Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera 18-105 VR Kit
Posted by Notcot on Apr 20, 2010 in Photography |
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This is a superb camera that I have been happily shooting on since its release, and given the chance again now, it is still the camera I would choose. Why only four stars then? Let me explain.
The background to this camera is what makes it so great. They incorporated many of the features from the more expensive D300, and managed to fit it and more into its predecessor’s, the D80, body. This includes most importantly the sensor in the camera. The sensor in the D90 is superb, and the 12 MP’s are more than adequate for prints A2 size (this is the largest I have gone, but I am sure you can go bigger). Better than this is the noise handling of the sensor. The default setting is ISO 200, but the camera is perfectly usable up to ISO 1600, with very little noise present, and it is expandable beyond that. This gives really high quality pictures even in very dim conditions without the need for flash.
The shape and feel of the camera are great as well. It just fits and all of the buttons are exactly where they should be. This is really something you have to try for yourself holding it. The viewfinder is also just so big (96% coverage), and the weight of the camera is balanced without it being heavy.
These are the major things that set it apart, but you really begin to notice the small things the more you shoot with it. The top down display gives you all the information in a really nice and compact way. This small display is also the reason the battery life is so great, as you do not need the brilliant 3″ screen every time you change a setting. It is possible to go on about the positives for a long time, but there are some drawbacks to keep in mind.
First of these is the video. Don’t get me wrong the video in many ways is brilliant (first time seen on DSLR, and it is high definition 720p.) HOWEVER, you get a phenomenon called a rolling shutter, which gives the images a jelly like appearance(it wobbles if you move quickly). It is therefore really only suited to being kept on a tripod and everything moving in the frame rather than moving the camera. The sound is also only in mono and is not the best quality, and you have to manually focus during the video (though with some practice this is not too hard).
The other main thing while looking at this camera is that it is only an “advanced amateur” camera, and whilst it borrows heavily from the D300 it is not a D300 in a smaller body. The D300 still maintains a better build quality, better auto-focus (with proper tracking for sport), a higher frames per second, and a better processor giving higher quality pictures, and correspondingly it is matched with a higher body only price tag.
In saying all of that, this camera will be more than adequate for the majority of us, and you will love it if you use it. Leaving it on full auto and shooting will leave you happy, but it has so many options that you can tailor it to specifically suit your style, and the way you want to use it. Also don’t forget that the sound of the shutter (actually the mirror rotating up) is addictive satisfyingly solid. For this price there is no better camera.
Rating: 4 / 5
As a DSLR newbie I thought long and hard about my purchase i.e. Canon/Nikon/Sony, lenses in future, accessories etc. and eventually settled for the D90 VR Kit.
After a month of casual use familiarising with the innumerable settings I have to say I am hugely impressed with the user-friendly design and image quality. The default settings are sensible and capture great images, but when you want to take control the camera allows you to do so with minimal fuss. As a beginner I especially liked the info button which explains the various menu options in more detail.
The LCD screen offers amazing clarity with 4x the resolution of most of its nearest price point rivals, making the live view option a real advantage when composing images. The only issue I found with this was the lack of a live histogram to check exposure but as this can be viewed after capture perhaps more an inconvenience than a real problem.
The kit lens provided is great for most general scenarios offering acceptable wide angle and zoom options but be aware that for Macro photography or sports for example you will need to expand your lens set and invest in a proper flashgun and tripod etc etc so if you’re on a limited budget consider a cheaper body and invest in the glass instead.
HD Video is also a nice option but since there’s no autofocus and it only receives mono sound the usability is limited for advanced shooting. But considering there is only one other DSLR camera which currently offers HD video (and that’s a Pro level Canon comfortably costing four figures) you have to recognise this is an added bonus rather than a disappointment.
On the software side this package is a bit of a let down. Nikon do not provide their own full image editing program in the same vein as Canon, and the file transfer tool was clunky to install and didn’t even recognise my camera as a device. Coupled with the baffling decision to not allow the D90 to be recognised as a USB flash device, I was left having to buy a card reader to transfer data. This wasn’t actually a bad idea anyway, as I find this method much more user friendly. As an existing Photoshop CS3 user and with my card reader costing just £15, I hardly felt the impact of the sub-par software, but it’s a consideration if on a budget. Also note that Adobe RAW support only exists on Photoshop CS4 for the D90, so if using a previous version like me, you’ll need a .dng converter which, fortunately, is free from Adobe.
Overall, the minor niggles don’t come close to detracting from the quality of the main product.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Nikon D90 is a good Digital SLR and I have to say I’m satisfied with the picture quality, feel/weight of the camera and the way the function buttons are layed out. The only problem I have with the camera is the error mesages. Two appear intermittantly. “F–” is the least severe as all it takes to free that is a little twist to the lens as this will make good the contacts between the lens contacts and camera’s contact ring. The other “Err” code that appears, again intermittantly with no warning can only be freed by removing and re-installing the battery.The camera completly locks-up and won’t turn off from the switch. There are reports of users having to do this a few times but once always cures the problem for me. I’m very disapointed with Nikon as this really is the achilles heel of a very good camera. I purchaed the camera a week ago with the 18-105 kit lens and this has occured at leats 6 times. I’m taking it back to Jessops today to get a full refund. I’ll have no problems buying the D90 again but only once this problem has been sorted. If your happy to remove the bettery in the middle of shooting or to give the lens a little twist to cure either, then I can’t think of anything else that would deter you from buy it.
05/02/2010 D90 Update.
OK. I bit the bullet and decided to purchase another D90 with kit 18-105vr lens a month later. I’m pleased to say I’ve had it for several months now and used it extensively without a single error code appearing. No locks up’s or any other problems. Sounds to me Nikon have/had some quality issues. Purchase from a supplier with a good returns policy who will allow you to return the camera if faulty and repurchase with no problems . 5 stars for my 2nd and new D90.
Rating: 3 / 5
I am a professional photographer but to be frank you can’t really lug around a D3 on holiday – too big and conspicuous. The D90 with the 18-105 VR lens is compact and light enough to carry around all day. It may have a plastic body against the D3, D3X, D300s and D700’s magnessium but that really should not deter you.
I would say that you MUST read the manual that comes with the camera to get the best out of the camera. Yep I appreciate no one does read the manual but if you do you will be well rewarded and understand what excellent value for money the camera is. I believe that the sensor is the same as the D300 but you get it at a great price about 1/2 of the cost of the original D300.
Focusing is so swift and sharp and I reckon the images I get from this lens is better than those I get from my D3 with a 80-200 f2.8 lens.
I love the Live View option with video and though I recall complaints about the lack of autofocus I really did not have a problem shooting movies with the camera. Audio id excellent too and this camera gives you the best of both worlds, movies and stills.
I would add that if you can watch Laurie Excell’s online seminar at Kelby Training which covers in about 60 minutes the most useful controls of the camera, then I recommend that as a great way to get to know your camera.
Rating: 5 / 5
Having moved up from a Canon EOS 350d, which was a superb first DSLR, the Nikon is a different beastie altogether. The Nikon is solidly built and the layout of buttons is superb, the bigger screen with Liveview option is excellent for reviewing video and photos. The lens does a job with good sharpness for a kit lens and lovely colour rendition. Only two complaints – my Photoshop version doesn’t cater for Nikon’s RAW file version NEFF, although I understand there are ways around this, at the moment it’s a pain. There is no RAW “tweaking” software with the camera. Other disappointment was the video, slightly jumpy for moving shots and awkward to zoom, focus and frame at the same time. I have to say I am improving in this department with practice and I’m sure with time and a choice of lenses I will be producing a mini movie marvel!
I was torn between loyalty to Canon and moving up to the 500d (and taking my lenses!) or trying my first Nikon with the D90. I have no regrets at all after a month with the Nikon, it feels like an old friend. If there’s a bigger bang for your buck out there I don’t care – I love my Nikon!!
Rating: 4 / 5