Decision tools · Compare
D800 vs D90
Quick take: The D800 has the highest resolution at 36MP; the D90 is the most affordable; only the D800 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D800Nikon · 2012 | D90Nikon · 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £230 | £25Best |
| Sensor | 36.3MP full-frame CMOS | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.3MPBest | 12.3MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | 720p/24 |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 4.5fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~900 shots (CIPA)Best | ~850 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1000g (with battery) | 700g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 146 × 123 × 81.5mm | 132 × 103 × 77mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD | Single SD slot |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks, 10-pin remote | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, MC-DC2 remote |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D800
D90
Portrait
6.3/10
5.2/10
Street
4.5/10
5.0/10
Travel
4.7/10
4.5/10
Wedding & Events
6.6/10
4.5/10
Documentary
5.3/10
3.3/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
4.8/10
Landscape
6.0/10
3.7/10
Wildlife
5.8/10
5.3/10
Casual
2.7/10
3.0/10
Food
4.5/10
3.6/10
Macro
4.0/10
3.3/10
Architecture
5.6/10
3.8/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
5.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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