Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D90 and Nikon D80. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

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.

** 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 D90 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D80 has 10 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D90 has a 22 % larger resolution than Nikon D80. 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 D90 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D80. Nikon D90 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D80 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D90
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D80

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D80 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D90. Unfortunately Nikon D80 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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 5% heavier than Nikon D80 and its 668 gr (or 1.47 lb).

Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D90 and Nikon D80, 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 D90	Nikon D80
Name	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Release Year	2008	2006
Release Date	2008-08-27	2006-08-09
MSRP	899 USD	999 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
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	CCD
Resolution	4288 x 2848 pixels	3872 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels	12,3 MP	10 MP
Image Processor	Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)	Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
ISO Range	200 - 6400	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets	12	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
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 D90	Nikon D80
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3”	2,5”
Screen dots	920000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle	N/A
Live view	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	96%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.)	0.95× (0.63× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Frames per second	4,5 fps	3 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	17 meters	13 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)	Yes (Optional (ML-L3 or MC-DC1))
GPS	Yes Optional	No
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger	Nikon EN-EL3e Lithium-Ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	850 shots	600 shots
Width	132 mm	132 mm
Height	103 mm	103 mm
Depth	77 mm	77 mm
Weight	703 gram	668 gram