I decided not to do another feature comparison of Nikon D300 vs D90 like I did in the D300 vs D80 review. Just type “D300 vs D90” in Google and you will find a lot of good articles on feature comparisons.
What I will concentrate on, however, is the high ISO noise comparison in a low-light environment. I ran two quick tests – one with an external flash and one without. Both tests are performed on a sturdy tripod, with timed exposure to prevent camera vibrations. Both Nikon D300 and Nikon D90 were set exactly the same way, shot in manual mode with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G at f/5.6. Exposures were exactly the same in both cameras, depending on ISO value. Shot both in RAW (Active D-Lighting off, High ISO NR Normal), then imported into Lightroom, cropped and exported with “Camera Standard” camera profile. The rest of the data is available via EXIF on the files to those who are interested in technical details.
Note:
- “Test 1″ is 100% crop of the original image without using flash. Center focus on the house under “Pepperidge Farm”
- “Test 2″ is 100% crop of the original image with an external flash on a shoot-through white umbrella. Center focus on the right eye of the doll.
Full “Test 1″ photo, ISO 200 (click for full image):
D90 ISO 800 Test 1:
D300 ISO 800 Test 1:
D90 ISO 1600 Test 1:
D300 ISO 1600 Test 1:
D90 ISO 3200 Test 1:
D300 ISO 3200 Test 1:
D90 ISO 6400 Test 1:
D300 ISO 6400 Test 1:
Full “Test 2″ photo, ISO 200 (click for full image):
D90 ISO 800 Test 2:
D300 ISO 800 Test 2:
D90 ISO 1600 Test 2:
D300 ISO 1600 Test 2:
D90 ISO 3200 Test 2:
D300 ISO 3200 Test 2:
D90 ISO 6400 Test 2:
D300 ISO 6400 Test 2:
Conclusion:
As expected, both Nikon D90 and Nikon D300 produce almost identical results in ISO 200-800. Seems like the on-camera image processing is identical for this ISO range. However, starting from ISO 1600 and above, I noticed that D90 performs a little better in controlling noise. Looks like Nikon is using a different method of on-camera noise reduction on D90. My main purpose of this test was to test whether D90 images are sharper in higher ISOs than D300, as claimed by Ken Rockwell in his ISO 3200 comparison tests. I can now conclude that Ken Rockwell’s D300 definitely has focusing issues, since I did not see any sharpness differences between both cameras in my tests. In fact, I think D90 actually applies more noise reduction than D300, resulting in less noise in higher ISOs. Look at ISO 6400 – D90 grains look “squished” together (which typically happens because of more aggressive noise reduction), while D300 is showing more “normal” grain.
Other notes:
- D300 has a problem with over-exposing shots in matrix metering mode. D90 does not have this problem and seems to behave much better. I would recommend setting the exposure compensation switch to “-0.3 or -0.7″ on the D300 to get proper exposure.
- I noticed that the images from D90 on “Test 2″ look a little less sharp compared to D300 (look at the doll’s eyelashes). This might be due to a slight back-focus issue on the D90, but could also be due to the fact that D90 is physically lower than D300. I did not adjust the tripod while changing the cameras, so the focus could have shifted a little on D90.
- I have not posted full images of D90 and D300 from the above tests because the files are too big.
- The above tests only demonstrate camera capabilities in two different conditions. Other people might get different results, depending on light conditions, camera settings, etc.
- If you want to retain the best image quality, I would not recommend using ISO levels higher than 800 on either D90 or D300. Sometimes I might use ISO 1600 if the light conditions are poor, but anything beyond that impacts the sharpness of the image. Even noise reduction software won’t do much help at ISO levels higher than 1600.
- I did not have a chance to test the video capabilities of the D90. I know a lot of people are looking forward to this feature, but I wouldn’t get too excited about it. The camera won’t auto-focus in video mode and there are limitations and known issues with video on D90. Hopefully the next generation DSLRs will have better video mode functionality.
Nasim Mansurov
I bought this dSLR after reading a bunch of positive reviews online and seeing it was a best pick on Amazon. Overall I’m extremely satisfied with the purchase. As others have mentioned, it’s not perfect, but it’s probably the best available right now in this price range.
This is my first dSLR and I was impressed with how quickly I was able to jump in and start using it. You can get excellent images right out of the box using the Auto or scene modes. I took it to the USC football game last weekend and was able to get great shots using in Action mode. The images were very sharp, noise free, and because of the 12.3MP resolution, I was able to crop them while still having plenty to work with.
The movie mode is very cool, but the limitations (no autofocus, 5 minute limit for HD) are a bit annoying. It’s definitely not a replacement for an HD camcorder, but it’s good enough for general purpose.
The lens is nice because it’s light and compact, but the 18-200mm lens would be a lot more useful. I’ll probably end up either buying that or the 70-300mm lens so I can get close-up shots.
I’d highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a dSLR in this price range. Even if it’s your first dSLR, you’ll be able to get great shots with it out of the box, and as many users have pointed out, image quality is nearly on par with the more expensive D300. I kept postponing my dSLR purchase because they kept getting better and cheaper, but this one was intriguing enough to make me bite the bullet.
Thank you for your feedback John!
I am a complete amateur with no desire to enter into the professional world. I just want to take great pics of my kids. I LOVE thiscamera!!!!! I use the auto setting and the pics are unbelievable. From the moment I picked it up out of the box (literally) it has surpassed all my expectations and I’ve captured some truly amazing shots. My point-and-shoot (canon sd1100 which I still keep in my purse for snapshots) maybe, maybe would have been fast enough to catch the same look on my kids faces, but the depth of field and color from the d90 are just breathtaking.
I’m sure if I learned to use all the settings I could do even more. And eventually I will, because it does seem pretty easy to navigate the menus and the buttons are all pretty clear. For now, I just wanted to move up to a higher image quality from the point-and-shoots, and the entry level DSLRs felt too plasticy and cheap for their price. This does not. It is still plastic, but feels solid, not like I could break it with too tight a grip.
The only real problem I had with it was the shoulder strap was ugly and uncomfortable. I found a really nice replacement strap at a camera store for about $15.
So if you are an amateur just looking for something better than what’s available on the point-and-shoot market, this is a very useable, non-intimidating camera that will suit you needs.
Thank you for your feedback Collins!
hello again nasim,
i have bought the d90 with the 17-55 mm as u advised me and also the 105 micro lens. what kind of lens filter do u advise me to buy for these 2 lenses?
( 02.11.2010 “i intend to use the cam mostly for landscapes, pictures of buildings, people&people portraits, urban life photography mostly.”)
and also what kind of memory card do u know that works best with this cam?
thx a lot!
raluca
Raluca, sorry for a late response. Congratulations with your purchase!
In terms of lens filters, get a clear filter from either Hoya, B+W or Tiffen and make sure to get a high quality MRC version. Look up the lens specs and get the filters in the correct sizes.
In terms of memory card, any of the SDHC cards should work perfectly fine, but I personally prefer the SanDisk Extreme series.
I absolutely love this camera – the quality of pictures are excellent. It is a very good camera for action shots at the kids ball games. I am not very good with electronics but this camera is easy to use and even I figured it out.
Alex, thank you for your feedback!
one more question please: how to clean the d90 camera sensor? tips and advice for beginers.
thx a lot!
ral
I just attended a Nikon School course and they advise to take it to your nearest Nikon dealer and ask them to have Nikon clean the sensor. DO NOT ATTEMPT IT YOURSELF. It’s easy to damage the sensor or the mirror cage.
Joe, it really depends on how careful you are with the equipment. I have cleaned my sensors from the very beginning and I have never damaged anything. Surely it is nice to be able to take a camera to Nikon for cleaning every time if you have the money and time, but it is just not very practical…
You’re right. They said it’s better to bring it in but that anyone can do it, though it’s “not for the faint of heart.” hehe
You have just gotten the D90 and you already have dust on the sensor? :) Do you have a Giotto’s Rocket blower?
nooooo, i dont have the dust yet :))), is just an advice i want from u, since i ll have to do it sooner or later, i wonder what shall i do then. since we dont have in here (romania) a nikon service let alone a nikon scchool course or a nikon service center, just nikon parteners we have in here is a bit complicated to have it clean by them.
but my bro owns a d40 and while i changed lenses i noticed someting on the sensor, so i wondered what’s to be done in that case.
thx for your answer nasim!
Raluca, please check Cris Professional (Canon service) or Skin (Nikon service). I’m sure they will help you cleaning the sensor. I’m not sure but they may charge you with ~15E. Anyways, you can clean it by yourself. Go to any photo store and buy the Eclipse E2(C?) along with swabs. Clean it in a sealed room with no dust (bathroom, maybe?).
dada, am avut un canon a95 cu problema din fabricatie, si au fost foarte promti si profesionisti! nu ma indoiesc de porfesionalismul lor, insa sint pe canon si nu nikon. de skin n-am auzit dar ma voi documenta, mersi mult de sfaturi!
Mihai, thank you for your response, appreciate your help!
I too use the Eclipse E2 with swabs to clean my sensors, but it might be a little overwhelming for a beginner like Raluca. I would say the safest way is to dry blowing the dust using a Giottos Rocket Blower and if that doesn’t work, try to find someone local to clean the sensor, as you have suggested.
Raluca, sounds good, I will put together a howto later this week! Sorry for not being able to respond right away, I took a nice long vacation with my family :)
great! i bet u took some marvelous pictures as well :))
as for me, ive bought the giottos blower and the 70-300 mm lens :D
so far my kit consist of:
d90 body, 105 macro, 17-55 and 70-300, cleaning kit and spare nikon battery, next on purchaise list are the neutral filters for each lens.
quite enough id say, maybe …also flash …. but later.
as for the “how to” im looking forward to reading it nasim!
thx again for your advices and keep in touch!
Raluca, you have a great setup for photography! Now you have to go out and shoot more :)
Hi! Thank you for good reading :) this site is now bookmarked..
I just wonder how you think D300 and D90 will work with indoor concerts?
I take mostly pics of that…i have a D200 and D80 now, but cant go over ISO 800..i get many good pics, but wants to upgrade..D700 is out of my reach until later..
I use Sigma lenses mostly..24-70 on the D200 and 70-200 on my D80..
Thank you for visiting us Kenneth!
I recently took concert pictures of Santana and I would say that a full-frame sensor is extremely helpful to keep the shutter speed higher…I know you have said that D700 is out of a reach for you, but I would recommend against upgrading to D300 or D90 at this time and rather wait and get an FX sensor later instead. D300/D90 are great cameras, but the images are still unusable beyond ISO 800 for me.
Hope this helps.
Hi Nasim
I’ve bought the D90 kit !!! After a fierce battle between the EOS 550d/EOS 500d vs D90, I made my decision based on feel and handling of the camera, as well as the pricing of the camera bodies whereby the EOS and D90 is almost similar! Why pay more for a newer body when the proven one is more capable? Thank you so much for your insight on the matter, Nasim. I’m learning.
Wochomi, congratulations! D90 is a superb camera and you will absolutely love it!
Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment!
Hai there. I have one question. Which DLSR preferable in your opinion. Take into account about the shutter speed, ISO and etc.
Regards.
Kyle, if this is your first DSLR, go for the D90 and buy better lenses instead! Nikon is currently giving a $200 rebate on Nikon D90 + 18-105 + 70-300mm lenses, which is a steal.
Check out my Nikon Rebates page to see more discounted combos. The promotion ends at the end of the month though.
Let me know if you have any questions.
nasim, ive looking for some lenses, and i noticed for 17-55 mm that are two types of lense, extrawide and normal les, im puzzeled now, which one is more suitable for that les, whide or normal?
thx in advanced nasim.
not lenses but filters for lenses! my mystake
Raluca, sorry for a late response. Don’t worry about the wide filters and get the normal one. Wide filters can be problematic with lens caps…
i see. thx a lot for the advice
I bought one of the first D90s, before they hit the stores, and that may have been the problem. I’m a pro, and my first photo shoot resulted in the customer noting that the images were soft. I unsharp-masked them further, and they were acceptible. I took the camera into a Ritz camera store, and shot the D300 with the same lens. The sharpness on the LCD of the D300 said it all, and I parted with $800 difference on the spot. My D90 was way softer than the D300, and they do NOT have the same sensor as some sites claim; they are different part numbers.
Marshall, I bet your soft images were due to AF issues on the camera. Image quality-wise, the Nikon D90 yields cleaner images than the D300, as can be seen from the above shots. And yes, the sensors on both are different – D90 has a better sensor.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for this interesting post. I am glad I found it as I was looking to upgrade my D90 and one of the main reasons was better IQ at low light. Now, I will save my money and wait for significant improvement in the next models before looking again.
Rod
Rod, sounds good, wait for the new D90 update – Nikon is rumored to release an update soon.