Nikon D90 : Nikon D90, the Review

Yeah, I know the Nikon D90 is far from being new, but since Nikon was kind enough to let us play with their DSLR for a week and since I never had the chance of touching one before, I decided it would be worth it to check this baby out and to write a little review.

Nikon D90 Specs
- AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G (IF) lens with optical image stabilizer
- 12.3 Megapixel resolution
- DX-format CMOS image sensor
- HD 720/24p with HDMI output
- ISO Range : 100 to 6400


Nikon D90, the Review, HDTV
(DivXHD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")

First Impression:
As a heavy user of Canon DSLRs, it's always a bit difficult to jump on another DSLR (whatever brand it is), and after many years using the same brand you tend to build some bonds difficult to break… However, I admit that I'm amazed by the D90… Really, the Nikon D90 has nothing to be ashamed of compared to a 40D or 50D. Once you get used to Nikon's grip and your hands learn how to hold it(an important factor in choosing a DSLR), and the D90 feels like a powerful weapon ready to be fired… With an excellent built quality in different domains like the obvious selection of material but also with its overall ergonomic and a brilliantly informative LCD monitor, the D90 provides you only what other high ends models offer.

To give you two little examples, the first is with the large LCD, and more presicly with the huge amount of information that it provides like the deadly accurate battery meter icon. Rather then being divided in two or three different marks, the D90 offers five in total. This may sound stupid for some, but as far as I'm concerned I loved knowing exactly how much battery life I have left when I'm shooting for a long period of time.

Another convenient feature is the quick settings resets that can be operated directly from the camera body without the need to go through all the menus. Just press the two control buttons marked with a green dot for a few seconds and VOILA! Your camera is back to default, perfect if you happen to be like me and still a bit lost in some setting, or if share your camera with people who love messing around with settings… (This feature is also available on various other Nikon cameras.)

Let’s Shoot Baby
Now that our hands have learned how to hold the D90, and once we set the various settings, it's time to shoot like a maniac. Here as well I was surprised by its speed… I mean REALLY fast, faster then a Canon 40D… Once you set the correct ISO, shutter speed and so on, you'll be amazed at how snappy the D90 can be… Another surprise was how easy it is to shoot in low light at ISOs like 200… As you will see below and with our photo sample, at dawn and ISO 200 whether you're holding the camera or not, the results are pretty impressive.

Now it is also important to notice that the quality of your picture not only depends of the D90. Granted I'm a genius, sorry an master artist, in photography (just kidding here ), but it's very important to get the proper lens to fit on your D90. For instance, our camera was fitted with the following lens : AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G (IF) lens with optical image stabilizer that provides better pictures that the usual DX 18-105G VR kit.

The same applies if you use Tamron or Sigma lenses.

Check the sample picture I took for yourself and you too will be impressed by this baby. Just to give you an idea, I was using ISO 200 in daylight and ISO 320 at night (around 7:00pm in Japan)…

Nikon D90 Sample Photo for Review, Origianl Size, Resized sample can be found below.










Not much to say, I am definitely impressed and in love with the D90. Having got great shots it's very hard for me to criticize the D90 in this area.

Video Mode
When the D90 was launched, Nikon made “La Une” of every single tech blog and magazine for its video mode, the first DSLR able to record HD video quality in 24p… And when I admit the D90 shoots in HD, results are unimpressive… I rate the video mode more as a gadget rather than a real plus… Quality is equivalent to the Kiss X3 (Rebel T1i or 500D) or Nikon D5000. Also here we have a 5-minute video quality limitation… Seriously, the video mode doesn't match its photo quality, and I can't recommend to anyone who wants to shoot video with a DSLR to buy a D90 for that… Better invest in a GH1 (For Video) or a 5D MK II

Here you are a sample for you to check (Shoot during a Press Conference, and see how crazy things here too when you want to shoot photos or video)

Conclusion
I admire Nikon for their work on the D90, which is as powerful as a 40D or 50D, and if I didn't already own many Canon mount lenses I would REALLY consider moving to the D90 for its photo capabilities. Fast, light, well made… the D90 a great camera for anyone wishing to jump into the serious DSLR shooting world. The question that many ask us is whether or not to invest in a Canon 50D or a Nikon D90… I have to reply technically speaking and besides the video mode on the D90, there isn't an easy choice, bsoth camera are similar and provide an amazing shooting experience… However, what it is CRITICAL is how you will feel with a 50D or a D90 in your hand. Just check them both and buy the one you feel more comfortable with… After all you may spend a lot of time with one of these babies so make sure the camera you buy fits nicely in your palm.