BEST Entry Level Digital SLR Camera - Nikon D90

The D90 is often described as a photographer's camera, and on a purely specification level, it's a highly competitive piece of kit.

Stunning image quality, broad control and the world's first digital SLR movie function

But it's the way the features have been chosen and put together that make it the camera that it is.

The world's first digital SLR movie function

Included in this outfit is the 5.8x AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens with VR image stabilization and the amazing quality of Nikkor opticals.

The D90's motion capability can record at a smooth 24fps with JPEG sound movie clips. Using the D90's 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, and legendary Nikkor optical quality and the single button Live View function, the D-Movie Mode provides still photographers an exciting and new way to express themselves in full 720p HD.

The D90 is powerful yet compact and captures up to 4.5 images per second. The accurate 11-point autofocus is now faster and extremely intelligent, assisted by Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System. The unique Nikon 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix II Metering system is now enhanced by an image processing technology called 'EXPEED', delivering extraordinary exposure accuracy - immediately evident when reviewing images on the D90's super-density 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor.

For some other views click here...

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

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 auto focus 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.

NOTE: Price Not Shown = SPECIAL OFFER AVAILABLE

If the price on this item is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price," the manufacturer does not allow us to show you our price until you take further action, such as placing the item in your shopping cart, or in some cases, proceeding to the final checkout stage.

it's hard to think of a better enthusiast-level camera

Detail (D-SLR)

Rating (out of 10)

Build quality

8.5

Ergonomics & handling

9.0

Features

9.5

Image quality

8.5

Performance (speed)

9.0

Value

8.5

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice.

Effective pixels

12.3 million

Image sensor

CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm, total pixels: 12.9 million, Nikon DX format

Image size (pixels)

4288 x 2848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Sensitivity

ISO 200 to 3,200 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

Storage media

SD memory cards, SDHC compliant

Monitor

3-in. approx, 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170� viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment

Exposure metering

3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

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)

Interface

Hi-Speed USB

Power sources

One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e; 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)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)

Weight

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

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August 2008

This great set of video tutorials will take you through all the features and operation of the Nikon D90 DX digital SLR camera.

A good way to get to know a new camera's functions fast.

All photos below taken by Rob Hemphill

Yep! I had to have one after writing about it

I reviewed the Nikon D90 some while ago, and during the time of extensive research and writing various articles about it - I just knew that one day I wanted one of these!

My concern was always going to be whether or not I felt I could justify owning a super camera like this. Well, on my recent travels from here in Ireland to North Carolina in the US I came face to face with this model. After thorough exhaustive comparisons with similar Canon and Panasonic DLSR's, the Nikon D90 kit offer was too good to pass over - and yay I BOUGHT IT!

So now, what I want to do is document my experiences with this camera, and show you why it really is one of the best digital SLR's on the market for the price at the moment.

Below is the very first picture I took before even reading any instructions, and worse still, using no tripod - (just balancing on a ladder and relying on autofocus to do the rest). I'm learning every day, so if you are a budding photographer and looking to further that passion, this camera will more than fulfill your dreams.

Happy shooting till my next post.