Nikon D80 vs Nikon D90: Difference and Comparison

Making a prudent and weighted selection may be difficult due to the large range of possibilities, especially when one is puzzled by the DSLR category launched by Nikon; the two most popular camera versions from the semi-pro DSLR category are D80 and D90.

Both models have been around for a while, and understanding the differences between them is vital before deciding to purchase one of them.

Key Takeaways

1. The Nikon D90 has a higher resolution sensor (12.3 megapixels) than the Nikon D80 (10.2 megapixels), resulting in better image quality.
2. The D90 features a larger, higher resolution LCD screen, providing a clearer display for photo reviewing and easier menu navigation.
3. The Nikon D90 supports video recording, while the Nikon D80 does not, making the D90 more versatile for multimedia content creation.

Nikon D80 vs Nikon D90

The Nikon D80 has a 10.2MP sensor, 11-point autofocus, 3 fps continuous shooting, and a 2.5-inch LCD. The Nikon D90 has a 12.3MP sensor, improved autofocus and LCD, faster 4.5 fps continuous shooting, and video recording capabilities.

Nikon D80 camera was a technological breakthrough in cinematography, with an elevated LCD screen, 11-point focusing, and in-camera editing features.

Before Nikon D80, several cameras with the same mass and build did not have the same image quality or flexion. The D80 also has a built-in flash that can detect inefficiencies in lighting and monitor flash to avoid overexposure to the film.

Nikon D90 is a digital single-lens reflex camera model, and it falls somewhere between the brand’s entry-level and expert DSLR offerings. It has a higher ISO.

The increase in ISO means that the quality of the image in low-light situations will improve significantly. The Nikon D90 includes a new live view function that allows photographers to shoot without having to glance through the viewfinder.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Nikon D80	Nikon D90
The year they were launched	2006	2008
Shutter flaps per second	3.0fps	4.5fps
Video resolution	Does not possess a video mode	1280 x 720 HD video resolution
Weight	668g	703g
Number of shots per battery change	600 shots	850 shots
Built-in GPS	It does not possess a built-in GPS	It does have a built-in GPS
Image resolution	3872 x 2592 pixels	4288 x 2848 pixels

What is Nikon D80?

The D80 sits comfortably here between entrance level D50 and the semi-professional/expert D200, plainly inspired by the D70 layout but distinct enough to be considered a new model in its own right.

It has a ten-megapixel DX-format CCD (presumably the same as Sony’s DSLR-A100), the measuring sensor from the D50, and a slew of additional D200-derived capabilities.

The D80 gets the Nikon D200’s 2.5-inch LCD, but perhaps the greatest news is that the D200’s larger optical viewfinder, with a 0.94x magnification, is also included, providing a welcome respite to the eyes.

As a consequence, you’ll strain less when editing photographs and modifying menu settings, and you’ll be capable of displaying your photos more prominently than before.

The increased amplification of the optical viewfinder makes a significant difference, and the huge LCD is stunning.

The Nikon D80’s settings will be recognizable to most Nikon users; however, some features have been reorganized. The white balance and ISO controls on the camera’s left side have been switched.

Additionally, the D80 now features a Function button located between the grip and the lens.

Because the Nikon D80 only has a two-channel reading, information can be obtained off the sensors as rapidly, resulting in a difference in maximum frame rate restricted to three frames per second.

What is Nikon D90?

Despite being late to the party, the Nikon D90 does so with flair, much as its predecessor did in 2006.

It strolls in with almost all of the most recent popular features that the D80 lacked and a distinctive spin that will amaze customers with its relevance and practicality.

The live view function, which is new to Nikon’s affordable stage, provides several fresh kinds of stuff well over options seen on the Nikon D90’s significantly greater ancestors, most significantly facial recognition.

Surprisingly, the Nikon D90 lacks phase-detect focusing when in the live preview pane, instead opting for three contrast-detect styles: face priority, wide area, and normal area. The Nikon D90 could track up to five faces.

A dedicated button directly to the right of the LCD activates the live view.

Owing to the Nikon D90’s 420-pixel grid meter sensors, the scene recognition system can integrate color measurement with focus detector information and optimize color hue and exposures, specifically emphasising accurately exposing faces.

In principle, this should also entail ensuring that the Nikon D90 focuses on an eye rather than a mouth or brows. If this is true in practice, it is a significant step forward.

The 11-point phase-detect AF mechanism in the Nikon D90 is arranged in a diamond design and now supports 3D focus monitoring, as seen on the D3 and D300.

Main Differences Between Nikon D80 and Nikon D90

1. Nikon D80 was released in 2006, while Nikon D90 was released in 2009.
2. Nikon D80 has a shutter speed of 3.0 shutter flaps per second, whereas Nikon D90 has a shutter speed of 4.5 shutter flaps per second.
3. Nikon D80 does not offer a video mode, however, Nikon D90 has a video resolution of 1280×720 in HD quality.
4. Nikon D90 is 668g in weight, whereas Nikon D90 is 703g in weight.
5. Nikon D80 can take up to 600 shots in accordance with battery replacement meanwhile, Nikon D90 can take up to 850 shots in accordance with battery replacement
6. Nikon D80 does not have an in-built GPS, however Nikon D90 has.
7. Nikon D80 provides an image resolution of 3872 x 2592 pixels meanwhile, Nikon D90 provides an image resolution of 4288 x 2848 pixels.

References

1. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IngqBgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=nikon+d80+and+nikon+d90&ots=Un2hYCgkh_&sig=y5Sw-EddgBpVRjFD5QIjiQuOf9o
2. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=fKzKFxvkOWoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA143&dq=nikon+d80+and+nikon+d90&ots=4pBMOGdGKv&sig=rjLkg2a34fscp4Nr8igxAJbbFjo

Last Updated : 21 July, 2023