The Nikon D80 in itself is a fine camera, but it’s rendered almost obsolete thanks to its replacement: the Nikon D90. Unlike the D80m which has a 10.2 megapixel lens, the Nikon D90 boasts a 12.3-megapixel resolution. The Nikon D90 is also the first digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera to have a live preview capability. Even though the D80 is highly successful and is still being bought by both professional and commercial consumers, the Nikon D90 came two years after the birth of its predecessor with seemingly one main objective: to be better than its predecessor in every way imaginable.
As much as it is fun to compare the Nikon D90 to the D80 in order to make a review, this article will refrain from doing so since the D90 is an excellent camera in its own right and it will not be fair to keep comparing an old model to an improvised one. Aside from the outside appearance, the differences between these two cameras are great.
The D90’s resolutions are as follows: 2,144 x 1,424; 3,216 x 2,136 and 4,288 x 2,848. These resolutions are higher than most cameras are capable of displaying, which is always a good thing since higher resolution means finer and more detailed image displays and videos. It also has different image presets: standard, the default setting; vivid with brighter and more highlighted colors; neutra, which gives images a softer feel, and monochrome, for that vintage black-and-white look.
Perhaps the main selling point for the Nikon D90 is the significant noise reduction capability of this camera. The Nikon D90 barely shows any visible sign of noise even at a high ISO setting. Even at 1600 ISO, the pictures are clear and the edges are crisp. The sensor of this camera can also clean itself through the shake feature. The cover filter vibrates, or shakes, which should be able to remove dust particles in the sensor.
Now when it comes to outward appearance, the D90 resembles the D80 greatly. It shares the same angular design as its predecessor. The great thing about the D90 is that although it may look heavy, it’s actually quite manageable. That’s not to say it feels light on your hands, but it’s not too much of a burden to carry either. It has a wide LCD screen for viewing previews much like D3’s and D300’s.
Now the menus of the D90 are much like double edge blades. On one hand, it is well organized; on the other it is quite complicated and long. Although users will certainly get used to the menus in the long run, it will still require patience from new owners as they navigate through the D90. Another disappointment from the D90 concerns its automatic white balancing in incandescent light. What’s the problem with it? Well, it seems like it isn’t working as efficiently as it should have.
All in all, the Nikon D90 is an impressive piece of equipment. It may have its limitations but so does every camera out there.
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