Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90
54 Imaging
73 Features
80 Overall
75
![Nikon D800 front Nikon D800 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-D800/Nikon-D800-front.jpg)
![Nikon D90 front Nikon D90 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-D90/Nikon-D90-front.jpg)
60 Imaging
51 Features
52 Overall
51
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Boost to 25600)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 900g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Revealed June 2012
- Replaced the Nikon D700
- Replacement is Nikon D810
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Increase to 6400)
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 703g - 132 x 103 x 77mm
- Launched October 2008
- Earlier Model is Nikon D80
- Renewed by Nikon D7000
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Overview
On this page, we are looking at the Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90, both Advanced DSLR cameras and both of them are built by Nikon. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the D800 (36MP) and D90 (12MP) and the D800 (Full frame) and D90 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
The D800 was unveiled 3 years later than the D90 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the D800 matches up versus the D90 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D800 and Nikon D90. The full galleries are available at Nikon D800 Gallery and Nikon D90 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D800 over the Nikon D90
D800 | D90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | June 2012 | ![]() | October 2008 | More recent by 45 months |
Display dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Crisper display (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon D90 over the Nikon D800
D90 | D800 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D800 and Nikon D90
D800 | D90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | No Touch display |
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Physical Comparison
When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D800 provides exterior measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs) whilst the Nikon D90 has dimensions of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") and a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the D800 and the D90.
![Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 size comparison Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-D90-size-comparison.jpg)
Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the D800 and D90 is 54 and 60 respectively.
![Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 top view buttons comparison Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-D90-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the D800 and D90.
To sum up, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The D800 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Nikon D800 will produce more detail having an extra 24MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more recent D800 should have an edge in sensor technology.
![Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 sensor size comparison Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-D90-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-D90-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D800 vs Nikon D90 Specifications
Nikon D800 | Nikon D90 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Nikon |
Model type | Nikon D800 | Nikon D90 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Revealed | 2012-06-11 | 2008-10-13 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed 3 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 35.9 x 24mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor surface area | 861.6mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 36 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 3:2 |
Full resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 4288 x 2848 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Max boosted ISO | 25600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 51 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | 15 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon F | Nikon F |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 309 |
Focal length multiplier | 1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3.2 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dot | 920k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen tech | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 4.0 frames per second | 4.5 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 17.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain, High-speed sync | Auto, On, Off, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/250 secs | 1/200 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 900g (1.98 pounds) | 703g (1.55 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 146 x 123 x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") | 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 95 | 73 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 25.3 | 22.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.4 | 12.5 |
DXO Low light rating | 2853 | 977 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 900 images | 850 images |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL15 | EN-EL3e |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec, 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 sec) | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | SD/SDHC |
Storage slots | 2 | One |
Launch cost | $2,999 | $1,199 |