Nikon Test

Nikon D90 DSLR Hands-on Preview
Simon Joinson, August 2008
Preview based on a pre-production Nikon D90 DSLR

Almost exactly two years after the D80 DSLR was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90 DSLR. The D80 DSLR has been one of Nikon’s quiet successes, and even today, despite being positively Methuselah-like in digital camera terms it continues to sell and often makes its way into our top 10 most clicked on cameras. Because it looks so similar to the D80 DSLR the D90 DSLR appears at first glance to be one of those rather subdued incremental upgrades, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find there’s plenty to keep Nikon fans happy.

First and foremost there’s a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 DSLR quality output at up to ISO 6400 and – one of several features to ‘trickle down’ from higher models – the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300 DSLR. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world’s first Reflex Digitale DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we’ll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80 DSLR, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300 DSLR.

And it’s not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90 DSLR; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60 DSLR, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to use the D90 DSLR is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time ‘step up’ customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300 DSLR. Whether the D90 DSLR turns out to be a jack or a master of all trades we’ll discover when we get a final production body to review, but our early impressions are overall pretty positive. Note that for the moment the D80 DSLR will continue to be sold, possibly well into 2009 – expect to see prices falling as soon as the D90 DSLR settles in.
Nikon D90 DSLR Key Features

* 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
* 3.0-inch 902,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300 DSLR)
* Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
* Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
* Illuminated focus points
* Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
* IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
* 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW (formato), 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
* Expeed image processing engine
* 3D tracking AF (11 point)
* Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
* Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
* Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
* Improved user interface
* New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
* Same battery and vertical grip as D80 DSLR
* Vignetting control in-camera
* 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

Nikon D90 DSLR vs D80 DSLR: Key Differences

Although it’s had a bit of a design refresh with slightly sharper lines, the D90 DSLR is externally very similar to its predecessor (dimensions are identical, though it is heavier). Looking at the differences it’s obviously a solid incremental upgrade rather than a total reinvention of the popular D80 DSLR, with several key improvements (most importantly the sensor and screen) and a welcome smattering of must-have 2008 features (live view, dust removal). Oh yes, and of course there’s that one little new feature sitting at the back of the classroom with its hand waving in the air, shouting ‘Sir! Sir’; the ‘world’s first’ Reflex Digitale DSLR movie mode.

* 12.3 MP CMOS sensor (D80 DSLR: 10.2 MP CCD)
* Dust removal system
* Bigger, better screen (as D3, D300 DSLR)
* Live View with contrast detect AF
* Movie Mode
* Wider ISO range, upgraded AF system (3D tracking, face detection)
* Active D-Lighting, vignetting control and extra retouching options
* Picture Control presets
* Faster continuous shooting and larger buffer
* Pictmotion slideshows

Compared to the Nikon D80 DSLR, major feature and specification differences

As you can see from the table below the D90 DSLR carries some quite significant improvements compared to the D80 DSLR.

Nikon D90 DSLR

Nikon D80 DSLR
Sensor • 12.2 million effective pixels
• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format) • 10.2 million effective pixels
• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD (DX format)
Image sizes • 4,288 x 2,848 (12 MP)
• 3,216 x 2,136
• 2,144 x 1,424 • 3872 x 2592 (10.0 MP)
• 2896 x 1944
• 1936 x 1296
Sensor cleaning • Image Sensor Cleaning
• Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Autofocus • 11 area TTL
• Nikon Multi-CAM1000 • 11 area TTL
• Nikon Multi-CAM1000
Lens servo • Single-servo AF (AF-S)
• Continuous-servo AF (AF-C)
• Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A)
• 3D Tracking AF (11 points)
• Manual focus (M) • Single-servo AF (AF-S)
• Continuous-servo AF (AF-C)
• Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A)
• Manual focus (M)
Sensitivity • ISO 200 – 3200
• ISO 100-6400 with boost • ISO 100 – 1600
• Up to ISO 3200 with boost
Built-in flash Guide number 17 (ISO 100) Guide number 13 (ISO 100)
Active D-lighting Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off No
Continuous • 4.5 fps
• 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW (formato)) • 3 fps
• 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW (formato))
White balance • Auto
• 6 presets
• Kelvin color temperature
• Manual preset (immediate or from photo) • Auto
• 6 presets
• Kelvin color temperature
• Manual preset (immediate or from photo)
Image presets • Standard
• Neutral
• Vivid
• Monochrome
• Landscape
• Portrait
• Storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls • Normal
• Softer
• Vivid
• More Vivid
• Portrait
• B&W
Viewfinder Frame coverage • Approx. 96% • Approx. 95%
LCD monitor • 3.0″ TFT LCD
• 902,000 pixel TFT (RGB x 3 colors)
• 170 degree viewing angle
• Removable protective cover • 2.5″ TFT LCD
• 230,000 pixel TFT
• 170 degree viewing angle
• Removable protective cover
Dimensions 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in) 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
Weight • No battery: 620 g (1.4 lb)
• With battery: 703 g (1.6 lb) • No battery: 585 g (1.3 lb)
• With battery: 668 g (1.5 lb)

Image processing engine • Expeed
• 12 bit • New for D80 DSLR
• Based on D200 DSLR DSLR / D2X
• 12-bit algorithms, 2-channel
In-camera retouching • D-Lighting
• Red-eye reduction
• Trimming
• Monochrome & filter effects
• Color balance
• Small picture
• Image overlay
• NEF (nikon electronic format) (RAW (formato)) processing
• Quick retouch
• Straighten
• Distortion control
• fisheye • D-Lighting
• Red-eye reduction
• Trimming
• Overlay
• Monochrome and Filter
• Small picture
• Image overlay
Movie mode Yes No
Live View Yes No
Others • Scene Recognition System
• Face Detection
• Calendar Display
• New information display on main LCD
• Vignetting control in-camera

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This entry was posted on mercoledì, agosto 27th, 2008 at 9:21 am and is filed under Nikon News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.