Description

Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.

Customer Reviews

 Great Camera! - Aug 28, 2010

I purchased the D90 for my wife in October of 2009. Since then, we've taken thousands of pictures and the camera has worked flawlessly every time. We are new to DSLR cameras and many of the photos have been taken using the automatic settings and they turn out great. With a little self education, the pictures got even better. The camera has always been reliable, the only problem we've ever encountered had to do with using a low grade memory card that wasn't on the list of approved cards by Nikon. If you are considering buying this camera, don't hesitate. The build quality is great, controls are easy to use, the kit lens is even decent. If you are looking for a DSLR in a decent price rang that will offer room to grow the D90 is an excellent choice.

 Solid DSLR - Aug 16, 2010

The Nikon D90 is a solid, capable DSLR, with more than enough features to hang yourself with.
The default settings are fine, but if you really want quality images, I suggest the following settings:
Neutral preset, sharpening at 5, brightness at -1.
D-Lighting Off.
Exposure +0.3 stops.

This fixes the biggest issue of standard D90 image quality, which is that it tries too hard to create bright images and thus suffers from under-saturates colors.
Images should be brightened by adjusting exposure, not the brightness setting!

Of course, if you shoot RAW, then none of these settings matter, 'cos it only gets applied to JPEG images.
But with these settings, you can shoot Large Normal JPEGs and get almost the same quality as if you shot RAW.

I shot more than 500 photos during my trip to Zion & Bryce NP, and have gotten results that cannot be mistaken for those from a compact camera. The range on the kit 18-105mm lens is wonderful, and the lens is tack sharp.
I shouldn't have waited this long to get a DSLR.

 An insane intermediate camera for the budget photographer - Aug 05, 2010

This is my second camera after my Fuji S9500 DSLR like camera. The upgrade is worlds apart as this is my first venture into the proper DSLR field. The D90 is a steady, reliable, consistent workhorse for all types of photography, providing superb quality and performance. I did extensive research before purchase and was actually looking at the Canon 550D (T2i) instead, but after reading about the D90 and using one from my friend I was sold.

The lens that comes with it, 18-105mm, is a good all-round lens and can cover close ups to average portraits. You can't go wrong with this camera but be prepared to read through the lengthy manual for the various settings and fairly confusing menu system. But trust me, you'll rarely reach for your camera manual when you're busy capturing special moments or candids of the world around you.

The battery life is amazing, with over 800 shots per charge. The controls are fairly easy to use and right where you need them. The Nikon technology behind the D90 makes life easier for you by doing most of the nitty gritty hard work and lets you focus on composition and capture.

If you're unsure of your purchase of a Nikon D90, I can assure you, this camera will be either you're primary or your secondary in time to come.

I love my D90!!

Cheers!

 THE BEST DIGITAL CAMERA - Jul 25, 2010

Nikon is the best camera company in the world. This SLR is the best of the best. I highly recommend the D90.

 Amazing - Jul 18, 2010

Where to start, this camera is amazing, it is very user friendly (after a brief review of the manual), very accessible because you don't have to access the menu every 2 seconds to change the seconds, simply use the turn dials on front and back, and the pictures are simply amazing. Even an amateur coming from a point and shoot can benefit 10 fold from this camera, simply amazing

 Does not disappoint - Jul 16, 2010

I splurged on this camera and spent more than I budgeted, but I'm happy I did. The D-90 is easy to use despite its many features, feels balanced and properly weighted, and is comfortable to use. The lens was a nice surprise - image quality is truly excellent. 3" LCD makes a difference. Have had it for over a year now and have no complaints but did find the lens limiting so I have added an 18-200mm VR wide angle zoom lens and am very pleased with it.

 just ask at your local camera store - Jul 08, 2010

We have owned this camera for 10 months and love it. As with any digital SLR, it takes a bit to get to know it,
but the end results are worth it. My wife Gail just loves this camera. Extra battery is a must have!

 Great camera...if it worked! Buyer beware of Amazon and Nikon - Jul 07, 2010

Right out of the box, this camera had all of the problems that everyone else has reported - the flashing F-- error (indicating that a lens isn't attached, even though it is), CHA error (tried three different authorized SDHC cards, and it had problems with all of them), and the random lock up with the flashing ERR message.

The only solution was to remove the battery. Then I could take five more pics before it would crash again. No good.

I wanted to get an exchange through Amazon, but they no longer carry the camera (after one week!), so I'll have to wait a couple months for it to be back in stock. Of course, at that point, I'm sure it will be cheaper since the new Nikons are slated to come out at the end of August - lose lose for me.

Or I can get a refund, but then I'll have to spend more on the same camera somewhere else. I had already maxed out my budget to buy this one, so I can't really afford to spend more. I bought mine when everyone was having a sale on Nikons, and now no one has them on sale, so not only would I be out another $100 at least, there's still no guarantee that I won't have to go through all of this hassle again the next time. I wish I had bought from anyone else besides Amazon, as everyone else seems to still have it in stock!

I called Nikon, and I'll have to pay shipping to send it to them, then wait at least 7-10 business days for service (their quoted *average* service time - who knows how long it will actually take), then have them ship it back to me (don't know if I have to pay for that or not, didn't say). So I'm out additional money, I STILL won't have a camera for at least two or three weeks of prime summer shooting season, and when I do, I'll just have to hope that they indeed fixed it properly (exchanging for a new one would make me feel a lot better than forever owning a known lemon).

I was so excited to have this camera for the summer, but now I'm just sad and frustrated.

The camera itself seems like it would be great if it worked. It seemed very sturdy, had a fantastic feature set, and took great images.

It looks like my best option is to just return it to Amazon and buy the Canon T2i from someone else instead. :-(

 Same issues with "F--" error and poor autofocus - Jul 06, 2010

Yup - I have the same, intermittent, and very annoying, issues with the "F--" error lockup of the camera, and also the poor autofocus. I bumped into a guy at my daughter's dance recital, and he was taking photos of his kid with the same camera. He said he was plagued by the same "F--" error.

Not good. Our local camera shop looked puzzled when I mentioned this, and said that the contact on the lens mount should be cleaned with some alcohol. I have yet to try that.

I am certainly not happy with these stability issues.

 Fun and educational step-up from a P+S - Jul 05, 2010

I've been taking photos with non-DSLR (yet high quality) cameras for years, but decided that the time was right to "graduate" to a DSLR. My goal was to have a camera that both my wife and I could use for everything.. family pictures, camping trips, wildlife, sports action shots, etc., and I knew that the only way to do all that stuff well was with a good camera and several good lenses.

I almost went with the Lumix DMC-GF1, being attracted to its small body. However, I ended up deciding against it due to the relatively limited number of four-thirds lenses available (both from Panasonic and in the market at large), and the huge number of high-quality lenses available from Nikon (Nikkor) and other vendors like Tamron, Sigma, etc. I decided against the Canon line due to issues I've had with Canon on other (non-camera) devices.

Anyway, out-of-the-box, with the 18-105mm kit lens, I was taking fantastic pictures effortlessly with the "automatic" settings. I also purchased the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G for some serious zoom capabilities. But what really impressed me was the very easy way of using Shutter and Aperture priority modes - before I knew it, I was taking high-shutter-speed, high-frame count photos of kids in the pool - the good shots all have the "wow" factor that I've missed with other cameras.

I say that this camera is "educational" because using it is actually teaching me how to be a better photographer! Before I got the D90, I had a passing understanding of aperture, shutter speed, focal lengths, etc., but using the D90 has made me want to take FULL advantage of it, so I've paid even more attention to how it's doing what, and now understand why some lenses cost so much.

I'm toying with buying a "prime", faster, lens, because I'd like to get some neat-looking "bokeh" pictures - and also a macro lens for taking some close-ups.

So, in summary, if you're thinking of moving up from a lesser camera into the pro-sumer DSLR camera, the D90 is (imho) a fantastic choice.

 Shutter BROKE after less than 5K shots - Jun 26, 2010

I got my camera (the D80) from a local camera store. I am not a professional but would like to some day be. I have had the camera for almost exactly 2 years and the other day I got it out to take some photos of my son and BOOM! The shutter BROKE! I have taken super good care of this camera... it has NEVER been dropped or anything, stored in my closet in a camera case. I took it into the store i got it from and they were shocked that it broke with such few shots on the camera. They called their Nikon Rep. and he said there's nothing he can do cuz it's a discontinued model!! My husband and I are poor college students with 2 small children and I have been using my camera for small on the side jobs to help with finances.... I cannot afford to pay over $300 to get this camera, that was over $1000, fixed because of shotty quality! I am beyond angry and upset about this whole thing and will NEVER EVER EVER buy ANYTHING from NIKON EVER again!!! They need to back their products... give a 3 year manufacturers warranty or something.... I paid an arm and a freakin leg for this camera! ANNOYED!!

 D90 is just fine - Jun 24, 2010

The Nikon D90 kit with lens is excellent quality for the money, but beware, it has over 20 buttons to figure out. So the first time I used it, I just put it on automatic and hoped for the best. The shots were a little overexposed, so I read the manual. The next shots were underexposed. So you have to toy with it a bit to get it just right. Most of the buttons and settings you will never use. I have 3 friends that all use this camera, and get impressive professional results. The camera is weighty compared to say a Canon Powershot, and it's not going to fit into your pocket. But overall, this is an outstanding SLR camera.

 D90 review - Jun 24, 2010

Its Nikon D90 , dont think i need to review it :)... too good ..

 AVOID NIKON OR YOU WILL BE SORRY - Jun 22, 2010

After owning this camera a little over a year I got an "ERR" message. NOTHING worked to fix it, the camera was dead. This is a common problem on all the Nikon DSLRs and Nikon is aware but doesn't care. I called customer service and talked to a woman that spoke poor English. The bottom line is that after 1 year they won't fix anything for free, they won't even tell you how much the repair will be -- you have to send the camera in and they will then email you a price to fix it. It might be more expensive than the camera! They won't give you any averages, estimates, etc. Just send it in and if you've owned the camera 366 days, then you are paying full price for the repair (and 2-way shipping) even though it is a software error that is 100% Nikon's fault. What kind of customer service is this? A $1000 camera should not break when it is just a few years old! This was the worst experience I have ever had and I will never buy ANYTHING from Nikon again.

 Excellent, EXCELLENT CAMERA!!!! - Jun 11, 2010

I purchased this camera from Amazon.com, and could not be any happier! The very first shot I took with this camera was absolutely breathtaking. The image quality is STUNNING. I read from other reviewers that this camera is worth every penny. Well, it certainly IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. If you are worried about the price of this camera, like I was, do not be. This is a lifelong camera - because it's such a good quality camera, you can keep it for a really long, long time. It's SO worth it.

For those of you considering any type of Canon EOS, I just wanted to say that I was debating between several Canons and Nikon cameras, but ended up liking Nikon by far. The colors of Canon seem artificial to me, while Nikon's colors are much more natural and beautiful. There are a lot of other reasons why I chose Nikon, but there are too many to list!

Like most people, I did a lot of research on whether or not this camera was "the one." If you think about it, you get a better, upgraded version of the D80 for a few extra bucks (well, a few hundred). So, if you're debating whether to buy the D80, or even the D60, please, spend extra money on this D90. You WILL NOT regret it.

Like I said, this is an absolutely amazing camera. Enough said! Please contact me if you would like to see sample photos. I would be more than happy to share them with you.

 Nikon D90 is a GREAT camera!!! - Jun 05, 2010

I am still learning the camera. I must admit, it's way too much camera for a beginner. However, if you are patient and you play around with it, the camera works like magic. The pictures are phenomenal. The camera is built solid and the quality is top notch. The battery lasts really long. I am extremely happy with it and have no regrets or complaints about it.

 Excellent camera - POOR QUALITY CONTROL - Jun 04, 2010

I am a big fan of Nikon cameras - dSLRs - so, I am not a Nikon basher or Canon employee. I have owned the D70, D50, D40 and D40x, D60 (?) and the D80 and now the D90. The D40-50-60 were more consumer "happy" colors easy cameras, D70 had lousy ISO - the D80 I HATED cause of the colors and contrast (YES I KNOW how to adjust all the settings and tried for 2000 shots).

I LOVE the D90. I love the IQ, I love the color reproduction, I love the "tones", I love how it handles highlights...
I think it does an OUTSTANDING job in low light and in bright light and in most light in between. Movies I don't care about but it does a fine job.

BUT - in the 7 months that I have owned it - I have had 30 times when it "stopped" working. Lens attachment errors, camera battery errors. ALL INTERMITTENT. It went to Nikon - "nothing is wrong with your camera sir. We haven't been able to reproduce your errors. It's probably the lens pins - we cleaned it, it should be fine."

And it is fine - for awhile - then, just when I'm ready to "click" -- errors again !! Take off the lens, push the pins a bit, or just "jiggle" the lens a bit -- most of the time it WORKS. Other times - no - you have to take out the battery, wait 5 seconds and THEN it works. Makes me want to pull my hair out !!

This is a JOKE. I use the 105mm lens most of the time -- I tried to reproduce the error with the 55-200mm lens - I couldn't, but then again, when I put the 105mm lens back on it worked fine too for another month. So ????

It's just SO annoying that this keeps happening. I STILL won't sell it - or buy a Canon 50d (hate their colors - no focus assist - no auto-iso etc..) but, Nikon, if you're listening, IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY CONTROL or I am going Pentax. (UPDATE -- I DID SELL IT !)

SO, 3* for POOR PRODUCT QUALITY CONTROL on an otherwise excellent camera. I'd give it 1* for how angry it made me, but 5* for the pictures it took (WHEN it didn't have error messages).

 You don't know how much this thing really rocks... - May 29, 2010

In my optional star rating section I gave this camera mostly 5's, but hesitantly. I hesitate, because it is all relative and the assumption has to made either you know what you are doing when you pick this thing as you photographic weapon of choice or your cerebral cortex is wired like Deep Blue - "...challenge/smallenge, I read books on biochemistry on my lunch break and I am an accountant".

Do not buy this camera unless you are ready to take for real photographs or you like fancy expensive paper weights. There is no sense in buying this behemoth or reading 200+ reviews if you just want to snap quick pictures. Buy yourself a fancy point and shoot like the Nikon Coolpix S8000 (No, I am not a Nikon employee, but I am brand loyal like NASCAR fans...Canon sucks*!) and keep it moving. This camera is a hassle to lug around, take out, hang around your neck, keep wandering hands off of, insure you aren't banging it against walls/rocks/heads/etc...unless of course you like taking pictures and understand you don't perform heart surgery with a butter knife, Mag-Lite and degree from ITT Tech.

My assumption going forward in this review is you know as much about photography as I did when I bought this thing; if you know more you probably don't need to read my ramblings.

Before you can reasonably use the camera you will need to buy a memory card. I spent $90 on a 16GB card. The guy at the camera shop says the one I bought is faster and better suited for photography. Of course I might have been the sucker he needed to make his nut for the day, but I have had no problem with the card so far and since I bought this camera in September I have taken over 10,000 photos and repeated uploaded and deleted. But you MUST have a memory card because the camera does not come with one.

Out of the box, I bought with the kit, this thing should have come with a soundtrack (a la Disney's Lion King) and bright lights (briefcase in Pulp Fiction). The first thing I did was charge the battery. Then I started to read the novel known as a Users Guide on how to just take a picture; the thing is the "War and Peace" of manuals. Once the battery charged I formatted the memory card, went through the numerous pre-camera shooting settings (it was like preflight before a shuttle launch it took so long) and attached what has become my trusty-dusty 18 - 105 mm.

After maybe 2,000/3,000 photos I started to get an error message. You would think for the amount of coin you shell out for this device there would be no issues. Because I only had one lens and consequently did not take it off at all, the contacts between the camera and the lens never "settled" (kind of like the good old days as a kid when you would have to smack the TV to get the picture to clear up). So after calling the help desk, in CA, not India, I was told I would have to keep removing and reattaching the lens. I did as prescribed and the problem went away. Please note I was so scared I went ahead and dropped the $150 (I think) on the extended service plan - coincidence, hmmmmm. I have not had the problem since; but you do have to keep your contacts on the camera and the lens clean.

The software to transfer the pictures is pretty easy to use (I am in IT, so if the most technical thing in your life is toaster, you may need some help).

The more you use the camera and buy stuff for it (I have bought 2 more lens (70 - 300mm 4.5 & 50mm 1.8)- 2 more in the works, a battery pack, an extra battery, a SB-900 flash, a tripod (just go ahead an buy one you will need it) and a backpack) the more you will learn about its great powers. I have had it for almost a year, over 10,000 photos deep and I am still learning. I do not regret this purchase at all! Join in the church of NIKON, the Kool Aid is fine, no really, I drink it all the time.

I recommend this camera to everyone who asks who meet my similar criteria...you are a hobbyist, but will take payment for photos; you have a good eye - learn on a cheaper camera if your "eye" has cataracts; and you understand this hobby - much like Fame - costs.

* I have no bases with which to judge Canon. Some of my closes friends have a Canon (they only mildly suck). Canon sucks simply because it is not NIKON. If I owned a Canon, perish the thought, NIKON would suck. I will say this, when I picked up the comparable Canon (I use comparable lightly, my friend) I knew the NIKON was for me.

 Nikon D90 Digital Camera - May 27, 2010

As my second new Nikon, the D90 attests to Nikon's continued perfection in photography. Purchasing the D90 through Amazon.com was an excellent choice; I am very satisfied with Amazon's service. Thank You Amazon.com for being there.

 Great Camera - May 23, 2010

I have owned Nikon for years prior to digital cameras becoming the standard and this Nikon has not disappointed me.
Without going into the technical jargon I can tell you that I recommend the D90 without reservation.
One can get great pictures by simply using the "Auto" function.
The camera feels solid and the menu prompts are intuitive.
I am planning to use it extensively on my next trip to Europe.

 Wow!! What a shot :) - May 19, 2010

Wow!! What a shot :) That was my reaction after my first shot with this camera. I bought this just about 2 weeks back and im spending almost 4hrs everyday with it and I'm Loving it :) I waited to buy this camera for very long as i was evaluating other cameras like canon d550 and Sony but finally decided to go for this and believe me folks - this is amazing. It clicks pictures the way you want and how you want. Its a very action packed camera if you are a advanced amateur or even a serious pro enthusiastic. The camera is built very well, balance is just perfect (though should be a little lighter) but its great. The controls are rightly placed and response is just too good. So far I'm loving it and hope to click some great pictures now since I've upgraded to this one after a looong time. Happy clicking :)

 Nikon D90!!! - May 16, 2010

This is my first DSLR Camera that I have ever owned and so far I am very happy with it. I am very much a beginner, but was told to move up to this one over the smaller dslr bodies and I am very happy I did. Very easy to use and customize the settings considering I haven't ever even taken a class, or even hardly read any of the manuals that came with it. I am just starting to buy other lenses for the camera to see how it works. The kit lens isn't bad, it's definitely worth the extra money to get it with the kit. Video isn't the best because of the manuel focus, but all of dslrs are like that anyway.

 Great camera for photo enthusiat... great quality pictures - May 13, 2010

I bought this camera a month ago. though my 1st camera had some kind of black tiny piece stuck on the camera mirror inside the body which prompted me to exchange it from Amazon for another one. I have to say the exchange process was seamless and very simple. Within 2 days i got my new camera and sent back my old one.

Overall it is a great camera , i have so far taken 400+ pics with this camera while traveling in Europe and it has been fantastic. I m just a regular guy who loves photography but hadn't had the time to learn it. I have had old SLR 35 mm film camera before as well as have owned Canon DSLR XT camera which i sold a while ago. I did a lot of research on which camera to buy and had only few basic simple criterias
1. camera for a long run i.e. atleast should take me 3-5 years.
2. Camera with a good lens with a higher range. for me 18-55 mm is not enough and i do not want to carry additional lenses .
3. Fast frames per sec

As an amateur, both Canon & Nikon entry level cameras are great. My personal view is Nikon body & lens build is much better. Also i like the plastic display cover that fits on the preview 3 inch screen which protects it from scratches. I love my Nikon D90.

Also, i was amazed by the quality of the pic which i took in pitch dark room, was just trying to see how well it does in low lighting situations. it blew me away on the quality of the pics.

Overall a great value for your money.

 This is a great camera - May 11, 2010

The D90 is packed with features, control over settings is quick and convenient, and photos are professional quality. The kit lens is very good and versatile. All this (plus video) make this an excellent choice.

 Great choice! - May 02, 2010

As many have done in looking for just the right camera, I read everything I could find and tried out a number of DSLRs over the course of several weeks. I had certain criteria that I needed in a camera: outstanding picture quality, good low light performance, comfortable to hold, large viewfinder, a versatile kit lens, ease of use and a price of about $1,000 or less (if possible). I quickly discovered that many of the entry level models lacked one or more of these features, but the D90 (for me anyways) had all of what I was looking for. The picture quality is terrific, even though I know a good photographer can take great pictures with a lesser camera, the D90 has many features that make those of us who aren't as good as a professional much easier to get good pictures. The low light performance is amazing. The grip is quite comfortable as is the viewfinder (particularly with my eyeglasses). The range of the kit lens (18-105)is very versatile and it's a great all around lens that is very sharp at both ends and not terribly heavy either. All this at the magic price of about $1,000 made the D90 and great choice for me.