Nikon D90 DSLR Camera Body {12.3MP}

Nikon D90: the DSLR that put video on F-mount glass.

The D90 sits on a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a 1.5x focal length multiplier, giving F-mount shooters a well-understood field of view conversion that pairs naturally with decades of Nikon glass. ISO runs natively from 200 to 3200, with a boosted ceiling of 6400 for low-light work. At 4.5 fps continuous with an 11-point autofocus system, it keeps up with most casual action and event work without demanding the operational overhead of a pro body. The pentaprism optical viewfinder covers 96% of the frame at 0.96x magnification, and the 3-inch, 920,000-dot LCD remains one of the more legible screens from its era.

The D90 was the first Nikon DSLR to record video, shooting 720p at 24fps onto SD/SDHC cards. That 24fps frame rate, combined with the APS-C sensor's shallow depth of field capability, gave shooters a cinematic look that dedicated camcorders of the period couldn't touch. The 850-shot CIPA battery rating means you can spend a full day in the field without hunting for a charge. Wireless flash support expands the built-in pop-up into a remote trigger for off-camera strobes, and compatibility with the full Nikon F-mount catalog keeps the lens ecosystem wide open. For anyone invested in F-mount glass, the D90 remains a proven, capable second body or a straightforward entry into Nikon's system.

Who It's For

Photographers building out an F-mount kit on a tighter budget get immediate access to decades of Nikon glass through a body that meters and autofocuses reliably. Street and travel shooters benefit from the 703g body weight and 850-shot battery life, staying light and operational across long days. Early video experimenters drawn to shallow-focus cinematography can exploit the APS-C sensor's depth of field characteristics at 720p/24fps in ways no contemporary camcorder allowed. Portrait and event photographers who already own fast Nikon primes will find the D90's metering system and 12-preset white balance lineup more than sufficient for controlled shooting environments.

Key Features

• 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor with 1.5x focal length multiplier
• 720p video recording at 24fps, first Nikon DSLR with video
• 11-point autofocus system with 4.5 fps burst shooting
• ISO 200–3200 native, expandable to 6400
• 96% pentaprism optical viewfinder at 0.96x magnification
• 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD with Live View
• 850-shot CIPA battery life
• Wireless flash support for off-camera triggering

FAQ

Was the D90 really the first Nikon DSLR to shoot video?

Yes. The D90 introduced 720p video recording to Nikon's F-mount system in 2008, shooting at 24fps in Motion JPEG format onto SD/SDHC cards. No prior Nikon DSLR had video capability.

How does the D90 handle autofocus during video recording?

It doesn't. There's no autofocus while recording-you must focus manually before hitting record. This is a significant limitation if your subject moves, since the LCD preview is also delayed and won't help track motion reliably.

What's the autofocus system like for still photography?

The D90 uses an 11-point AF system, which is straightforward and adequate for most work. It's not as dense as pro bodies, but you won't miss the additional points in everyday shooting.

Can you use older Nikon lenses on the D90?

Yes. The F-mount accepts the full Nikon lens catalog, including manual-focus AI-s lenses from the 1970s onward. Manual-focus legacy glass actually works well on the D90, and you can still get exposure metering and flash with compatible lenses.

What's the battery life like in the field?

The CIPA rating is 850 shots per charge, which means a full day of mixed shooting without needing to swap batteries. That's solid for a camera of this class.

How does the D90's sensor perform in low light?

Native ISO runs 200–3200, with a boosted ceiling of 6400. At 6400 the noise is noticeable but manageable if you're shooting RAW and processing carefully. The native range is where the sensor excels.

Is the plastic body a weakness?

No. The D90 has a metal lens mount and solid construction. The magnesium-alloy frame in pro bodies adds weight and weather sealing, neither of which the D90 needs for general work.