Worth buying a D90 before it's discontinued?

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Is it worth buying a D90 before it's discontinued or shall I wait for the next model to roll out?
 
What will the next one do that the D90 can't....I bought a D300, last of the Currys stock after the D300s came out at a very good price and other than full frame I see no reason to update when something new comes out.
 
Buy a D90 after the new one comes out if you want a D90. No point paying full whack now when the same price will probably buy you the D90's replacement.

The D300s was the exact same price that the D300 had previously been when it was the "current model", and the D300 dropped in price, as Scott says.

I'm waiting for the 5DMk2's replacement, so I can pick up a couple of those cheap. :D
 
I bought a D300 for £1046 just before it was discontinued, the D90's successor will be no more better picture taking machine, maybe a few extra switches/features. Shop around it pays to do that you'll save maybe £80 !!
 
I work in Jessops, so i'm grabbing the last boxed d90 + 18-105mm in the region this wednesday! I'm not going to lie i'm really excited about it!

I was just wandering whether it would be worth waiting. I don't think i'd really need anymore features as i'm still on a learning curve and i think it'll do fine for the next year or so! :)
 
Far as I know, Nikon Rumors has a 95% certainty of the D90 being replaced by another model with these features:

16 Megapixel DX Sensor
Full HD (1080p)
New Video AF capability
Improved ISO similar to D700 (100 – 25600)
Improved White Balance
8 f/s Continuous Shooting
Aluminum body parts

Timeline? No se senor. I'd guess X-Mas 2010.
 
The D90 is an excellent camera and really good in low light, it goes up to ISO 6400
it's replacement may be better but not by much

:)
 
Nethawk said:
Far as I know, Nikon Rumors has a 95% certainty of the D90 being replaced by another model with these features:

16 Megapixel DX Sensor
Full HD (1080p)
New Video AF capability
Improved ISO similar to D700 (100 – 25600)
Improved White Balance
8 f/s Continuous Shooting
Aluminum body parts

Timeline? No se senor. I'd guess X-Mas 2010.
Click to expand...

In that case you can be sure that that will not happen. Nikon Rumours is about as reliable as a chocolate coffee mug. Seriously the only time they get anything actually right is when someone else posts it first!

We'll see but info of people who know is that D90,D700 and D300s will all still be current come new year. Might be an addition though ;)
 
Rob 80386 said:
it's replacement may be better but not by much
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When has a replacement ever been much better?

In our current bias to a 'supply-side' economic world is clearly towards manufacture of as many goods as possible and creating demand through marketing and advertising. It is currently not in the interest of this economic model to make large jumps in innovation.
 
IMHO D90 is all you need in real life. just wait for the new d95 or whatever to come out. shops that will still have d90, at the time when they are already putting d95 on the shelf, will have a nice price as they will want to get rid of them.
 
Voyager said:
When has a replacement ever been much better?

In our current bias to a 'supply-side' economic world is clearly towards manufacture of as many goods as possible and creating demand through marketing and advertising. It is currently not in the interest of this economic model to make large jumps in innovation.
Click to expand...

but they still need to grab people attention with some uber-cool useless feature. like 16mp in a poor little sensor. I think that they actually will decrease the mp number in cropped sensors.
they just need people to sell their old d90 and get the new one just to keep the business rolling but in reality - all you actually need was already made in '70ies.
 
Voyager said:
When has a replacement ever been much better?

In our current bias to a 'supply-side' economic world is clearly towards manufacture of as many goods as possible and creating demand through marketing and advertising. It is currently not in the interest of this economic model to make large jumps in innovation.
Click to expand...


There has been a few exceptions to this rule, where the "upgrade" has been better, esp in the Computer industry where hardware is concerned

:)
 
The D300s didnt add anything for many people, looking at the D90 spec (as an old D90 user) I would not say it was worth upgrading aside from the ISO performance, although it depends how much the upgrade would be.
 
There have been a few generation changes like D100 to D200 which was monumental in comparison to D200 to D300 or D300 to D300s. These changes do not happen all that often though and at the same time D1 to D2. D2 to D3 was a big change but we had the D2x in between to soften the blow and the D3 added FF so again not really a like for like replacement. If the D300s's replacement had been the D700 then it would have come into that category too but they live beside each other.
 
New sensors are expensive for Nikon to produce so if they where planning to place a sensor in the new D90 wouldn't they they upgrade the D300s first, otherwise it would lead to the embarrassing situation of the amateur togs having a higher spec camera than the pro togs?

So personally I don't think there will be a new sensor, I think the only reason they will be bring out a new D90 because all the reviews will be saying its two years old!

Stuart
 
stu_the_flat said:
New sensors are expensive for Nikon to produce so if they where planning to place a sensor in the new D90 wouldn't they they upgrade the D300s first, otherwise it would lead to the embarrassing situation of the amateur togs having a higher spec camera than the pro togs?

So personally I don't think there will be a new sensor, I think the only reason they will be bring out a new D90 because all the reviews will be saying its two years old!

Stuart
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You obviously missed the leaked D3100 announcement. The D9(5) will have to have at least a similar or better sensor
 
Regardless of how old it is, I'm going to keep my D90 until it croaks :D

Since Nikon have only just upgraded the D300 to the D300s, it wouldn't make much sense to upgrade it just yet

How about making a full frame version of the D90

:)
 
maybe they'll make a d90x ?

the last announced nikon was D3S, then d3000, d300s , d5000, d3x, d90, d700, d3, d60, d300 .

do you guys see any pattern ?
I can only say that there are news that d700 is taken of the shelves and is the oldest one in the current selling nikon's . so is the d90.
 
The sensor is the most expensive part of the camera, the bigger they are the more fail in production, so they will have a larger investment in the D700 than in the crop sensors, so I would be very surprised if there was a D700 replacement,

Because of its cost I think the D700 will still be selling at a constant rate as amateurs save money to purchase it.

That being said they did have the generous battery grip incentive last month so maybe they are wanting them off the shelf. How exciting!

Stuart
 
Graham00 said:
I bought a D300 for £1046 just before it was discontinued, the D90's successor will be no more better picture taking machine, maybe a few extra switches/features. Shop around it pays to do that you'll save maybe £80 !!
Click to expand...

I paid £899 for mine :D after it was discontinued
 
The D90 is in all respects an amazingly capable camera, I dont need any more (and with the wife now out of work there wont be any chance anyway!)

16 Megapixel DX Sensor
Full HD (1080p)
New Video AF capability
Improved ISO similar to D700 (100 – 25600)
Improved White Balance
8 f/s Continuous Shooting
Aluminum body parts
Click to expand...

IF that is the spec, and personally I think its too good to be true, no one will buy the D300 or indeed the D700. Nikon will have worked a miracle to get the same ISO performance as the D700 in a crop sensor with more mp!!!

Cant see Nikon shooting themselves in the foot like this I think the replacement is more likely to be just a minor upgrade. I cant see that the d3100 is specced as highly as it is suggested either, we shall see.....
 
I'm more concerned of the potential new price of the D90 replacement. The body only, took a while to appear last time round so I don't see upgrading as an option for the time being. Would rather spend the money on some heavy enough to sprain my wrist glass!
 
stu_the_flat said:
The sensor is the most expensive part of the camera, the bigger they are the more fail in production, so they will have a larger investment in the D700 than in the crop sensors, so I would be very surprised if there was a D700 replacement,

Because of its cost I think the D700 will still be selling at a constant rate as amateurs save money to purchase it.

That being said they did have the generous battery grip incentive last month so maybe they are wanting them off the shelf. How exciting!

Stuart
Click to expand...


what you wrote makes sense, BUT ! -

in my line - nikon has made 3 types of D3, all full frame, one d700, 2 d300, one d90, and 3 entry levels.

don't think they are going to touch D3 soon, although, people are finding it difficult to get them new in stores.
dslr makers will always announce new entry levels ASAP as they are the money makers. and it's easier to manipulate with people with good marketing campaign.

the small FF pro camera called D700 - 100% it's going to be replaced next year. although ! - why ? maybe a d700s and a d700x ? but if they make s,x version for d700 people won't buy d3x,s ?

D90 needs to be replaced - sort of. as there is a 550d from canon.

heh !
It would be cool to work in future planning department for nikon ! :D
 
I dare say that if it does get replaced it will only be because of competition and keeping up with the jones's. Canon brings out a camera and then nikon does, same visa-versa.

No point to it on a consumera/pro level, just money making. I'm happy with my D90 do i need anything more for what i need it for, NO!! If i did then i'd just buy a D3 model.
 
Wait till the new model is out, classic example is the 500D I recently bought, the 550D was released and the 500D body dropped with one retailer to £469
 
Voyager said:
When has a replacement ever been much better?
Click to expand...

The D200 was light years ahead of the D100, and the D300 was another big leap over the D200. The D300s vs. D300, not so much other than the addition of video and an extra couple of fps in continuous shooting mode without a grip.
 
If you like the sound of te D90 & the spec's suit you fine as it stands then why dont you get it :shrug:

If I like what a certain piece of equipment does then I'd buy it - I would look for a decent deal on it though (if there was one going)..

Would it have to be new though - a few have come thru the classifieds so why not have a look there & see....

Then again we can all give advice but can we take it if we were in the same shoes as you... As smarties say "only you have the answer"... You do what you feel is right for you...
 
There's always going to be the niggling feeling that whenever you buy, the price will drop soon after. We don't know what's going to happen with the D90 replacement, whether it's going to be the same price for better spec, or better spec of for a little more. TBH, if the D90 suits you then why not buy now? You've obviously decided you need a new body and that the D90 suits your needs for the current selling price.

I can remember buying my D200 for £969 - about a month later they dropped it to about £850 and three months later they brought out the D300 at about £1200. The D200 then started selling for mid £700s. Was I miffed?.... no. I'd bought the camera I wanted at the time and i got what I needed, a great camera with excellent IQ and build quality. Yes, the D30 was apparently a better camera technically, but I was happy with my D200 and I know that I was enjoying taking shots with it.
 
Kaouthia said:
The D200 was light years ahead of the D100, and the D300 was another big leap over the D200. The D300s vs. D300, not so much other than the addition of video and an extra couple of fps in continuous shooting mode without a grip.
Click to expand...
But what happened to other (Nikon) cameras in the meantime?

You are just looking at one model - others in the Nikon range were getting the incremental updates too. Put them together with whatever they did for the D FX series and you think see a 'big' change. But it isn't really.
 
I simply answered your question.

Voyager said:
When has a replacement ever been much better?
Click to expand...

But, the D2x was miles ahead of the D1x or D2h, and the D3 miles ahead of that.

There's only been one FX body update so far, the D3s. You're hardly likely to be able to form a pattern from a single body update.
 
Dave Pickett said:
IF that is the spec, and personally I think its too good to be true, no one will buy the D300 or indeed the D700. Nikon will have worked a miracle to get the same ISO performance as the D700 in a crop sensor with more mp!!!
Click to expand...

For Nikon to get the same performance from a crop sensor re ISO it would need to be 2.5 times better! It is the physics that give the vast improvement in ISO when you go to FF. A really good new crop sensor camera is highly unlikely to take many sales from the full frame ones really.
 
Voyager said:
But what happened to other (Nikon) cameras in the meantime?

You are just looking at one model - others in the Nikon range were getting the incremental updates too. Put them together with whatever they did for the D FX series and you think see a 'big' change. But it isn't really.
Click to expand...

No the increase from D100 to D200, D1x to D2 etc WAS monumental and unlikely to be seen again for some time but this was at the beginning of consumer digital camera technology. Look at the screen on a D1x against a D2/200 !! Look at the sensor and resolution. THAT was one serious improvement. Yes lenses etc improved too but Nikon have been making F mount lenses for 50 years and each new generation is just an incremental improvement. This is how bodies will go in my opinion. They are already having to add non photographic additions to make them sell such as video.

One thing I would like to see would be wireless connectivity built in plus maybe GPS. Two things which would surely be quite cheap to add.

Kaouthia said:
I simply answered your question.



But, the D2x was miles ahead of the D1x or D2h, and the D3 miles ahead of that.

There's only been one FX body update so far, the D3s. You're hardly likely to be able to form a pattern from a single body update.
Click to expand...

:thumbs: I agree
 
Kaouthia said:
I simply answered your question.
Click to expand...
I was not asking you a question. I was just asking Rob 80386 what replacements would be 'much better' as generally I agreed with his prognosis.
Kaouthia said:
But, the D2x was miles ahead of the D1x or D2h, and the D3 miles ahead of that.

There's only been one FX body update so far, the D3s. You're hardly likely to be able to form a pattern from a single body update.
Click to expand...
I think you are being pedantic for the sake of it, but just in case you are not, think about the huge range of bodies Nikon make rather than only look at one type.

For instance the D700 is essentially a D300 with the D3 sensor, the D300 was a D200 with updated electronics. The D80 was essentially a D200 in a more 'plastic' body. And so on ad infinitum.

But the minutiae of differences are essentially not important - it is just the range of cameras forever changing and it is the marketing that is designed to make you feel that old kit is worthless and new is better. Even though it is not - otherwise who were the mugs buying all that old tat?
 
Voyager said:
I was not asking you a question. I was just asking Rob 80386 what replacements would be 'much better' as generally I agreed with his prognosis.
Click to expand...
You were asking a general question. I did not see that it was a rhetorical question. I thought you were actually seeking examples.

Voyager said:
I think you are being pedantic for the sake of it, but just in case you are not, think about the huge range of bodies Nikon make rather than only look at one type.
Click to expand...
I'm looking at bodies with which I have experience. I haven't considered the D50/60/70/80/90/3000/5000/Coolpix cameras as I have no desire to use any of those.

Voyager said:
For instance the D700 is essentially a D300 with the D3 sensor
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The D700 is essentially not a D300 replacement, it's the first model of a completely new product line - prosumer/low end pro body with a full frame sensor.

Voyager said:
the D300 was a D200 with updated electronics.
Click to expand...
Have you ever used either of the bodies? The D300 is a huge improvement over the D200. It's a CMOS sensor instead of a CCD sensor which is an unbelievable difference on high ISO (the D200 starts to get a bit dodgy at ISO800 and higher depending on your personal standards) and long exposures (anything over 5 seconds without long exposure noise reduction turned on and it's full of noise), 8fps with the grip vs. 5fps, another 50K clicks added to the shutter life expectancy, the D200 has an 11 point autofocus sensor vs. the D300's 51 point 3D AF, the predictive focus tracking is much better.

The ONLY thing that isn't superior in the D300 is that the D200 can shoot true ISO100.

Voyager said:
The D80 was essentially a D200 in a more 'plastic' body.
Click to expand...
And the D200 is the D2x's little brother. What's your point? The D80/D200/D2x are the SAME generation. None is a replacement for the other.

Voyager said:
But the minutiae of differences are essentially not important - it is just the range of cameras forever changing and it is the marketing that is designed to make you feel that old kit is worthless and new is better.
Click to expand...
Sometimes one new feature is enough to warrant an upgrade, it's all down to the individual.

Voyager said:
Even though it is not - otherwise who were the mugs buying all that old tat?
Click to expand...
Didn't we establish on another thread you shoot old film cameras, and don't shoot any digital? or am I mistaken.
 
Kaouthia said:
The ONLY thing that isn't superior in the D300 is that the D200 can shoot true ISO100.
Click to expand...

Having spoke to Nikon tech the reason there is no ISO 100 which now has a name of Lo2 or whatever it is called is that the quality now peaks at 200 rather than 100 and changing the ISO to Lo2 which is equivalent to 100 gives the SAME level of quality as ISO 200 but allows the shutter to be open longer. So actually there isn't even a benefit there. If you need ISO100 for the shutter time then just use Lo2 which is the SAME quality as ISO200 but just with the longer shutter time. A D300 at ISO200 is better than the D200's ISO100.
 
cowasaki said:
No the increase from D100 to D200, D1x to D2 etc WAS monumental and unlikely to be seen again for some time but this was at the beginning of consumer digital camera technology.
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But there was other cameras in between the D100 that had elements that were added to the D200.

  • Feb 2002 6MP D100.
  • In mid 2003, the D2H with improved battery and flash.
  • Early 2004 D70 - essentially a D100 in consumer body. Later that year the D2X with 12Mp.
  • 2005 6MP D70s - has a larger screen (and D50 - which is a D70 with less features).
  • Then in 2006 the 10MP D200 which has elements of all the preceding bodes that makes it look as if it is a big jump in 4 years. But is just this incremental improvement in action.
cowasaki said:
Look at the screen on a D1x against a D2/200 !! Look at the sensor and resolution. THAT was one serious improvement.
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It was not a single step.
 
Sometimes when a new model comes out the old model is kept current for a short while with the new model perched a bit higher up. Then when everyone is used to this state of affairs they discontinue the older model therefore pushing the price of that range upwards by whatever jump they see fit.

Also the D3s is certainly more expensive than a D3 and I an sure that the D300s was more expensive than the D300 which in turn was more than the D200 if memory serves me correctly.
 
I've heard that too, but I'm not entirely convinced.

With some testing I did when I first got the D300s, I compared L1.0 to the D200's ISO100, and I could definitely see a difference at 100% (and the D200's ISO100 was slightly less noisy - only very very slightly though).

The D300s is the clear winner with both cameras at ISO200 though.

It probably doesn't make all that much difference to the end result for 99% of uses, but there is a difference.
 
Voyager said:
But there was other cameras in between the D100 that had elements that were added to the D200.

  • Feb 2002 6MP D100.
  • In mid 2003, the D2H with improved battery and flash.
  • Early 2004 D70 - essentially a D100 in consumer body. Later that year the D2X with 12Mp.
  • 2005 6MP D70s - has a larger screen (and D50 - which is a D70 with less features).
  • Then in 2006 the 10MP D200 which has elements of all the preceding bodes that makes it look as if it is a big jump in 4 years. But is just this incremental improvement in action.

It was not a single step.
Click to expand...

So ?

We are talking about the jumps at each level and then jump from D1x to D2 was massive what was in between these two cameras ?

D1x - February 5, 2001
Nikon D100, 21 February 2002
Nikon D2X, September 16, 2004
Nikon D200, 1 November 2005

Yes absolutely nothing!

This was the time when there WAS a big difference from one generation to another.





For info

High-end (Professional) - FX/Full Frame sensor

Nikon D3, August 23, 2007
Nikon D3X, December 1, 2008
Nikon D3S, October 14, 2009


High-end (Prosumer) - FX/Full Frame sensor

Nikon D700, July 1, 2008


High-end (Professional) - DX sensor, high resolution

Nikon D1, June 15, 1999
Nikon D1X, February 5, 2001
Nikon D2X, September 16, 2004
Nikon D2XS, June 1, 2006


High-end (Professional) - DX sensor, high speed

Nikon D1H, February 5, 2001
Nikon D2H, July 22, 2003
Nikon D2HS, February 16, 2005


High-end (Prosumer) - DX sensor

Nikon D100, 21 February 2002
Nikon D200, 1 November 2005
Nikon D300, 23 August 2007
Nikon D300S, 30 July 2009


Midrange (Consumer) - DX sensor

Nikon D70, 28 January 2004
Nikon D70S, 20 April 2005
Nikon D80, 9 August 2006
Nikon D90, 27 August 2008


Entry-level (Consumer) - DX sensor

Nikon D50, 20 April 2005
Nikon D40, 16 November 2006
Nikon D40X, 6 March 2007
Nikon D60, 29 January 2008
Nikon D5000, 14 April 2009
Nikon D3000, 30 July 2009
 
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