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 priceReleased Aug 2008
Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
Z9 is 13.2 years newer.
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Wins
D90
Wins
Z9
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD90 has higher Burst (mechanical) (6 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ9 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 60 frames)
- BZ9 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 15 fps)
- BZ9 has higher Resolution (45.7 MP vs 12.3 MP)
- AD90 has lower Weight (520 g vs 1160 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD90
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1160 g (2.56 lb / 40.92 oz)
D90 is 11mm narrower, 52mm shorter, and 3mm thinner than Z9.
D90 is 640 g lighter than Z9.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D90 · 91mm Z9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D90
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z9
149 × 150 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D90
138 × 88 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D90
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D90
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Z9
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
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
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D90
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Burst (mechanical)
6 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Weight
520 g vs 1160 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z9
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 149, 149.5, 90.5
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, CFexpress Type B / XQD
RAW buffer depth
1000 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 12.3 MP — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 493
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
Z9
Pros
- ✓45MP stacked
- ✓8K 60p internal
- ✓120fps stills
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –Heavy body
- –Expensive
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D90 and Z9 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, D90 or Z9?
Z9 scores 9.5/10 versus 3.5/10 for D90 — 45.7MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the D90 and Z9?
D90 is 12.3 MP and Z9 is 45.7 MP, so the Z9 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D90 and Z9 have in-body image stabilization?
D90 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D90 or the Z9?
D90 reaches 15 fps electronic. Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D90 and Z9?
D90 weighs 520 g and Z9 weighs 1160 g, so the D90 is 640 g lighter.
Do the D90 and Z9 record 4K video?
D90: 4K up to 60p. Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D90 and Z9 weather sealed?
D90: Yes. Z9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D90 and 740 shots for the Z9, giving the Z9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D90 launched at $999 and Z9 at $5,499. The D90 is $4,500 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D90 vs Z9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.