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Review from dpreview.com Learn more about this camera at DPReview.com Nikon D90 Digital SLR: Highly recommended by dpreview.com Almost exactly two years after the D80 was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90. The D80 has been one of Nikon's quiet successes, and even today, despite being positively Methuselah-like in digital camera terms it continues to sell and often makes its way into our top 10 most clicked on cameras. Because it looks so similar to the D80 the D90 appears at first glance to be one of those rather subdued incremental upgrades, but dig a little deeper and you'll find there's plenty to keep Nikon fans happy. First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we'll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300. And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to us the D90 is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time 'step up' customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300. Whether the D90 is as capable as its feature set suggests, we'll see as the review unfolds. Nikon D90 Key Features12.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million) 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300) Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake) Illuminated focus points Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded) 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal) Expeed image processing engine 3D tracking AF (11 point) Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage) Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening Improved user interface New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe) Same battery and vertical grip as D80 Vignetting control in-camera 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback Nikon D90 vs D80: Key Differences Although it's had a bit of a design refresh with slightly sharper lines, the D90 is externally very similar to its predecessor (dimensions are identical, though it is heavier). Looking at the differences it's obviously a solid incremental upgrade rather than a total reinvention of the popular D80, with several key improvements (most importantly the sensor and screen) and a welcome smattering of must-have 2008 features (live view, dust removal). Oh yes, and of course there's that one little new feature sitting at the back of the classroom with its hand waving in the air, shouting 'Sir! Sir!'; the 'world's first' DSLR movie mode. 12.3 MP CMOS sensor (D80: 10.2 MP CCD) Dust removal system Bigger, better screen (as D3, D300) Live View with contrast detect AF Movie Mode Wider ISO range, upgraded AF system (3D tracking, face detection) Active D-Lighting, vignetting control and extra retouching options Automatic chromatic aberration correction Picture Control presets Faster continuous shooting and larger buffer Pictmotion slideshows Read more at dpreview.com Review from Wired.com Read more digital camera reviews at Wired.com Nikon D90 Takes World Champion DSLR Title Belt Sometimes the mere notion of being "number two" can light a motivational fire under your keister. Look at some famous folks who, despite being considered numero dos, went on to dominate their respective fields and even eclipse their predecessors: A pupil of Socrates, Plato opted not to go the hemlock-chugging route and instead helped lay down the foundations of Western philosophy. Tom Brady was destined to be a career second banana until Drew Bledsoe's internal bleeding set him on the path to three Super Bowl wins. Jean-Luc Picard played second fiddle to Kirk only to become the greatest captain in Star Trek. Ever. (Watch TNG's season 3 finale if you don't believe me.) And in the world of DSLR cameras, Nikon has been toiling to one day escape from the shadow of a certain photo-manufacturing giant whose name rhymes with "Danon." And with its newest shooter it looks like that day may have finally come. Nikon's latest offering, the 12-megapixel D90 is a feature-packed fistful of photo fury that's sure to help pave your way to full-fledged Flickrati status. Straight from the box and out on the street the D90 shows off its picture-making prowess. Our testing unit came bundled with a (bordering on) superwide 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 lens that we used for all of our evaluations. The 11-point focusing system with the face priority speedily locks onto subjects while the automatic Active D-Lighting (a feature that optimizes details within shadows and high contrast subjects) is a noticeable step forward in on-camera illumination. The flash images show off a pleasing balance between the strobe and the ambient light even when just shooting in the full Auto and Program modes. Nikon's also got a convergence hit with the integration of a movie mode that makes three flavors of video, the yummiest being up to five minutes of 720p HD in a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio. Owing to the size of the sensor and the higher quality optics, video clarity and depth of field are on par with the D90's stills. And when it comes to checking your work, Nikon's made it easy, loading the D90 with the same high-res 3-inch LCD found on its $5000 D3. If that's not big enough, just plug it straight into your HDTV with the built-in HDMI connection. All told this camera has scads of grin-worthy features that will continue to feed your frenzy-filled lifestyle for some time to come. That is until another camera comes along to usurp its throne. RATING 9 out of 10 WIRED Enormous image sensor blows open the door to some of the finest 12.3-megapixel images we've produced yet. Nikon's top-of-the-line high-res 3-inch LCD is prettier than looking at a supermodel with beer goggles. In-camera dust reduction is spot on at removing spots from the sensor. One-touch info button and simple, descriptive help screens clarify deep, detailed menus. Toss out your camcorder; the 720p, 24 fps video capture on the D90 will trump its performance — especially in low lighting. Face facts: Face-detection system works quickly, accurately, and effortlessly. TIRED Only manual focus in the video mode. Seriously, this is really the only problem we had with the D90 and even that was a stretch. Camera Resolution 12.3 megapixels, with 15.8 x 23.6mm CMOS sensor. 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