Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D90

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z8 and Nikon D90. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Nikon Z8 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D90 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z8 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D90 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 Z8 has a 46 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:

Nikon Z8 has a 272 % 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 Z8 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D90. Nikon Z8 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D90 has 200 to 6400.

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 Z8
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 Z8 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon Z8 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 Z8 weighs 910 gr (equal to 2.01 lb) which is 29% heavier than Nikon D90 and its 703 gr (or 1.55 lb).

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D90 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z8 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 Z8	Nikon D90
Name	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Release Year	2023	2008
Release Date	2023-05-10	2008-08-27
MSRP	3999 USD	899 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type	Stacked CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	8256 x 5504 pixels	4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels	46 MP	12,3 MP
Image Processor		Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
ISO Range	32 - 102400	200 - 6400
White Balance Presets	9	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes (Sensor-shift (Synchro VR with select lenses))	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	493	11
Lens Mount	Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	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	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 Z8	Nikon D90
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3.2”	3”
Screen dots	2088960	920000
Touch screen	Yes	No
Screen type	N/A	Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Electronic	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	96%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8×	0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	3686400	N/A
Photography features	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Frames per second	30 fps	4,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	900 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/32000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	17 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Highlight 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 Z8	Nikon D90
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	H.264 H.265	MPEG4
Video resolution	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	Yes
Storage	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Memory Card		SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Built-In	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Yes (via app)	Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)
GPS	No	Yes Optional
Body & Dimensions	Nikon Z8	Nikon D90
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL15c	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	340 shots	850 shots
Width	144 mm	132 mm
Height	119 mm	103 mm
Depth	83 mm	77 mm
Weight	910 gram	703 gram