Nikon D90 vs Nikon Z5
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D90 and Nikon Z5. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D90 were released 2008 and Nikon Z5 was released 2020. That is a 12 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D90 | 2008 |
Nikon Z5 | 2020 |
Type of camera
Nikon D90 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z5 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D90 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon Z5 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D90 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon Z5 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length 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 Z5 has 24 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D90 |
12,3 MP
12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848 |
Nikon Z5 |
24 MP
24160256 pixels 6016 x 4016 |
Nikon Z5 has a 98 % 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 Z5 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D90. Nikon Z5 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D90 has 200 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D90 | 200-6400 |
Nikon Z5 | 100-51200 |
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 Z5
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 Z5 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D90 | 4,5 |
Nikon Z5 | 4,5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon D90 and Nikon Z5 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 4% heavier than Nikon Z5 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D90 | 703 gr 1.55 lb |
Nikon Z5 | 675 gr 1.49 lb |
Nikon D90 vs Nikon Z5 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D90 and Nikon Z5, 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 Z5 |
Name | Nikon D90 | Nikon Z5 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Release Year | 2008 | 2020 |
Release Date | 2008-08-27 | 2020-07-21 |
MSRP | 899 USD | 1399 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Camera Type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels | 6016 x 4016 pixels |
Megapixels | 12,3 MP | 24 MP |
Image Processor | Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) | EXPEED 6 |
Image |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
ISO Range | 200 - 6400 | 100 - 51200 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No |
Yes (Sensor Shift (5 axis)) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 11 | 273 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon Z 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 |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Tilting |
Screen size | 3” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 1040000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder Coverage | 96% | 200% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.) | 0.8x |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 3689400 |
Photography features |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Frames per second | 4,5 fps | 4,5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range | 17 meters | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight 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 Z5 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac (dual band) + Bluetooth) |
Remote Control |
Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)
|
Yes (via smartphone) |
GPS |
Yes Optional |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D90 |
Nikon Z5 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
|
EN-EL15c lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 850 shots | 470 shots |
Width | 132 mm | 134 mm |
Height | 103 mm | 101 mm |
Depth | 77 mm | 70 mm |
Weight | 703 gram | 675 gram |