Nikon D90 review
Nikon D90 Review - Image Quality and Value for Money
Nikon D90 Review - JPEG vs Raw
JPEGs are more than usable straight out from the Nikon D90, and are of high quality compared with the camera’s Raw files. The standard sharpness settings in-camera allow for a little boost before artefacts appear.
Nikon D90 Review - Exposure
Exposures are generally consistent and balanced, and we were impressed by how well images with a wide dynamic range appeared, such as the traditionally challenging scenario of dark foreground detail and bright skies, where other cameras may have underexposed the Nikon D90 flourished.
Nikon D90 Review - Image Noise
Noise is very well controlled, rising steadily through the range. At lower sensitivity settings, Nikon D90 image files are clean and respond well to sharpening. At around ISO 3200 we begin to see chroma noise intruding on shadow and midtone areas, though it’s fairly non-destructive, with a slight texture rather than a coloured mush. The Nikon D90's noise reduction option for high-ISO images comprises three options, and while all reduce noise the highest setting should be avoided as it compromises far too much detail.
Nikon D90 Review - Sharpness And Detail
Images straight out of the Nikon D90 display a good level of sharpness. With the Nikon kit lens fringing was only really noticeable in particularly high-contrast images, and even then it wasn’t particularly bad, though autofocus perhaps feels a little slow.
Nikon D90 Review - Value For Money
The Nikon D90 is well placed, in that it is both a viable upgrade to the entry-level D40 and also a worthy alternative to the more expensive D300. Furthermore, we’ve been impressed by the quality of the kit lens, but the £849 list price may, for the moment at least, serve to alienate two of Nikon’s target groups - namely students and families looking to use both the camera’s still and video capabilties. Once its kit price drops below £800 however, the Nikon D90 would be worth a serious look, even more so if you already own a few Nikkor lenses and you are only after the body.
Nikon D90 review pages:
- Nikon D90 design
- Nikon D90 performance review
- Nikon D90 image quality and value for money review
- Nikon D90 camera layout
- Nikon D90 ISO noise comparison review
- Nikon D90 specifications
- Nikon D90 verdict
Have your say!
Latest comments
June 22 20:24
bob
Bought the d90 after having my Eos 400d stolen in Venice!!!!!!!!!.........didnt like the 450 so chose Nikon outfit........love the camera heavier then the Eos but feels great in the hands and the viewfinder is stunning,have not taken many pics yet........maybe I should try and get back to Venice!!
February 09 16:32
wixy
Bought the D90 with the 18-105 lens although I actually wanted the 18-200 offered on USA models ... as I was going to the snowy wastes of Antarctica (In summer though !). Camera perfromed magnificently. No problems with low temperatures and didn't need the two spares I tool ! Shooting Albatross (with the camera that is) was not easy and I needed to use both a high capacity 8gb card with a high speed download ExtremeIII. Shot in RAW/JEP and the camera kept up all the time. Conditions in the cold and damp had no effect on performance. The only question I wonder is whether or not I would have been better to buy a body only and the Tamron 18-270 lens to save on weight? ONly criticism ..the lens cap has no place for an attachment cord ! silly but relevant. Solved problem by always using a UV filter ...but there are times when I wouldn't wish to impare what is otherwise a fine lens with a front filter.