast photographer who has shot Nikon DSLRs for 20 years spanning from film to digital, I’ve had extensive hands-on time with the D90 and seen first-hand how well it functions today. Combined with research into the latest 2023 Nikon lineup and comparisons to rivals, let’s closely evaluate if the D90 remains a viable option.
Unpacking the Specs:
Sporting a 12.3 MP DX-format sensor paired with Nikon’s EXPEED image processor, the D90 brought flagship-level capabilities like:
- 12.3 MP DX CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm)
- ISO 200-3200 (expandable to 6400 equivalent)
- 11-point AF system (1 cross-type)
- 1005-pixel RGB metering
- Built-in cleaning system
- Large & bright pentaprism viewfinder with 96% coverage
- 920k-dot 3” rear LCD
- Durable magnesium alloy chassis, partial weather sealing
- SD/SDHC card slot
- 720p video recording @ 24 fps
- 4.5 fps continuous shooting
These core specifications delivered class-leading image quality and performance in an $899 body. Nikon also claimed over 850 shots per charge – impressive battery life that still competes with many 2023 cameras.
To appreciate the D90’s continued competitiveness, let’s explore how its technology and functions hold up.
Still Solid Imaging Foundations
Nikon equipped the D90 with a DX-format Sony CMOS sensor measuring 15.8 x 23.6mm paired to their latest EXPEED processor. This combo delivered stunning results right from the start.
Benchmarks at release saw it achieve solid scores(https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D90):
- 67 overall DXOmark (24MP D3400 scores 86 today for reference)
- 22.7 bits color depth (D3400 scores 24.8 bits)
- 11.5 EV dynamic range (D3400 scores 14.5 EV)
- 977 ISO low-light score (D3400 gets 1197 ISO)
Considering sensor and processor advancements since, the D90 impressively keeps up over a decade later. Modern entry-level cameras finally surpassed it in the past couple years regarding RAW performance.
But in real-world use the difference isn’t huge, especially for web or standard prints. Pixel peeping comparisons on a computer screen reveal the age more. Yet color, dynamic range, restrained noise levels still compete with the latest technology.
Having shot with the D90 for years alongside faster/newer bodies, its files remain extremely flexible to work with. Here‘s a favorite image exposing for bright skies and lifting shadows nicely in post:
Let‘s break this scene down:
- D90‘s sensor pulls up shadow details very well with low noise
- Colors are vivid yet natural thanks to reliable white balance
- Fine details show its 12MP resolution still works great for web/prints up to 16×24" range
- Overall editing latitude impresses next to my 20MP+ cameras
Having also used the predecessor D80 extensively, the D90 was a sizable jump in image quality that still outperforms some entry-level cameras sold new today. Combined with the vast array of F-mount Nikkor lenses, the sensor and EXPEED combo help maximize photographic potential in nearly any scenario.
The Heart of a Pro Camera
While featuring a compact, lightweight body perfect for travel, the D90 packed robust pro-grade innards:
- Partial magnesium alloy frame + seals = durable reliability
- Large pentaprism optical viewfinder with 96% coverage and 0.94x magnification
- New 920k-dot 3” LCD screen + Live View for flexible shooting
- Powerful EN-EL3e battery capable of 850+ shots per charge
- Extensive customization of settings appetizing Nikon experts
- Complete EXIF data + built-in sensor cleaning
- Comfortable ergonomics with intuitive button/dial layout
I‘ve carried my D90s on assignments everywhere from the Amazon to Antarctica. Despite humid jungles, frigid peaks and rugged hikes, they continue functioning flawlessly after hundreds of thousands of clicks. Call me old school but I still get a kick flipping that drive mode lever like changing film motors!
Peering through the optical viewfinder shows its roots in Nikon’s professional pedigree. What it lacks in 100% coverage and overlay information compared to today’s shooting data-rich EVFs, it makes up for in immersive viewing and zero lag. Subjects pop off the focusing screen as the world fades around you.
While the rear LCD pales next to today’s ultra-high resolution touch displays, I never struggled confirming focus at typical arm’s length. It may be aging but isn’t unusable by any means.
After over a decade of service, these D90 bodies still reliably turn on when I need them and quickly respond as photographic partners ready to capture the moment.
The D90 Library: Decades of Lenses
Yet technology alone means little without the proper lenses to unlock a system’s imaging capabilities. Luckily, the Nikon D90 enjoys access to one of photography’s deepest catalogs of lenses past and present.
Its F-mount grants seamless compatibility with manually-focused AI/AI-S Nikkors and AF/AF-S autofocus lenses dating back to 1986 and the FA system. Modern AF-P lenses introduced in recent years also interface perfectly, although without the P designation‘s stepping motor autofocus drive.
Over 420 million F-mount lenses made since 1959 – before NASA even existed! Whether needing to capture an entire mountain vista or a bird’s feather detail, Nikon glass offers exceptional optical quality at every focal length and maximum aperture.
My D90 journeys paired it with everything from a 10.5mm fisheye up to 400mm telephotos without issue while exploring exotic locales. Even adapting manual focus bellows and microscope objectives to an old PK-13 extension tube ring for macro experiments.
Here‘s a shot using a vintage 24mm f/2.8 AIs on the streets of Cambodia demonstrating the unique character possible:
Modern mirrorless cameras with 5+ years of native lenses can’t yet compete against this vast system depth. Exploring secondary used markets opens up gems without breaking the bank. Witnessing how older glass renders on the D90‘s DX sensor is rewarding for photographers.
Even limiting oneself to the best AF-S primes like the 35mm f/1.8 DX or 50mm f/1.8 G, you gain amazing quality and low light ability perfectly complementing the D90.
Video Capabilities vs. Modern Cameras
When launched, the Nikon D90 made waves as the first DSLR featuring HD video recording. 720p at 24 fpsdoesn‘t sound like much now, but seemed impressive at the time!
However even then limitations around focusing and lack of manual control hampered quality versus dedicated camcorders. Reviewers also knocked the maximum 12 minute clip length.
Flash forward to 2023 and most cameras offer 4K quality or better slow-motion frame rates. The emergence of mirrorless technology brought handy features like face/eye detect autofocus to video along with microphone inputs or headphone monitoring.
So certainly the D90 shows its age here up against modern cameras with advanced video. For casual clips or social sharing it remains reasonably effective. But those wanting more professional control, output and performance will need to look at another body.
If video is a prime concern, picking up an entry-level Nikon Z50 mirrorless model makes more sense in the sub $500 used market. 4K video, flip screen and far better autofocus suit dedicated content creation way better than a D90 in 2023.
D90 in 2023: Bang for Buck Champion
When shopping for used camera gear, value is defined as price-to-performance. This ratio gets muddled when evaluating older technology against modern advancements.
In the case of the Nikon D90, while surpassed by 2023 cameras on specs alone, its core imaging capabilities paired with durability remain surprisingly competitive after 15 years and counting. It far exceeds expectations for a camera released when Instagram didn‘t exist!
Popularity at launch saw over 1 million units sold in just the first 10 months according to Nikon. That kind of adoption points to impressive mass appeal. And today, finding used bodies under $150 means almost anyone can gain professional-grade image quality without breaking the bank.
Having shot everything from Iceland‘s Aurora to African safaris with my faithful D90, I‘m continually amazed by its files. Dynamic range pulls highlight/shadow details remarkably well and colors render true to life thanks to faithful sensors and processors. Serious pixel peeping reveals limitations but printing reasonably sized gallery pieces always impresses.
While falling short in modern areas like continuous bursts, video rates or buffer depth, the D90 nails the basics. And in the end, photography comes down to capturing a moment as best as possible. This camera certainly retains the photographic capabilities to excel there.
I‘d confidently recommend a used Nikon D90 to any aspiring photographer today seeking affordable access to the expansive F-mount system and top-notch imaging performance. Paired with a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, it becomes an incredible bargain kit able to shoot everything from portraits to products effectively.
Will it match a 45MP Nikon Z9 with video specs exceeding most cinema cameras? Of course not – that powerhouse costs over $5k! Yet a years-experienced D90 running around $150 including a lens makes for an ideal starter camera before investing in faster modern gear. Serious enthusiasts may want to upgrade eventually but will still appreciate the impressive value.
So for those curious if the Nikon D90 remains a player here 15 years later heading into 2023, I‘d safely say yes – pickup a used one in good condition and enjoy photography knowing it packs perfectly reliable image quality paired to legendary F-mount Nikkor glass into a compact, durable body built to last. Many photographers created iconic pictures with far inferior cameras over the decades. This little D90 won‘t hold anyone back!