Upgrade Guide
Nikon D800→Nikon D90
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The D90 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D800. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution12MP (down from 36MP — optimised for low light)
-
Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D800 | D90 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -1.1 | ||
| Street | +0.5 | ||
| Travel | -0.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.1 | ||
| Documentary | -2.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.8 | ||
| Landscape | -2.3 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.5 | ||
| Casual | +0.3 | ||
| Food | -0.9 | ||
| Macro | -0.7 | ||
| Architecture | -1.8 | ||
| Astrophotography | -1.0 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D800 | D90 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £230 | £25 | |
| Released | 2012 | 2008 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 36.3MP full-frame CMOS | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 36MP | 12MP | ↓ |
| 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 | 4.5fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~900 shots (CIPA) | ~850 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1000g (with battery) | 700g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | 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 |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D90 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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