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Nikon

D7100

24MP APS-C DSLR with no AA filter, 51-point AF, and dual SD slots — a DX classic.

$1,199

Launch price

Released Feb 2013

vs

Nikon

D90

Historic enthusiast DX DSLR — first Nikon with HD video (720p24), 12.3MP sensor, 11-point AF, built-in flash commander, and proven F-mount ergonomics.

$999

Launch price

Released Aug 2008

D7100 is 4.5 years newer.

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Wins

1categories

D7100

WildlifeSports & Action

Wins

1categories

D90

WildlifeSports & Action

16 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

D7100 wins 1 categories·D90 wins 1 categories
  • AD7100 has higher Resolution (24.1 MP vs 12.3 MP)
  • BD90 has lower Weight (520 g vs 765 g)

Key specs at a glance

D7100D90
Resolution24.1 MP12.3 MP
SensorAPS-CAPS-C
ISO max25,60025,600
Burst15 fps15 fps
4K60 fps60 fps
IBIS6-stop6-stop
Weight765 g520 g
Battery640 shots640 shots

Size and weight, to scale

D7100

136 × 106 × 76 mm

765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

D90

138 × 98 × 88 mm

520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)

D7100 is 3mm narrower and 12mm thinner than D90 but it is also 8mm taller.

D7100 is 245 g heavier than D90.

Depth (front-to-back): 76mm D7100 · 88mm D90

Sensor size, to scale

D7100

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

D90

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

Lens ecosystem

Native lens selection

D7100

✓ more lenses

Nikon F

270+

native lenses available

90 first-party180 third-party

D90

✓ more lenses

Nikon F

270+

native lenses available

90 first-party180 third-party

Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseD7100D90
Portrait
6.5Good✓ wins
5.5Fair
Sports & Action
8.0Excellent
8.0Excellent
Video & Hybrid
6.0Good
6.0Good
Landscape
5.0Fair✓ wins
3.5Limited
Travel
6.5Good
7.5Good✓ wins
Wildlife
9.0Excellent
9.0Excellent
Vlogging
5.5Fair
7.0Good✓ wins

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

D7100

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 135.5, 106, 76

  • Resolution

    24.1 MP vs 12.3 MP — higher is better

Reasons to choose

D90

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 138, 98, 88

  • Weight

    520 g vs 765 g — lower is better

Both cameras share

  • ISO min (native)Both 100
  • ISO max (native)Both 25,600
  • AF points / zonesBoth 493
  • AF frame coverageBoth 90 %
  • Eye AFBoth support eye af
  • Animal / bird AFBoth support animal / bird af

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

D7100

Pros

  • No AA filter
  • 51-point AF
  • Dual SD slots
  • Pro build for DX

Cons

  • Very dated
  • No 4K
  • DSLR declining

D90

Pros

  • First Nikon DSLR with HD video
  • Built-in flash commander
  • Mature F-mount ecosystem
  • Strong used value for learning
  • Live View with contrast AF

Cons

  • 12.3MP dated resolution
  • 720p video only
  • 4.5 fps burst
  • No modern connectivity

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the D7100 and D90 at major authorized retailers.

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Full specifications

= category winner

D7100
D90
Resolution
24.1 MP+96%
12.3 MP
Sensor type
APS-C CMOS
APS-C CMOS
Sensor size
23.5 × 15.6 mm
23.5 × 15.6 mm
AA filter
No
No
D7100
D90
Processor
EXPEED 7
EXPEED
D7100
D90
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
D7100
D90
Shutter type
Mechanical + Electronic
Mechanical + Electronic
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
1/8000 sec
Max electronic speed
1/16000 sec
1/16000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for landscape, D7100 or D90?

D7100 scores 5.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for D90 — Weather sealed for outdoor conditions.

What's the resolution difference between the D7100 and D90?

D7100 is 24.1 MP and D90 is 12.3 MP, so the D7100 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

Do the D7100 and D90 have in-body image stabilization?

D7100 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while D90 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the D7100 or the D90?

D7100 reaches 15 fps electronic. D90 reaches 15 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the D7100 and D90?

D7100 weighs 765 g and D90 weighs 520 g, so the D90 is 245 g lighter.

Do the D7100 and D90 record 4K video?

D7100: 4K up to 60p. D90: 4K up to 60p.

Are the D7100 and D90 weather sealed?

D7100: Yes. D90: Yes.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D7100 and 640 shots for the D90, giving the D90 the edge.

How much does each cost?

D7100 launched at $1,199 and D90 at $999. The D90 is $200 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way D7100 vs D90 vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.