Decision tools · Compare

D90 vs Z6 III

Quick take: The Z6 III has the highest resolution at 24MP; the D90 is the most affordable; only the Z6 III is weather sealed.

16 specs side by side·15 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.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

Z6 III — Hybrid Video & Action: Partial-stacked FF sensor for near-zero blackout, 6K RAW video, and 60fps burst — Nikon's most capable hybrid.

Who should buy what
Z6 III (2024)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Hybrid photographers who want partially-stacked sensor speed with full-frame quality
  • Z6 II owners ready for a major AF and video upgrade
  • Sports and action shooters who want 6K RAW video and fast burst
  • Professionals who want a versatile full-frame Z body for any situation
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification D90Nikon · 2008Z6 IIINikon · 2024
Price £26 usedBest£2,199
Sensor 12.3MP APS-C CMOS24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS
Resolution 12.3MP24.5MPBest
Video 720p/246K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit
Autofocus 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live viewPhase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft)
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops
Burst Rate 4.5fps20fps mechanical, 60fps electronicBest
Battery Life ~850 shots (CIPA)Best~380 shots (CIPA)
Weight 700g (with battery)Best760g (body only)
Dimensions 132 × 103 × 77mm138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94xEVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification
Screen 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots3.2" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount Nikon F-mount (DX)Nikon Z-mount (full-frame)
Memory Cards Single SD slotDual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II
Connectivity USB 2.0, mini HDMI, MC-DC2 remoteUSB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

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
D90
Z6 III
Portrait
5.2/10
8.4/10
Street
5.0/10
6.3/10
Travel
4.5/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
8.3/10
Documentary
3.3/10
7.9/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
9.2/10
Landscape
3.7/10
7.0/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
8.9/10
Casual
3.0/10
5.2/10
Food
3.6/10
7.5/10
Macro
3.3/10
7.0/10
Architecture
3.8/10
7.2/10
Astrophotography
5.0/10
7.4/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.4/10
Filmmaking
—
7.8/10

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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