Verdict

Even if we ignore the camera’s movie function, Nikon has done a mighty fine job in delivering such a camera as the D90. The D80 proved to be a successful model for Nikon, and inheriting the finer points of its more advanced models has allowed Nikon to expand and improve the camera’s feature set. Following such successful models does, however, mean that our expectations of it are slightly higher, but it’s good to see that rather than changing a winning formula Nikon has simply made it a more refined one.

In truth there is very little ‘wrong’ with the camera, with only the limitations posed by its movie function being slightly at odds. Time and advances in technology will see to this, and given the movie mode’s infancy it would be unreasonable to expect it to be fully formed and of video-camera-killing capabilities. If it is used in the same manner as current video modes on compacts are, then Nikon should be lauded for killing two birds with one stone, but whether this technology will surpass that of the more traditional video camera is something we’ll only find out in due course.

Perhaps best of all, the model provides an arguably more appealing alternative to the D300, a camera many people still have their eye on. Being cheaper, smaller, lighter, and with such an all-encompassing spec list, it’s easy to see why Nikon is targeting it towards such a broad consumer base, and I’d be genuinely surprised if the model doesn’t prove to be another success for Nikon.