Canon 90D vs Nikon D700: A Comprehensive DSLR Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between two legacy DSLRs like the Canon EOS 90D and the Nikon D700 is no small task. Despite being released over a decade apart, both have amassed a passionate following and present distinct strengths depending on your photographic needs. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’m here to give you a thorough, hands-on perspective that drills beyond specs sheets into real-world usability, image quality, and workflow impact.

Let’s dig into how these stalwarts stack up across a broad spectrum of photography genres, technical particulars, and price-value ratios - so you can confidently pick your next DSLR companion.

Size, Handling, and Physical Presence: Which Feels Right in Your Hands?

When you hold a camera, you immediately form a bond that influences shooting enjoyment and efficiency. The Canon 90D and Nikon D700 are both mid-size DSLRs, yet they embrace subtly different ergonomic philosophies.

The 90D measures roughly 141 × 105 × 77mm and weighs about 701 grams; it’s relatively compact with well-curved grips suited for smaller to medium hands. Contrast this with the D700’s chunkier 147 × 123 × 77mm frame and hefty 1074 grams. The D700 exudes robust DSLR presence - it’s built like a tank, lending confidence especially during extended shoots in tough conditions.

If you prioritize portability or intend to shoot lengthy street sessions or travel, the lighter Canon is easier on the wrists and less intrusive. Meanwhile, the D700’s heft benefits stability in handheld shooting, especially with long telephotos or macro lenses, although it can fatigue you faster.

Side-by-side, the 90D feels more modern and maneuverable, while the D700 leans toward classic DSLR heft and durability. Your preference here comes down to shooting style and hand size.

Top Deck Controls and Interface: Modern Intuitiveness vs Traditional DSLR Layout

Once you pick up the camera, how you interact with it matters just as much as size. Canon has layered modern DSLR usability into the 90D, whereas the Nikon sticks closely to an older, tried-and-true layout.

The Canon 90D features a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD (more on that soon), intuitive command dials, and touchscreen AF point selection - handy for fast, live-view shooting or video. Notably, it includes a top LCD info panel, a feature appreciated by traditionalists for quick settings glance.

The Nikon D700 uses a fixed, non-touch 3-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 922k dots, plus a handful of dedicated buttons and dials - a more tactile but less flexible setup by today’s standards. There’s no touchscreen, which slows AF point adjustments, especially in live view.

Both cameras provide ample external controls, but for those who value a modern, touchscreen hybrid interface that speeds up workflow, the Canon 90D has a distinct edge. Nikon fans who prefer a classic DSLR button layout will feel comfortable with the D700’s straightforward design.

Sensor Technology: Resolution, Size, and Image Quality Fundamentals

Arguably the most pivotal difference lies in sensor engineering, which directly influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance.

The Canon 90D sports a 33.0-megapixel APS-C (22.3×14.9mm) sensor with a 1.6x crop factor, delivering sharp images with plenty of detail for large prints and extensive cropping. Thanks to its DIGIC 8 processor, it can perform complex noise reduction and color processing, plus support 4K video.

On the other hand, the Nikon D700 wields a full-frame 12.1-megapixel sensor (36×24mm) rooted in the venerable Expeed processor lineage. This sensor’s larger photosites provide excellent signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, often outperforming the Canon in low light, despite the lower pixel count.

What does this mean practically? The 90D will yield more resolution for landscapes, portraits - ideal when detail and cropping flexibility matter. The D700’s full-frame sensor shines when shooting in dim conditions, offering richer tonality and cleaner shadows, particularly favored in wedding and event photography.

Viewing Experience: Optical Viewfinders and LCD Displays

An optical viewfinder’s brightness, coverage, and magnification can make or break user experience during fast-paced shoots.

The 90D features an optical pentaprism viewfinder covering 100% of the scene with 0.6x magnification. The 100% coverage is reassuring, letting you compose precisely without surprises around the edges.

The D700 offers 95% coverage but a slightly higher magnification of 0.72x, providing a somewhat larger view but cropping just outside the frame. A minor downside when pixel-perfect framing is critical.

Both are sharp, clear optical viewfinders - classic DSLR strengths over electronic options. However, modern touchscreens on the 90D offer benefits in live view and video modes not available on the D700.

The Canon’s fully articulated touchscreen LCD invites creative shooting angles and immediate menu navigation. The Nikon’s fixed screen is less versatile, lacking touchscreen and higher resolution - a significant limitation for live previewing detailed focus or video framing.

In short, for those valuing a dynamic rear LCD experience, the Canon 90D is a clear winner, while the Nikon retains a reliable, if static, traditional display.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus performance defines success in many genres - sports, wildlife, even street photography.

The Canon 90D incorporates a 45-point all-cross-type Phase Detection AF system with Dual Pixel CMOS AF in live view, allowing fast, smooth, and accurate autofocus including face detection, Touch AF, and continuous tracking.

The D700 offers a 51-point phase-detection AF system, although not all points are cross-type, limiting its precision in some cases. It lacks face or eye detection aid and does not support live view autofocus as fluidly as the Canon.

In continuous shooting modes, the 90D can shoot up to 11 frames per second (fps) with autofocus and exposure tracking, while Nikon tops out at a comparatively modest 5 fps.

For capturing fast animals, athletes, or children in motion, the Canon’s autofocus sophistication and high burst rate deliver greater confidence and frame rate efficiency.

Image Quality and Real-World Shooting Results

Evaluating image quality requires rigorous testing - shooting standardized scenes, high-contrast subjects, varied lighting, and diverse lenses.

Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back Nikon D700 screen back

• Portraits: The Canon’s higher resolution captures more subtle skin texture and renders background bokeh smoothly with compatible lenses; Dual Pixel AF quickly locks eyes for tack-sharp focus. Nikon’s full-frame sensor provides creamy background defocus and slightly better low-light color accuracy but with lower resolution - some may prefer its classic Nikon color rendition.

• Landscapes: The Canon’s 33MP delivers crispy details perfect for large prints. The Nikon’s superior dynamic range (measured at 12.2 EV vs unknown for Canon 90D, but generally APS-C less than full-frame) helps recover more shadow and highlight data - a big plus in high-contrast scenes.

• Wildlife and Sports: Canon’s faster burst shooting and advanced autofocus tracking excel here; Nikon’s slower fps is a limitation.

• Street and Travel: The 90D’s compact footprint and articulated touchscreen provide discreet shooting options. The Nikon’s low-light prowess helps capture night street scenes with less noise.

• Macro: Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, so lens or tripod stabilization is key. Canon’s finer resolution helps, especially for focus stacking workflows, although stacking isn’t natively supported on either camera.

• Night/Astro: Nikon’s larger sensor and better high ISO performance give it the edge in astrophotography and long exposures; Canon’s higher resolution combined with good noise control can produce impressive results but with some noise at high ISO.

Video Capabilities: A Modern Feature Set vs Absence

If you plan to shoot video, the Canon 90D is the clear choice.

It offers 4K UHD video at 30p up to 120 Mbps, Full HD at 120p for slow-motion, clean HDMI output, and microphone and headphone jacks. The fully articulating touchscreen aids framing and controlling settings on the fly, while Dual Pixel AF delivers smooth autofocus during recording.

The Nikon D700, introduced in 2008, lacks video recording capabilities altogether.

So if video is remotely on your radar - for hybrid photo-video projects or casual recordings - the Canon 90D provides a thoroughly modern video platform.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Durability Matters

Both cameras share weather-sealed, mid-size DSLR builds meant for professional enthusiasts, but there are nuances.

The Nikon D700 employs a robust magnesium alloy chassis with extensive sealing, trusted by pros for withstanding demanding field conditions. It’s heavier, contributing to a sturdy feel.

Canon’s 90D also utilizes weather sealing and a durable polycarbonate plus metal frame, making it reliable outdoors, though perhaps slightly less rugged compared to Nikon’s pro-grade reputation.

Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so you’ll want proper protection if shooting under extreme conditions.

Battery Life and Media Storage: Staying Power in the Field

Battery life is crucial for long days out shooting.

The Canon 90D boasts an impressive 1300-shot per charge rating (CIPA standard), which generally translates to more real-world power. Its rechargeable LP-E6N battery is shared across many Canon models.

The D700 offers around 1000 shots per battery cycle using the EN-EL3e battery. It tends to drain faster partly due to the older battery tech and lack of power-optimized LCD.

Media-wise, the Canon 90D uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards supporting high-speed UHS-II for faster write times - great for 4K video and burst shooting. The Nikon employs a single CompactFlash Type I slot, limiting media choices by today’s standards.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration: Modern vs Vintage

Wireless connectivity is now a workflow staple.

The Canon 90D features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control, image transfer, and firmware updates via smartphone apps - a boon for quick sharing and social media workflows.

The Nikon D700 lacks any built-in wireless functionality, which means tethered shooting requires additional accessories, and image transfer is manual via card readers.

USB connection in the Canon supports faster data transfer and USB-PD fast charging, while Nikon uses older USB 2.0 standards.

If you rely on wireless image delivery or remote operation, the 90D offers clear modern advantages.

Lens Ecosystem: Availability and Compatibility

Choosing a camera is only half the story - lenses define your creative possibilities.

The Canon 90D uses the EF/EF-S mount, compatible with an enormous catalog of 326 native lenses, plus third-party optics from Sigma, Tamron, and others. EF-S lenses are designed specifically for APS-C sensors, ensuring compact size and optimal image circles.

The Nikon D700 takes advantage of the venerable Nikon F mount with its huge range of 309 compatible lenses, spanning from AF-S G-series to manual focus classics. Nikon’s full-frame mount gives you access to pro-grade optics that can be used without crop, vital for wide-angle or ultra-high-quality portraits.

Both ecosystems are mature and professional; your choice may pivot on specific favorite lenses or brand loyalty.

Pricing and Value: What’s the Cost of Ownership?

The Canon 90D launched at approximately $1,200 (body only), whereas the Nikon D700, now discontinued but sought after on the used market, commands about $2,700 or more depending on condition.

The 90D, offering the latest tech, higher resolution, and video, represents a strong value for enthusiasts who want a capable all-rounder without breaking the bank.

The D700’s higher price reflects its full-frame sensor and pro-level durability - still competitive for those seeking full-frame image quality on a budget, provided video isn’t needed.

Specialized Performance: How Do These Cameras Handle Different Photography Genres?

Let’s break down genre-specific capabilities for clearer decision-making.

• Portraits: 90D’s high resolution and eye-detection AF give it a slight edge in crisp, nuanced skin rendition and autofocus accuracy. D700’s full-frame bokeh and color rendering remain charming to portrait artists.

• Landscape: Both deliver strong performance; 90D’s resolution wins for cropping, D700’s dynamic range aids in tough lighting.

• Wildlife: Faster burst rates and AF improvements in 90D tip the scale towards Canon here.

• Sports: 90D’s 11 fps and advanced AF tracking pull ahead for action shooters.

• Street: 90D’s smaller body and articulated screen help discreet and creative angles.

• Macro: Resolution benefits 90D; D700 offers full-frame depth but lower pixel count.

• Night/Astro: Full-frame D700 shines with better noise control and dynamic range.

• Video: 90D is the undisputed winner with 4K and hybrid features.

• Travel: 90D’s lighter weight, battery life, and modern features make it more versatile.

• Pro Work: D700 holds value for full-frame image quality and reliability; 90D adds modern connectivity and ease of use.

Final Thoughts: Which DSLR Fits Your Photography Journey?

To wrap up this detailed comparison - if you’re looking for a modern, versatile DSLR with high resolution, excellent autofocus, 4K video, and connectivity, the Canon 90D is an outstanding choice for enthusiasts and semi-pros. It excels in portrait, sports, landscape, and travel photography, offering a well-rounded package for under $1,500.

If your priority is full-frame image quality, robust build, and superb low-light performance, and you’re comfortable with a more dated interface plus no video, the Nikon D700 remains a compelling option - especially if you find a good deal in the used market and have legacy Nikon lenses.

Both cameras respect traditional DSLR strengths: optical viewfinders, tactile controls, and durable bodies. But the Canon 90D brings today’s digital innovations to the table, while the D700 holds onto classic DSLR virtues.

If you want my detailed video walkthrough of handling and autofocus tests comparing both cameras, check the links above. And, of course, feel free to ask if you want lens recommendations tailored to your favorite genres.

Happy shooting!

Article Images Summary:

• - Hands-on size and weight familiarization
• - Button and control layout for user experience
• - Sensor tech fundamentals and image quality
• - LCD usability and touchscreen features
• Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back Nikon D700 screen back
  - Real-world photo samples across genres
• - Overall performance metrics and rankings
• - Genre-specific scoring to guide buying choices