Nikon D90 Digital Camera

New Features, Notable Improvements in this Digital SLR Camera

2008's Nikon D90 digital SLR is Nikon's best yet. It not only improves on the specs of its predecessor, the Nikon D80, but it has some completely new features that have never been available before in a Nikon DSLR.

Where to Buy the Nikon D90

Click here to buy the Nikon D90 DSLR with the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens today.

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The Nikon D90 SLR digital camera is an extremely strong follow-up to its predecessor, the Nikon D80. It carries forward the same high quality of all of the Nikon DSLR's as well as Nikon's latest digital camera technology, but it also offers some surprising new features. Although not the cheapest option in digital SLRs, this camera will satisfy anyone looking for a DSLR that provides the highest image quality and unique capabilities that will make capturing the perfect shot easy.

Not only is this camera an incredible value in a top-of-the-line DSLR, but it is also a powerful video camera. The Nikon D90 captures true 720p video with all of the flexibility and underlying technology of the underlying camera. All of the D90's features are available to you as you shoot compresses MPEG movies:

Auto-focus
Super-zoom, fisheye and wide-angle lenses
Vibration reduction
High-ISO shooting in low-light conditions
Face recognition
Variable depth-of-field settings
Shoot videos with or without sound
Shooting digital videos in color or black-and-white

Nikon D90 Features

Nikon Digital SLR Image Quality

Exceptional image quality is a given for all Nikon digtal SLR cameras, and the Nikon D90, featuring a new 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, exceeds the norm. Nikon has implemented all of the latest digital photography technology in the D90, including low-noise, high ISO performance first released in the award-winning Nikon D300.

New D-Movie Mode Features 720p HD Cinematic Quality

The Nikon D90's desirability grows with its new ability to record smooth 24 fps, motion JPEG sound movie clips. Leveraging the D90's 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, legendary Nikkor optical quality, and the one-button Live View function, the D-Movie Mode gives still photographers a new and exciting way to express themselves in 720p HD.

Comprehensive Feature Set

Compact, lightweight and powerful, the Nikon D90 can continuously captures up to 4.5 still images per second. Accurate 11-point autofocus is now even faster and more intelligent, aided by Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System. The unique Nikon 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix II Metering system, now enhanced by EXPEED image processing technologies, delivers extraordinary exposure accuracy-immediately evident when reviewing images on the D90's bright, super-dense 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor.

All New AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm V3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

Compact and versatile, the brand-spanking new 5.8X AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is an ideal everyday companion for the 12.3-megapixel D90. Available as the optical center of the new Nikon D90 Outfit as well as separately, the 18-105mm with VR image stabilization, ED glass and an aspherical element, delivers the image integrity that has defined Nikkor optics for 75 years.

A Summary of Nikon D90 Features and Benefits

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing technologies and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking image fidelity is assured
5.8x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR included
Famous NIKKOR optical quality in a compact, versatile design, featuring Nikon VR image stabilization
Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second
Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, fast action and decisive moments are captured instantaneously
D-Movie Mode - Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
Record cinematic-quality movie clips at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO settings
3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor
High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback
Built-in image sensor cleaning
Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor's optical low pass filter
11-point AF system with Face Priority
Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions
One-button Live View
Easy Live View access activates 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
Nikon's renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy
Comprehensive exposure control
Five Advanced Scene Modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual
Auto Active D-Lighting
Selectable and Automatic, Active D-lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrasts situations in real time
Durable, high precision shutter
Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy
In-Camera Image Editing
Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more
GPS geo-tagging
GP-1 GPS unit (optional) provides automatic real-time geo-tagging.

12.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensor

12.3 megapixels of Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor provides outstanding resolution, color and clarity; allowing a photographer to enlarge shots to poster size with no noticeable loss of quality.

Nikon D90 Sample Images

Click image or link to view the original size and image quality - All photos provided by Nikon USA


Original image size: 4.49MB Shutter speed: 1/1600 second Aperture: f/2.8 Focal length: 34mm Exposure mode: Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II Sensitivity: ISO 400 White balance setting: Shade Picture control: Portrait Image quality: JPEG FINE Large Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED	Original image size: 4.4MB Shutter speed: 1/60 second Aperture: f/5.6 Focal length: 105mm Exposure mode: Manual setting Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II Sensitivity: ISO 400 White balance setting: Cloudy Picture control: Portrait Image quality: JPEG FINE Large Lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Original image size: 5.55MB Shutter speed: 1/250 second Aperture: f/10 Focal length: 62mm Exposure mode: Landscape Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II Sensitivity: ISO 400 White balance setting: Auto Picture control: Landscape Image quality: JPEG FINE Large Lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR	Original image size: 4.37MB Shutter speed: 1/1600 second Aperture: f/4 Focal length: 60mm Exposure mode: Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II Sensitivity: ISO 200 White balance setting: Auto Picture control: Standard Image quality: JPEG FINE Large Lens: AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED

Original image size: 4.07MB Shutter speed: 1/60 second Aperture: f/8 Focal length: 105mm Exposure mode: Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II Sensitivity: ISO 200 White balance setting: Direct sunlight Picture control: Landscape Image quality: JPEG FINE Large Lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

More Nikon D90 sample images...

Nikon D90 Photos

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w/18-105mm Nikkor Lens	Body Only

Top View	Back View

Nikon D90 Specifications

Type

Type: Single-lens reflex digital camera

Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)

Effective picture angle: Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)

Effective pixels

Effective pixels: 12.3 million

Image sensor

Image sensor: 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor

Total pixels: 12.9 million

Dust-reduction system: Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 required)

Storage

Image size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

File format:

• NEF (RAW)

• JPEG-Baseline, Compliant with

fine (approx. 1:4),

normal (approx. 1:8),

or basic (approx. 1:16) compression

• NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats

Picture Control System: Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls

Media: SD memory cards, SDHC compliant

File system: DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge

Viewfinder

Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder

Frame coverage: Approx. 96% horizontal and 96% vertical

Magnification: Approx. 0.94 x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)

Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)

Diopter adjustment: -2 to +1 m-1

Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)

Reflex mirror: Quick-return type

Depth-of-field preview: When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (other modes)

Lens aperture: Instant return, electronically controlled

Nikon D90 Lenses

Nikon D90 Compatible lenses:

Notes:

IX-Nikkor lenses cannot be used.
Vibration Reduction (VR) supported with VR lenses.
Spot metering meters selected focus point.
Cannot be used with shifting or tilting.
The camera’s exposure metering and flash control systems may not function as expected when the lens is shifted and/or tilted or an aperture other than the maximum aperture is used.
AF-S or AF-I lens required.
With maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
When AF 80-200mm f/2.8, AF 35-70mm f/2.8, AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 (New), or AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lenses are zoomed all the way in at the minimum focus distance, the in-focus indicator may be displayed when the image on the matte screen in the viewfinder is not in focus. Focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus.
With maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Some lenses cannot be used.
Electronic analog exposure display cannot be used.
Shutter speeds slower than 1/60 sec not available.
Attach in vertical orientation; can be used in horizontal orientation once attached.

Shutter

Type: Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter

Speed: 1/4,000 to 30 seconds in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, Bulb

Flash sync speed: X = 1/200 sec; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 sec or slower

Release

Release mode: Single-frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, self-timer, delayed remote, quick-response

Frame advance rate: Continuous high speed: up to 4.5 fps, continuous low speed: 1-4 fps

Self-timer: Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration

Exposure

Metering: TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor

Metering method:

• Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)

• Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6-, 8- or 10-mm circle in center of frame

• Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point

Range (ISO 100 equivalent, • Spot metering: 2-20 EV f/1.4 lens, 68°F/20°C):

• Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV

Exposure meter coupling: CPU

Exposure modes: Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)

Exposure compensation: ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Exposure bracketing: 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV

Exposure lock: Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index): ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available

Active D-Lighting: Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low or off

Active D-Lighting bracketing: 2 frames

Focus

Autofocus: Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points

(including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in./0.5-3 m)

Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 equivalent, 68°F/20°C)

Lens servo: • Autofocus: Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status (AF-A)

• Manual (M): Electronic rangefinder supported

Focus point: Can be selected from 11 focus points

AF-area modes: Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) AF

Focus lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Flash

Built-in flash Auto, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait modes: Auto flash with auto pop-up

P, S, A, M: Manual pop-up with button release

Guide number (ft./m) at 68°F/20°C:

• At ISO 200: Approx. 56/17, 59/18 with manual flash

• At ISO 100 equivalent: Approx. 39/12, 43/13 with manual flash

Flash control:

• TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel

RGB sensor are available with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400

• Auto aperture: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lenses

• Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 or SB-22s

• Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800

Flash modes Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync

Flash compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Flash bracketing: 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV

Flash-ready indicator: Lights when built-in flash or SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks for 3 sec after flash is fired at full output in i-TTL or auto aperture modes

Accessory shoe: Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800 or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units

Nikon D90 White balance

White balance: Auto (TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 420-pixel RGB sensor); 12 manual modes with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; preset manual white balance

White balance bracketing: 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3

Live View

AutoFocus modes: Face priority AF, wide area AF, normal area AF

Focus: Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face priority AF is selected)

Movie

Image size (pixels): 1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps

File format: AVI

Compression format: Motion-JPEG, with monaural sound

Monitor

Nikon D90 LCD monitor: 3-inch, approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170-degree viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment

Playback

Playback function: Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, Pictmotion, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)

Nikon D90's I/O Interfaces

USB: Hi-Speed USB

Audio video output: Can be selected from NTSC and PAL; simultaneous playback from both the audio video output and on the LCD monitor available

HDMI output: Type C HDMI connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected

Accessory terminal:

• Remote Cord MC-DC2 (Optional)

• GPS Unit GP-1 (Optional)

Supported languages

Supported languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Power source

Battery: One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e

Battery pack: Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (optional) with one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, or six R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries (Battery Holder MS-D200 is required when using R6/AA-size batteries.)

AC adapter: AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)

Tripod socket

Tripod socket: 1/4 inch (ISO 1222)

Nikon D90 Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions (W x H x D): Approximately 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inches (132 x 103 x 77 mm)

Weight: Approx. 1 lb. 6 oz. (620 g) without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover

Operating environment

Temperature: 32-104 degrees F (0-40 degrees C)

Humidity: Less than 85% (no condensation)

Nikon D90 Accessories

Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area): Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-10, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM