Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D90
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D3400 were released 2016 and Nikon D90 was released 2008. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3400 | 2016 |
Nikon D90 | 2008 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D3400 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D90 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D3400 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D90 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D3400 |
24 MP
24000000 pixels 6000 x 4000 |
Nikon D90 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon D3400 has a 97 % larger resolution than Nikon D90. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D3400 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D90. Nikon D3400 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D90 has 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3400 | 100-25600 |
Nikon D90 | 200-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D90 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3400 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3400 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3400
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D90
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3400 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3400 | 5 |
Nikon D90 | 4,5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D90 weighs 703 gr (equal to 1.55 lb) which is 78% heavier than Nikon D3400 and its 395 gr (or 0.87 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3400 | 395 gr 0.87 lb |
Nikon D90 | 703 gr 1.55 lb |
Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D90 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Name | Nikon D3400 | Nikon D90 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Release Year | 2016 | 2008 |
Release Date | 2016-08-17 | 2008-08-27 |
MSRP | 649 USD | 899 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Megapixels | 24 MP | 12,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 4 | Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) |
Image |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
ISO Range | 100 - 25600 | 200 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Autofocus Motor | No | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 11 | 11 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 921000 | 920000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT-LCD | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 96% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.57× (0.38× 35mm equiv.) | 0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Frames per second | 5 fps | 4,5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 7 meters | 17 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
1280 x 720 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-In SnapBridge (Bluetooth only) |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Remote Control | Yes (via smartphone or wireless remote) |
Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)
|
GPS | No |
Yes Optional |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3400 |
Nikon D90 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1200 shots | 850 shots |
Width | 124 mm | 132 mm |
Height | 98 mm | 103 mm |
Depth | 76 mm | 77 mm |
Weight | 395 gram | 703 gram |