Nikon D90 Review: Outstanding at High ISO

It’s becoming clear to me that the new Nikon D90 is out D300ing the Nikon D300, at least when it comes to image quality at higher ISO. You’ll remember that upon introduction, the Nikon D300 set a gold standard for high ISO image quality for APS-C sized sensor based DSLRs, and in the time since that introduction Nikon has managed to improve upon the 12.3 megapixel sensor and the EXPEED image processing and build the D90 around those improvements. The results seem to clearly indicate that the D90 is a tad better at higher ISO than its older brother (by the way, totally undefinitive proof can be found here). As I said not so many posts ago, if you were considering buying the D300, and your interest in it was mainly based on image quality, don’t buy it, get the D90 and a good lens. It’s cheaper, smaller, and has better image quality (there I said it), and as a total freebie you can play with video too. On the other hand you’ll be giving up a far more advanced AF system, pro build quality, and speed.

If you’re still on the fence, PhotoReview has given the D90 a thorough going over, and I think it’s safe to say they like it. About that performance at higher ISO:

Once again, Photo Review has been impressed with the outstanding performance of a Nikon DSLR at high sensitivity settings. In both available-light shots and flash shots in low light levels, the test camera turned in an outstanding performance, recording images with little visible noise and no sign of blotchiness.

-PhotoReview

The review is also notable for going into a little more detail about what’s involved in shooting a movie with a DSLR:

1. Set the camera to Live View mode by pressing the LV button.
2. Focus on the subject by half-pressing the shutter button if you’re in autofocus mode; otherwise focus manually.
3. Press the OK button in the centre of the arrow pad to start recording.
4. Keep the subject framed and focused during the recording process. If you’re in manual mode, you can change focus manually as you move towards or away from the subject. You have to be particularly careful when shooting close-ups as small differences in the focus point will show up as blurring in the subject. (To complicate matters, it’s difficult to see whether the image on the LCD is pin-sharp in bright ambient lighting and you can’t use the viewfinder in Live View mode.)
5. To stop recording, press OK again.
Playing back recorded video clips is simple. Press the LV button a second time to disengage Live View then press the review button. Use the arrow pad to select the clip you wish to play and press OK to start and stop the video playback.

-PhotoReview

Our thought on video shooting with a DSLR is no, it isn’t perfect, but since it is essentially a free add-on we’ll take it and figure out interesting ways to use it and deal with/or work around its limitations. As it stands, the D90 looks to lead the prosumer category of DSLRs and it just happens to shoot video.

Plenty more to read at PhotoReview, with a selection of image samples to boot, which you can as always get right here.

Oh and by the way, you can get the Nikon D90 at the following:
Nikon D90 at B and H
Nikon D90 at Adorama
Nikon D90 at Amazon

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1. 

   Eolake Stobblehouse says:

   September 19, 2008 at 9:34 am

   Kewl.

   Despite so many outstanding cameras being released now, I’m happy I ordered the D90, and I’m looking forward to getting it next week.

   reply
2. 

   Patrick says:

   September 19, 2008 at 1:08 pm

   Yeah, next week will be fun for you, hope you keep everybody updated on what’s doin’ at your site….

   reply
3. 

   Eolake Stobblehouse says:

   September 19, 2008 at 1:45 pm

   As soon as I start using it.

   I’ve uploaded some super-close-up autumn leaf pictures today, take a look.

   reply