Clicky

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1

Portability
60
Imaging
52
Features
52
Overall
52
Nikon D90 front
 
Olympus E-1 front
Portability
59
Imaging
38
Features
36
Overall
37

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Key Specs

Nikon D90
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 703g - 132 x 103 x 77mm
  • Launched October 2008
  • Older Model is Nikon D80
  • Replacement is Nikon D7000
Olympus E-1
(Full Review)
  • 5MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 1.8" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • No Video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 735g - 141 x 104 x 81mm
  • Introduced November 2003
  • Newer Model is Olympus E-3
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Overview

In this article, we are reviewing the Nikon D90 and Olympus E-1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Pro DSLR by companies Nikon and Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the D90 (12MP) and E-1 (5MP) and the D90 (APS-C) and E-1 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

The D90 was released 4 years after the E-1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D90 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the D90 matches up against the E-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance
	
	

Reasons to pick Nikon D90 over the Olympus E-1

 D90 E-1 
IntroducedOctober 2008November 2003Newer by 60 months
Display sizing3"1.8"Larger display (+1.2")
Display resolution920k134kClearer display (+786k dot)

Reasons to pick Olympus E-1 over the Nikon D90

 E-1 D90 

Common features in the Nikon D90 and Olympus E-1

 D90 E-1 
Focus manually Dial accurate focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither has selfie screen
Touch display Neither has Touch display

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Physical Comparison

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon D90 has external measurements of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") and a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs) while the Olympus E-1 has measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D90 and Olympus E-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the D90 vs the E-1.

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the D90 and E-1 is 60 and 59 respectively.

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it is very tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by checking out technical specs. The image here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the D90 and E-1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D90 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon D90 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 7MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern D90 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 sensor size comparison

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon D90 Portrait photography advice
Olympus E-1 Portrait photography advice
63
focusing manually
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
offers face detection focusing
saves RAW files
low resolution (12MP)
46
focusing manually
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW formats
doesn't have liveview
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Street Comparison

Nikon D90 as a Street photography camera
Olympus E-1 as a Street photography camera
54
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
no articulating screen
no image stabilization
57
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
lighter than competition in class (735g)
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon D90
Sports photography with Olympus E-1
46
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
comes with phase detect AF
max fps low (4.5 frames per second)
no image stabilization
low resolution (12MP)
40
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
environment proofing
comes with phase detect AF
doesn't have liveview
max fps very slow (3.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Travel Comparison

Nikon D90 Travel photography features
Olympus E-1 Travel photography features
44
has built in flash
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
low resolution (12 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
47
lighter than competition in class (735g)
environment proofing
missing Time Lapse recording
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
does not feature selfie friendly display
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Landscape Comparison

Nikon D90 as a Landscape photography camera
Olympus E-1 as a Landscape photography camera
58
focusing manually
switch lenses (Nikon F mount)
good sized screen (3")
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
no image stabilization
low resolution (12 megapixels)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
46
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
screen is small (1.8 inches)
doesn't have liveview
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
missing Time Lapse recording
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D90 as a Vlogging camera
Olympus E-1 as a Vlogging camera
21
offers face detection focusing
display isn't selfie friendly
no image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external mic socket
9
no video shooting
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Nikon D90 vs Olympus E-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D90 and Olympus E-1
 Nikon D90Olympus E-1
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Olympus
Model type Nikon D90 Olympus E-1
Class Advanced DSLR Pro DSLR
Launched 2008-10-13 2003-11-29
Body design Mid-size SLR Large SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size APS-C Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor area 372.9mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 5 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 4:3
Max resolution 4288 x 2848 2560 x 1920
Max native ISO 3200 3200
Max enhanced ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 200 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points 11 3
Lens
Lens support Nikon F Micro Four Thirds
Amount of lenses 309 45
Focal length multiplier 1.5 2.1
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inch 1.8 inch
Resolution of display 920k dot 134k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Display technology Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 96 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x 0.48x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30s 60s
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter speed 4.5 frames/s 3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 17.00 m (at ISO 100) no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash sync 1/200s 1/180s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) -
Max video resolution 1280x720 None
Video file format Motion JPEG -
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 703g (1.55 pounds) 735g (1.62 pounds)
Dimensions 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") 141 x 104 x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 73 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 22.7 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.5 not tested
DXO Low light rating 977 not tested
Other
Battery life 850 shots -
Battery form Battery Pack -
Battery ID EN-EL3e -
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC Compact Flash (Type I or II)
Storage slots 1 1
Retail pricing $1,199 $1,700