Nikon D90 review
Nikon D90 Review - Design
Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80: similarities
The D90’s form very much resembles that of the model it replaces, befitting its mid-range DSLR status. The somewhat traditional combination of a metal frame – though the Nikon D90 sports aluminium alloy – and a plastic chassis provide a sturdiness to the body, while still keeping it relatively lightweight at 620g. Controls and buttons also follow the arrangement of its predecessor, though the D90’s buttons are slightly smaller and more circular, among them now sitting a dedicated live view button.
As with the D300, the Nikon D90 has an Info button that lives to the lower right of the LCD screen & accesses key shooting settings, while the OK button that sat in its place on the D80 has now moved into the middle of the menu control pad. Other than this, the rubber thumb rest has been extended further across the height of the body, and the focus point locking switch is differently styled.
The Nikon D90's top plate is also all but identical to that of the D80, though sporting a slightly longer built-in flash unit, while a HDMI output has been shoehorned inbetween the other connective ports. The remote socket positioned below these on the D80 has now also been coupled with GPS input, which makes the the new hotshoe-mounted GP-1 device compatible with the D90. The only other notable change is the inclusion of a microphone on the front and a speaker underneath the memory card door, for the respective benefits of recording and playing back audio in movies.
Nikon D90 Review - Solid Handling
All of this constitutes good handling and comfortable operation. With the Nikon D90 kit lens loaded up the camera feels perfectly weighted, while the grip and thumb rest are adequately sized. My only reservations are with the AF and drive mode buttons to the right of the top plate LCD; their position makes for a slightly awkward operation if trying to hold either one down and use the command dial – as is necessary – to navigate their options. Other than that the Nikon D90 has little to fault.
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.