Nikon D90 reviews needed

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AK86

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Amy
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I am thinking of buying the D90 as my first camera, the camera comes with 18-105mm lens, does anyone already have this camera? If so, would they recommend?
 
I had that combo until before Christmas. I got some great shots. It's a fantastic all round camera. Nice sensor, plenty enough megapixels, and decent enough low light performance.
Auto focus is quick, but not as quick as say d300, so if you are into motor sports or the like it might not be quick enough.
 
I have the D90. I think its a fantastic camera. It can be basic enough for you to learn but has enough functions to allow you grow into it and not need to upgrade too soon.
 
I got one with the 18-105 kit lens about a month ago after deliberating over a few. Although I'm still new to "proper" photography, I know that I made the right choice with the camera. It has the idiot mode, but I'm starting to move away from that to experiment with all the other settings - and unlike some of the lower spec models it allows direct access to most modes etc.

Unless you have a need for something semi-pro, I can't recommend it highly enough (in fact after having a go with mine, a good friend upgraded his D40 to a D90 about a week later).
 
i have the d90, this is my first dslr,and i can highly recommend it,easy to use, only advice i could give as a beginner like me, is to read as much as you can about it,and about exposure etc,there are some great tutorials on here,also try utube,i actually bought a book on the d90 before the camera,just to get some basic knowledge, it was the nikon d90 companion by ben long, it was a good help, hope this is of help to you,
 
I upgraded to a D90 from a D40x two years ago and am really pleased with it. There's still lots I need to learn so I don't feel I've outgrown it yet. The 18-105 is a great lens. Team it up with a couple of primes and you're well away.
 
I've had a D90 and 18-105 since just before Christmas. It's an awesome camera but it really helps to read a good book about it because there are so many options that you can set and ways to use it.

For inspiration, have a look at the D90 user groups on Flickr.

Oh, and get a 50mm prime ;-)

Enjoy!
 
I use a D90 and am very happy with it. I would suggest reading the Magic Lantern guide to get the most out of it. After being so pleased with the D90 I bought a D300s (sometimes I need the better autofocus and extra frame rate) which is now my main camera but I still use the D90 quite a bit and think of it as a D300s in a smaller lighter package with a few compromises. It would be hard to be disappointed with a D90.
 
truly great all round camera, dont think the D7000 is worth th extra, at current prices the D90 is a bargain!
 
A question:

what do you want to do with the D90? The camera itself is great but the 18-105 lens may limit what you can do. For general shooting, learning the basics etc, the lens is fine but you may find that you want faster lenses very soon.

I have the D90 and really recommend it!
 
I don't think so anybody here will tell you anything bad about D90 because it's a fantastic camera. I myself have recently upgraded from D40 to D90 and love this camera. But I also miss D40 because of its small size.

Dont get me wrong but if you are new to photography IMO you should start with a bit basic camera like D3000, D3100 or D5000 rather than going straight to D90. I started with D40 and learnt a lot about photography. D90 is quite pro level camera and will do a lot of things for you (which may also prevent you from learning them yourself). I may be wrong but that's my own honest opinion :).
 
pm79 said:
I don't think so anybody here will tell you anything bad about D90 because it's a fantastic camera. I myself have recently upgraded from D40 to D90 and love this camera. But I also miss D40 because of its small size.

Dont get me wrong but if you are new to photography IMO you should start with a bit basic camera like D3000, D3100 or D5000 rather than going straight to D90. I started with D40 and learnt a lot about photography. D90 is quite pro level camera and will do a lot of things for you (which may also prevent you from learning them yourself). I may be wrong but that's my own honest opinion :).
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Ditto that, but I don't miss the small size. The D40 + 35 1.8 is a sweet little combo for snapshot type shooting, but I like the button controls of the D90. I really like my D90. Great camera.

Thanks
Rick
 
I have the D90 and its a great camera, before I bought it I read reviews that said it was very similar to the D300 with only a few features missing.

Don't know that for certain but I do know its a very capable camera. I use mine for weddings, Portraits and landscapes and it works well for all. I got the 18-105 lens with mine and its a cracking lens, not sure why people slate 'kit lenses' as I think its very capable lens.

Since then I have bought a Nikon 50mm lens (great for portrait but takes practice as depth of field can be very shallow)

Tamron 70-300 good lens for money and macro function is great fun. You do need good light and probably a tripod or monopod when using it

I just got a 80-200 F2.8 of ebay and that is a superb lens (so far) I am looking forward to using that later today in a photoshoot
 
pm79 said:
I don't think so anybody here will tell you anything bad about D90 because it's a fantastic camera. I myself have recently upgraded from D40 to D90 and love this camera. But I also miss D40 because of its small size.

Dont get me wrong but if you are new to photography IMO you should start with a bit basic camera like D3000, D3100 or D5000 rather than going straight to D90. I started with D40 and learnt a lot about photography. D90 is quite pro level camera and will do a lot of things for you (which may also prevent you from learning them yourself). I may be wrong but that's my own honest opinion :).
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I disagree completely... There's nothing on the D90 that's going to "stop you learning". It won't do anything additional for you that the others won't - Pro cameras tend to do less for you, in terms of the auto modes - Pro and semi pro cameras tend to have only four modes (Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual), whereas the D90 has the picutre settings too (like sport for example), and full auto too.

The D90 will serve you well, I've got one as a backup and it does get used alongside the D300 as well, with picture quality being very similar (as they've both got the same sensor, I believe)
The small size, well, the D90's not that big :D
 
mattyh said:
I disagree completely... There's nothing on the D90 that's going to "stop you learning". It won't do anything additional for you that the others won't - Pro cameras tend to do less for you, in terms of the auto modes - Pro and semi pro cameras tend to have only four modes (Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual), whereas the D90 has the picutre settings too (like sport for example), and full auto too.

The D90 will serve you well, I've got one as a backup and it does get used alongside the D300 as well, with picture quality being very similar (as they've both got the same sensor, I believe)
The small size, well, the D90's not that big :D
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Well as I mentioned that it was my own opinion and I wasn't expecting anyone to agree with me. I only meant that as your first camera i would buy a more basic camera like d3100 or d5000 or 2nd hand d40 and invest money in a good lens like 35mm f1.8 and an external flash. I've got 2 friends who bought d90 after looking at my pics and they are hardly using it to its full potential. I think they would have better bought a more basic camera and utilise remaining money for ext flash or some good lenses.

I think everybody here would agree that it's your lenses and your technique of taking pics which matter than your camera (which you can always upgrade later as they keep dropping in prices)
 
pm79 said:
I only meant that as your first camera i would buy a more basic camera like d3100 or d5000 or 2nd hand d40 and invest money in a good lens like 35mm f1.8 and an external flash.
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I don't get this attitude. All it means is that you'll waste money upgrading to a 'better' camera sooner, when you can simply set the D90 to auto everything and use it as a basic camera then use the other controls as and when you you feel the need.

BTW I use a D90 and I'd recommend it as a first DSLR if it's in your price range. :)
 
I went for the 'get the best I could afford' attitude but only because I knew it wasn't going to be a quick phase I was going through and would try and use the camera to as much potential as possible. I now want a D700 and will keep the D90 as a backup.
I do understand the reasoning for going for a more basic cheaper camera but only if your not sure it will be a long term investment.
 
Ed Sutton said:
I don't get this attitude. All it means is that you'll waste money upgrading to a 'better' camera sooner, when you can simply set the D90 to auto everything and use it as a basic camera then use the other controls as and when you you feel the need.

BTW I use a D90 and I'd recommend it as a first DSLR if it's in your price range. :)
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:thumbs: I guess it depends on whether you WILL be upgrading, you never really know if you're going to get the bug or not but I would say that in around 16 months I've gone from D3000 to D90 to D700, of course loosing money along the way...

Get the best you can at the beginning is my recommendation.

I know people say glass before body but I believe in hindsight I would rather have had the best body I could afford from the start and compromise by just getting a nifty 50 or something to begin.

The D90 is great though if recommending something it's what I would say to start with.
 
I am a D5000 owner at moment. wish I had paid extra for a D90. now after a year I am looking at upgrade. mainly for the ability to use af lenses not just afs ones. if you have the money for a D90 go for it. the extra it has over a D3000/3100/5000 make it worth every penny. Not forgetting it's pop up flash can also be used as a Commander too. just my own thoughts from having a so called beginner friendly D5000.
 
i agree with the guys, a good camera to start with. it has an internal focusing motor, a good sensor (works well at high iso, crisp clear shots). Will still work very well as a backup camera should you turn pro.
 
rogermbyrne said:
:thumbs: I guess it depends on whether you WILL be upgrading, you never really know if you're going to get the bug or not but I would say that in around 16 months I've gone from D3000 to D90 to D700, of course loosing money along the way...

Get the best you can at the beginning is my recommendation.

I know people say glass before body but I believe in hindsight I would rather have had the best body I could afford from the start and compromise by just getting a nifty 50 or something to begin.

The D90 is great though if recommending something it's what I would say to start with.
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That bug of upgrading will always be there even after buying d90 IMO :)

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Thank you for all your advice. I was looking to spend about £700 so the D90 fits the budget, so whilst I have the money I am thinking I should get it now and then buy extra lenses as I go along and seen as the lens that comes with the camera sounds quite good I think I should be ok with just that one whilst I begin to learn.....

A couple of people mentioned a light......is this for when you are taking pictures indoors? How much is a decent light? Is this something I could perhaps try and get second hand?

Thank you
Amy
 
AK86 said:
Thank you for all your advice. I was looking to spend about £700 so the D90 fits the budget, so whilst I have the money I am thinking I should get it now and then buy extra lenses as I go along and seen as the lens that comes with the camera sounds quite good I think I should be ok with just that one whilst I begin to learn.....

A couple of people mentioned a light......is this for when you are taking pictures indoors? How much is a decent light? Is this something I could perhaps try and get second hand?

Thank you
Amy
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You mean flash? Indoors you can use flash by bouncing off ceiling (if it's light coloured). Outdoors you can use that as 'fill flash' to fill shadows caused by harsh sunlight. I would say external flash can make a hell of a difference to your pics. Well it's definitely done to mine!
 
I am very happy with the D5000 I bought last year, and am still learning with it. I will upgrade to a D90 at some point simply for the reasons mentioned above, mainly the lens choice though.

If a D90 with 'just' a kit lens is in your price range then that's what I'd buy.
 
I have a D90 I now use as a back up to my D300s.

The D90 is excellent, if its in your budget, get it.
 
Have had one with the 18-105 for just over year. Loving every minute of it. It is my first DSLR and I have to admit to concerns that it might be too 'advanced' for a beginner before I got one. I had no need to fear - it's simply fantastic to use and I am well please with the images I'm getting.
 
I bought a d90 this weekend and I couldn't be happier with it. I've been using a 35mm prime on mine and it's performed brilliantly. Good luck with your new hobby!
 
It was my first DSLR and a great camera. Even to date it still delivers fantastic pics if coupled with the right glass. The kit lens is decent but the tamron 17-55 2.8 is inexpensive and excellent!
 
Having spoke to a friend yesterday who is now going to do the course with me, she suggests I might be better to get something like a s7000 second hand for about £150-£200 to see how I get, make sure I enjoy it and then upgrade when I know more later on. This is probably a sensible idea but on the other hand, I do want a decent camera anyway.....if I don't take the photography further than just a hobby (or taking family pictures) do you think I will notice a massive difference in these cameras?
 
Ah... noooooo


Get the d90.!!


I went from a bridge (fujifilm 430 I think) to minolta to d300. D300 yah!

Anyway, I recommend staying away from entry models (d40/d40x/d3000 etc) just because they limit you. The d90 with in built motor allows the older (read cheaper) lenses to af should you feel the need to upgrade lens collections ;)

I think it has a movie mode and preset modes for starters. Then as you progress change to "A" mode :) Versatile.



The bug to upgrade is still there - would like a d700 but the d300 gives good pictures and the d90 is a cut down version of the d300.

As to lenses, if you are looking for cheap but good starter (kit lens) then look to 50mm f1.8 (around 100ukp new) or a 35mm f1.8 (jessops for 170 new)

Then it all depends what you prefer to shoot.
 
If you are doing a course, go for a DSLR and the D90 is the way to go as you will have read in these pages ;)
 
I'd agree with the last two posts - stick with the idea of a D90 it is capable of better results than the S7000. I have an S5000 and an S5800 and they have their uses but you will notice the difference between the photos taken with an S7000 and a D90. The D90 will be excellent if you decide not to pursue your photography more but will enable you to do more if you wish by adding new lenses.
 
Ok I will stick with the D90, thank you for your help.
 
Just my two cents but if you're OK with fleabay then there are some absolute bargains to be had at the moment.
The used price seems to have dropped from around £550 when I bought mine 8 months ago, to around £350!
I just picked one up for my girlfriend with 1000< actuations for £300!

A refurbished body can be had for £440.

Obviously that depends on your comfort level with fleabay!

Edit: Both myself and my partner use D90's, as I said I have been using mine for around 8 months after 'downgrading' from a canon 7D (Due to lack of use) and have found it a more than capable camera. I know some people say the AF isn't as quick as more expensive cameras but I use it with a 10 year old Tamron lens for shooting horse racing and have never had a problem!
 
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Hi Amy,
Don't bother with a bridge camera, I made that mistake when I got rid of my Nikon F601 to go digital, and although the Panasonic I bought was quite capable I soon missed the advantages of an SLR so I quickly changed to a D50. I bought it after the D40 and D60 were out so I could have the internal motor, and although all my lenses are A-FS ( having sold my older Nikkors with the 601) I still want the capability to use older lenses.
The point I am trying to make is to help you avoid making an expensive mistake like I did. By the way, I am now saving for a D90 and now they are around the £500 mark new I don't think I shall bother with a used one. I have been more than happy with the D50 but find the smaller screen a bit a bit of a problem, and of course with a D90 I shall have the added benefits of live view and movie mode, as well as all the other technical advantages.
 
Hi, so it seems majority think I should stick with the D90 so that is what I will do, it comes with a 18-105mm lens so that should be enough for me to start with. Now I rang Jessops today to see what deals they had and they suggested I did get a filter to protect the screen, do you think this is true? Also, I have been told I need a flash gun but these are soooooo expensive !!?!?!? Are they both a must?
 
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