Upgrade Guide

Nikon D90→Nikon D5500

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D90

£42 used

2008

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5500

£165 used (+£123)

2015

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D90. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D5500

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.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D90	D5500
Price	£42 used	£165 used
Released	2008	2015	↑
Sensor	12.3MP APS-C CMOS	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	24MP	↑
Video	720p/24	Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	39-point phase-detect (9 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	4.5fps	5fps	↑
Battery Life	~850 shots (CIPA)	~820 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	700g (with battery)	470g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.2" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D90 and D5500 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5500 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D90

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Camera family history