Canon 5DS R vs Nikon D90: A Deep Dive into Two Advanced DSLRs Across the Ages

When stepping into the world of DSLRs, photographers, whether seasoned pros or passionate enthusiasts, face a buffet of choices. Two cameras that represent distinct entries in Canon’s and Nikon’s lineups - the Canon EOS 5DS R and the Nikon D90 - offer markedly different experiences, technology, and results. I’ve put both through their paces extensively over years, evaluating them across a wide spectrum of photography types and use scenarios. This hands-on comparison aims to uncover where each camera really shines, and where it’s better off sitting on the shelf.

Whether you’re a pixel-peeping landscape shooter, wildlife tracker, or video creator, by the end of this article you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of how these cameras perform, their value in today’s market, and which might be your ideal match.

Putting Size and Ergonomics Under the Microscope

Before the sensor tech or AF systems come into play, a camera’s physicality strongly affects your experience - after all, it’s your interface with the world.

The Canon 5DS R, with its mid-size SLR body, tips the scales at around 930 grams and measures roughly 152×116×76mm. In contrast, the Nikon D90 is lighter and more compact at 703 grams and 132×103×77mm. While the D90’s size advantage translates to easier portability and less fatigue during all-day shooting, the 5DS R’s solid heft and larger grip provide a reassuring, professional feel - especially for extended handheld work or big glass.

Handling-wise, Canon’s layout here aims for precision with plenty of direct dials and buttons, although it’s not the flashiest ergonomic design. Nikon’s D90 favors simplicity: fewer controls but sized and spaced decently for quick adjustments. For those who mess with settings mid-shoot regularly, the 5DS R edges ahead ergonomically, despite the extra bulk. Cheapskate photographers looking for a nimble setup will appreciate Nikon’s lean profile.

The View From Above: Control Layout and Top Panel Usability

User interface design impacts workflow - especially when you need to rapidly adapt to changing conditions.

Canon’s 5DS R sports a traditional DSLR double dial system: one on the front near the shutter and one at the rear, which lets you modify aperture and shutter speed without removing your eye from the viewfinder. It also features a dedicated top LCD panel - handy for checking settings without flipping to the rear screen.

The Nikon D90, on the other hand, has a single overall mode dial on the left and fewer dedicated physical controls. This leads to more reliance on menus and the rear screen for adjustments. Its top LCD is smaller and less information-dense.

For professionals and advanced users wanting fast access to shooting parameters (especially in challenging light or action scenarios), the 5DS R’s control layout proves an advantage. Nikon’s D90 is more accommodating for beginners or casual shooters who aren't fiddling too much during bursts.

Sensor Technology Breakout: Pixels, Size, and Image Quality

At the heart of every camera is the sensor, and here lies the largest performance gulf.

The Canon 5DS R houses a 51.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36×24mm, delivering a massive image area of 864 mm² - and critically, it omits an anti-aliasing (low pass) filter to maximize sharpness at the pixel level. In contrast, the Nikon D90 features a 12.3MP APS-C-sized CMOS sensor (23.6×15.8mm) with 372.88 mm² area, embedded with an anti-aliasing filter. This APS-C sensor results in a 1.5x crop factor.

From practical testing (including ISO tests and dynamic range charts), the Canon provides jaw-dropping resolution suited for large prints and heavy cropping without sacrificing detail. Skin textures, fine landscape details, and architectural lines really pop.

Nikon’s D90’s smaller sensor and modest resolution reflect its 2008 design era. While still capable of producing high-quality 12MP images suitable for web and moderate prints, it can’t compete in sheer detail or tonal gradation. Dynamic range is comparable, slightly favoring Nikon at low ISO, but noise control beyond ISO 1600 clearly favors the 5DS R.

If you’re a pixel junkie focused on image quality, fine detail and future-proof RAW files, Canon’s 5DS R is the clear winner here. Budget-conscious or casual shooters may find the Nikon’s sensor perfectly adequate, especially if paired with quality glass.

What About the Screens and User Feedback Interfaces?

Let’s step back from pixels to what you actually see on the camera body.

The 5DS R sports a slightly larger 3.2-inch fixed LCD with 1.04 million dots, offering detailed image review capabilities without touchscreen functionality. The Nikon D90’s 3.0-inch 920k-dot LCD uses a super density TFT panel with wide viewing angles but is less bright and detailed.

None of these cameras offers the modern convenience of a fully articulated or touch-sensitive screen. This puts more emphasis on the interface usability and viewfinder quality for composing shots.

Verdict: Canon’s sharper, larger screen encourages confident zooming in on critical focus and exposure areas post-shot. Nikon’s offering remains serviceable but trailblazing for its era, yet underwhelming against modern standards.

AF Systems Put to the Test: Accuracy and Speed

Autofocus can make or break many photographic moments - especially sports, wildlife, and street applications.

The 5DS R’s 61-point autofocus system with a majority cross-type points provides stellar accuracy, especially for static or slow-moving subjects. Its tracking capabilities enable following subjects more confidently, which can boost success rates in wildlife and certain sports assignments. Face detection in live view is reliable too.

The D90, dating from 2008, features only 11 AF points with more limited cross-type coverage, reducing pinpoint focus ability and consistency - especially on moving subjects. It lacks AF tracking, making it less fit for action photography. Its contrast-detect live view AF is slow, barely usable for critical focusing.

In my experience, professionals needing consistent focus on fast-moving subjects will appreciate Canon’s superior AF array and tracking algorithms. The Nikon will frustrate those shooting dynamic subjects, though it handles still subjects adequately.

Key Performance Specs Across Photography Genres and Use Cases

Let’s analyze how each camera caters to diverse photographic disciplines.

Image Quality and Sample Shots That Tell the Story

To put theory into practice, I captured matched scenes with both cameras under controlled settings featuring portraits, landscapes, and wildlife subjects.

Canon 5DS R front Canon 5DS R screen back Nikon D90 front Nikon D90 screen back

The 5DS R images impress immediately: intricate detail, rich tonal gradations, and smooth color transitions. Skin tones in portraits look lifelike with subtle variation. Landscape shots reveal minute textures in foliage and rock, and wildlife shots retain sharp feathers and fur details at surprising ISO levels.

D90 images are well-exposed and color balanced but lack the punch and expansiveness of the Canon files. Details softening from the smaller sensor and lower resolution are conspicuous at larger sizes.

These comparisons confirm real-world advantages of the 5DS R’s sensor superiority and processing pipeline, but remember: file sizes are larger and need beefy computers for editing.

Toughness and Weather Sealing: Can They Handle the Grit?

When shooting outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, build quality makes a big difference.

The Canon 5DS R features environmental sealing against dust and moisture - valuable for landscape and wildlife shooters who brave rough weather. It doesn’t claim freeze or crush-proof credentials but feels solidly built with reliability in mind.

The Nikon D90 does not have weather sealing, which clients and pros should seriously consider if working outdoors often. Its body is durable but vulnerable in harsh environments.

For adventure and nature photographers, the Canon’s ruggedness offers peace of mind and longer gear lifespan.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Keep Shooting?

Shooting sessions can be long, and running out of battery mid-shoot is a photographer’s nightmare.

The Canon 5DS R’s LP-E6 battery yields approximately 700 shots per charge, respectable for a high-res DSLR. Having dual card slots (one CompactFlash and one SD/SDHC/SDXC) also facilitates backup recording and extended shoot durations.

Nikon’s D90 uses an EN-EL3e battery rated for about 850 shots, slightly higher, and uses a single SD/SDHC card slot. While lacking the redundancy of dual slots, the D90’s somewhat lower resolution files make storage requirements less demanding.

Photographers pursuing lengthy photo sessions should appreciate the dual storage options on the Canon, while those prioritizing longer battery life per dollar may prefer the Nikon.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Modern workflows demand efficient image transfer and tethering capabilities.

Canon’s 5DS R, unsurprisingly for a 2015 model, lacks built-in wireless or Bluetooth but includes USB 3.0 for rapid data transfer plus HDMI out for external monitor viewing.

The Nikon D90 offers no native wireless but supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for basic wireless transfers, a rare feature from its era. USB 2.0 limits tethering and file transfers considerably compared to modern standards.

Neither camera features GPS natively, but an optional accessory exists for the D90. Canon 5DS R users must rely on external GPS loggers.

If you stringently require wireless workflows, neither camera shines, but the Canon’s faster wired transfer caters better to pros with demanding studio or high-volume needs.

Worth Your Money? Analyzing Price-to-Performance

With a sticker price around $3700 (body only) for the 5DS R and about $1200 for the Nikon D90 (noting the D90 is discontinued and only available used), they occupy vastly different market positions.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Canon 5DS R: Top-tier resolution, robust build, professional feature set, suited for studio, landscape, and professional applications where image quality is paramount. The price reflects its capabilities but may be prohibitive for casual shooters.
• Nikon D90: A decade-old entry-level advanced DSLR, fantastic value on the used market, solid for beginners or budget-conscious enthusiasts. Falls short on features critical for demanding photography but serves admirably for learning and hobbyist work.

If you’re a determined professional or enthusiast aiming for large print workflows or high-detail commercial assignments, the 5DS R is worth every penny. For those starting out, or those on a lean budget needing a reliable tool, the D90 remains viable - especially if you pick it up secondhand.

How They Score: Final Performance Ratings

Quantitative DXO Mark scores and in-house tests help supplement subjective analysis.

• Canon 5DS R DXO Overall Score: 86
• Nikon D90 DXO Overall Score: 73

This numeric gap reflects Canon’s commanding advantage in resolution, color depth, and noise performance.

Which Camera Excels At Your Favorite Photography Genre?

Taking a look at genre-specific ratings clarifies application suitability.

• Portrait: 5DS R crushes it with superior resolution and color.
• Landscape: Again, 5DS R dominates due to sensor size and sealing.
• Wildlife: 5DS R favored due to AF points and tracking.
• Sports: Both lag in frame rate; 5DS R slightly better for AF.
• Street: D90 preferred for portability and discreteness.
• Macro: 5DS R’s resolution is invaluable.
• Night/Astro: 5DS R wins for ISO capability.
• Video: Neither excels; 5DS R has higher resolution video.
• Travel: D90 favored for size and battery life.
• Professional Work: 5DS R is clearly better equipped.

Real-World Impression and My Personal Takeaways

After years of fieldwork, studio sessions, and hobbyist experimentation with both, here’s my bottom line.

• The Canon 5DS R is a beast aimed at pixel lovers and pros who don’t mind heft or investing time post-production. Its sheer resolution is addictive but demands patience and workflow prowess. It’s top-notch for portraits, landscapes, and commercial photography where details matter.

• The Nikon D90 is a sensible, durable DSLR with a generation-old sensor and features. It’s a great gateway camera for neophytes and cheapskates and still punches above its weight on street and casual use. But it pales in demanding tasks requiring speed or resolution.

Pros and Cons Summaries

Canon EOS 5DS R
Pros:

• Massive 51.4MP full-frame sensor, no AA filter
• Robust, weather-sealed body
• Excellent AF system with 61 points, 41 cross-type
• Dual card slots and USB 3.0
• High-res LCD and intuitive controls
• Superior dynamic range and color depth

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• No in-body stabilization
• Limited ISO range compared to peers
• Expensive and large file sizes demanding editing power
• Basic video specs (no 4K)

Nikon D90
Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Decent battery life (850 shots)
• Affordable, especially secondhand
• Wide Nikon F lens compatibility (309 lenses)
• Live view and basic video capability

Cons:

• Low-resolution APS-C sensor (12MP)
• Outdated AF system, no tracking
• No weather sealing
• Single card slot, older USB 2.0
• Limited video resolution and features

Final Recommendations: Who Should Pick What?

If you want my take - no sugarcoating - here’s how I’d match these cameras to photographers:

• Go Canon EOS 5DS R if you:

  • Demand the highest image quality and resolution
  • Shoot landscapes, portraits, studio, or commercial work where detail matters
  • Need robust build with weather sealing for grim environments
  • Can afford the investment in lenses, storage, and editing hardware
  • Prefer extensive AF coverage with tracking for wildlife and sports

• Go Nikon D90 if you:

  • Are a beginner or enthusiast on a budget looking for a solid DSLR experience
  • Want a lightweight, portable camera primarily for street, travel, or family photos
  • Prefer an easier-to-handle interface with built-in flash for casual use
  • Don’t need ultra-high resolution or fast continuous shooting
  • Want to experiment with Nikon’s massive lens lineup without breaking the bank

Wrapping Up

Comparing a 2015-era Canon 5DS R and a 2008 Nikon D90 is like contrasting a sporty luxury sedan with a dependable hatchback: the 5DS R offers professional-grade power and refinement, while the D90 serves as a humble, trusty companion. Each has earned its place, and each serves a distinct photographic niche.

If you crave unwavering image quality and built-to-last features, the Canon 5DS R continues to impress - even several years post-launch. If you’re stepping into DSLR shooting without a huge budget or project complexity, the Nikon D90 remains a capable gateway.

As always, your best camera is the one that suits your photographic goals, budget, and workflow. I’ve tested plenty of cameras over 15 years, and choosing wisely is a key step towards taking meaningful, satisfying images.

Happy shooting!