Equipment Review - Nikon D90 - Part 2 (vs. the D300)

Continued from Monday's blog, here's some more on Nikon's remarkable D90 DSLR.

Q: How does the D90 compare to the D300?   I have heard it is just as comparable but a lot less expensive.

A: Answering this question takes a little bit of diplomacy, since there are die hard fans of both cameras - and I don't want to loose either group of readers by answering the wrong way. These cameras are in fact, very similar in performance, and features, but the do have some striking differences.

The first thing you notice when you put these two side by side is the dramatic size difference. The photo above doesn't do it justice, the D90 is way smaller (and lighter) than the D300. The trade in this case is build quality. The D90 feels like a consumer-grade camera, where the D300 inspires a little more confidence that it could handle taking a little more of a beating. If you're planning on carrying one or the other for general run-of-the-mill touristing - you'll be happier with the D90.

The next big difference is in the focus system. The D300 boasts a 51-point autofocus system providing the accuracy and flexibility of its more expensive counterparts. The D90 is limited to an 11-point grid. For most cases this is plenty, but it can make the difference between a good shot and a great shot.

Many of the other bells and whistles found in Nikon's current camera line are included in both of these models. Active D-Lighting, Live View Mode, Integrated Dust Cleaning, Scene Recognition... they both have 'em. Then there's the HD video mode. (I had planned on including an example, but didn't get around to it, my apologies) Currently, on the D90 is shooting video for Nikon - and for home movies or vacation memories, the quality is pretty impressive.

Then there's the matter of eight-hundred bucks. The MSRP of the D90 is currently $999, the D300will cost you $1799. Neither camera will provide the feel (or durability) of Nikon's professional equipment, so when making the decision between a consumer or prosumer DSLR, that $800 made the D90 the clear winner.

Q: How does a D90 perform compared to a D300 in low-light (high-ISO) conditions?

A: See for yourself. In the studio, I set-up the following test shot under constant light in order to provide a test case for comparing the two camera's low-light performance. 

You can click on any of the following images to see a full-res crop from each ISO setting for both cameras. The basic EXIF information for each shot is provided. These were all shot using a Nikon 18-200mm lens mounted on each camera.

1/2 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 200

1/3 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 400

1/6 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 800

1/13 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 1600

1/25 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 3200

1/50 Second, f/5.3, 105mm, ISO 6400

As far as image quality is concerned, the two camera's performance differences are hardly noticeable until you reach the very high ISO shot. In my opinion, the D90 slightly edges out the D300 in quality at and above ISO 3200.

Stay tuned for more on the D90!