Reading mode: Light Dark

D90 upgrade?

Go to last post
L

LisaY

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
349
Reaction score
2
Location
Buckingham, PA, US
So I have had the D90 since it came out, looking to maybe upgrade, I have been out of the loop so haven't been following all the newer models over mine. I love the D90, but I guess I feel like the newer cameras are a little better. So I was looking at d7200 and just read a comparison to the D3400, without looking at picture quality the features seem very close. I know the D7200 is weather proofed which is a plus, but is the D7200 really worth all the extra money? I like to shoot landscapes and pets which move quickly. Any recommendations?
 
There is much more than you probably see in the feature set. IQ regarding the sensor has basically been comparable for the past few years in all 24-Mpx DX Nikon DSLR.

But...

Do you need "screwdriver" focus motor in the body for old lenses?

How about FPS and buffer depth for sports (running dogs)?

How about... better AF for sports?

... some benefits of (slightly?) better (14 bit lossless) raw for landscapes?

... Outer body contols, like dual dials for aperture and shutter?

... Some advanced shutter modes like mirror up?

... Bigger brighter viewfinder?

These just come to my mind when you say landscapes and sports.

The real differences between D3xxx, D5xxx and D7xxx are in fact in the contols and feature sets.
 
The D7200 is the current successor to the D90 with the same basic features (two wheels, numerous external buttons, internal focus motor) but with the most current upgrades (51 pt af system, 24 mp sensor, much better high iso performance, 100 base iso, etc.). If you have enjoyed the overall experience of the D90, the D7200 is the logical upgrade. The D3400 may have a similar sensor (not sure) but you will lack the larger viewfinder, focus motor, and layout of the D90 so it will, in all likelihood, seem like a downgrade in certain ways. Whether the features I mentioned are important to you is up to you. I moved from the D90 to the D7100 and would have bought the D7200 if I could have waited a few more months. The improved af performance by itself has been enough to make the upgrade more than worthwhile.
 
Any of the current DX cameras D3400, D5500 and D7200 will produce better pictures than your D90 in terms of noise, ISO performance and focusing.

The D7200 is the natural upgrade from the D90 as it has a similar but much improved feature set. The D7200 also has AF fine tune which will allow you to calibrate your lens to the camera if there is a problem at wide open apertures on wide lens.
 
I've just migrated from a D90 to a D7000 (I have no interest in the D7100/7200) and I'd recommend a D7*** over a D3/5*** every time.

I also own a D3100. Admittedly, not so rich in features as the newer ones but sufficiently similar to allow comparisons to be made, I think.

The lack of a second command wheel and the top "window" alone would convince me.

Not to mention the loss of an internal focus motor. There are still loads of excellent AF lenses to be had out there.

Weather resistance? Well, it's not high on my list of options but I can see that it might have its uses. as could the magnesium body.

If you're anything like me, you'll end up using your D90 as much as you use your new acquisition!

"It's good to be . . . . . . . . . Me!"
 
I purchased a new D7200 to replace my D90 this month. My first impression was "Wow, why did I wait so long!"

I believe you will have the same experience. For the first 2 weeks I would take a photo and look at it in disbelief- the noise was so low at ISO values that I would have never dared to use on my D90.

Now that I am taking more pictures and I am starting to feel more comfortable with the camera, I am still thrilled with it.

Don't settle for a 3k or 5k series camera- the D7200 is the next logical step for you.

Good luck!
 
I would be sad moving from a D90 to a D3400.

The exception, if I really needed to cut weight for a hiking camera.
 
LisaY said:
So I have had the D90 since it came out, looking to maybe upgrade, I have been out of the loop so haven't been following all the newer models over mine. I love the D90, but I guess I feel like the newer cameras are a little better. So I was looking at d7200 and just read a comparison to the D3400, without looking at picture quality the features seem very close. I know the D7200 is weather proofed which is a plus, but is the D7200 really worth all the extra money? I like to shoot landscapes and pets which move quickly. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
 
SteveCooper said:
I purchased a new D7200 to replace my D90 this month. My first impression was "Wow, why did I wait so long!"

I believe you will have the same experience. For the first 2 weeks I would take a photo and look at it in disbelief- the noise was so low at ISO values that I would have never dared to use on my D90.

Now that I am taking more pictures and I am starting to feel more comfortable with the camera, I am still thrilled with it.

Don't settle for a 3k or 5k series camera- the D7200 is the next logical step for you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
I had the D40x for a long time but upgraded to the D90. Used the same lens (Nikkor 18-200mm)

Looking back to my pictures I can't say that the upgrade was of any improvement at all.

Many times I just can see which camera I have used that time from the quality of the photo.

Even bought a Lumix FZ200 to keep me more satisfied, which was/is a great camera but too bad in low light (noise) and too small in sensor size.

Now, (two weeks ago), I have the D7200, (with the nikkor 18-140mm), and must say that I feel myself back on the track of making beautiful pictures, very satisfied !

So, I should say, go for the D7200 if possible.

Enjoy,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top