Nikon D90 DX Review
Last summer, I was going to buy the D80, but it was two years old and rumored to be discontinued in several months. So I bought a D60 to hold me over until the new model, the D90, came out. Well, I’ve enjoyed using both cameras, but this one is a huge step up and more suited to an advanced enthusiast.
ERGONOMICS - The D90 is solid, tight, and well balanced with the 18-105 VR lens. It’s always ready and it shoots very fast. I love all the direct access buttons. They’re easy to press, and you don’t have to go into the menus as much. This allows you to work pretty fast. It’s heavier than the D60, but it’s still very manageable to carry around. It fits my average-sized hand better too. I noticed the shutter sound is different than the D60 (if that matters to you). It sounds more professional; more like a fast “whoosh” than a “click-click”. And there are so many internal customizations, so you can set it up exactly as you want.
LENS - Biggest surprise was the 18-105 VR lens which I expected would be ho-hum, but turned out to be pretty sharp and clear. We’ve really come a long way from the days (30 years ago) when you were cautioned to ALWAYS to buy a prime lens, NEVER the kit lens because of it’s poor image quality. With computer-aided design and new technology, that’s not true anymore.
IMAGE QUALITY - I shoot RAW to maximize detail and allow room to adjust exposure. Image quality is very good to excellent depending on your RAW converter (best results with View NX and Capture NX; Adobe ACR very good). When shooting JPG, images are sharp and colors are true with not too much saturation in the Standard picture mode, which is how I like it. Picture Modes can all be customized to suit your taste.
LIGHT METER - Metering is fine and seems to be quite accurate in most cases. As with any camera, you have to get to know the meter. If I had to be VERY critical, I’d say when it’s pushed, it’s more likely to preserve shadows than highlights in certain cases. DPreview.com mentioned a slightly “over-enthusiatic” meter in its review, but this is fine-tuneable as well. I’ve used the D90 in a wide range of lighting conditions and while exposures may vary occasionally, I’ve never been shocked or disappointed with the output.
LIVE VIEW - is great for the occasional high or low shot. I didn’t think I needed it, but when I had the D60, I found myself in many situations where I really could have used it. I’m very glad I have it now. Unlike a point-and-shoot, focus is slower in this mode, but I wouldn’t be using Live View if I were in a rush anyway.
MOVIE MODE - this is a nice novelty and may be handy in a rare moment, but I’m generally not a video camera person. ISO - I really like the new wide range of ISO settings, especially when coupled with the Auto-ISO setting. Mine is customized to keep the camera at ISO 200, but kick in at 1/30. This means anytime lighting decreases enough for the shutter speed to drop below 1/30, the D90 will automatically compensate by raising the ISO high enough (up to a limit you set) to help keep your shutter speed up. Noise at high ISOs isn’t an issue. In fact, you have to zoom in pretty close for it to be even slightly noticeable, so now I can use Auto-ISO a whole lot more.
ACTIVE D-LIGHTING - this is now available in various strengths from Low to Extra High. Mine has been on Auto, which lets the camera decide, but I change it at times depending on my needs. CONS -At this price, Nikon should include a robust image editing software, or at least a decent discount on Capture NX2, which works great, but costs extra. -Kit lens is thick in diameter (67mm). Also, the front glass of the lens seems somewhat exposed, as if it’s not recessed that much (it’s just enough for a lens cap). I worry that it’ll get scratched easily. Good thing Nikon included the lens hood.
SUMMARY - Overall I’m extremely happy with the D90. It’s built for serious shooting, but it’s still fun to use; noticeably heavier than the D60, but still not a burden. It’s more solid and substantial, so it’s less prone to camera shake. Nikon packed it with a ton of features and customizations, so now I finally have everything I want in a DSLR, without it being overblown and overpriced. I’m surpising myself with really spectacular shots. Most importantly, it’s making me a better photographer. I’m sure I won’t be bored anytime soon.
AUTOFOCUS TIP: I customized the D90 to autofocus using the AF-L button instead of the shutter release. Now I can focus with one press of the AF-L button with my thumb and shoot separately with my index finger. This allows me to focus first, let go, then take the shot. Since the subject is already in focus, I can take multiple shots, recompose or go vertical. I’m not forced to continually re-focus for every shot or move the AF point around in the viewfinder. This minimizes AF mishaps on unintentional subjects. And since the VR system remains off until you half-press the shutter (it activates only when you’re ready to take the shot, not while you’re focusing) you save on battery life as well. Also, with the D90 set to AF-C mode (continuous autofocus) you can track a moving subject by holding down the AF-L with your thumb and shooting with your index finger. If the subject becomes still, simply let go of the AF-L button; focusing stops and is locked. Now your D90 can act as if it’s in Single or Continuous AF mode without you having to change settings all the time.
