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
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 15.1 years newer.
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Wins
D90
Wins
Zf
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 6 fps)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- BZf has higher Resolution (24.5 MP vs 12.3 MP)
- AD90 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 273)
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
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D90 is 6mm narrower and 5mm shorter than Zf but it is also 39mm thicker.
D90 is 190 g lighter than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D90 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D90
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 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
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D90
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Zf
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
Zf
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…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Weight
520 g vs 710 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -8.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Zf supports it
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓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
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D90 and Zf 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 Zf?
Zf scores 7.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for D90 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the D90 and Zf?
D90 is 12.3 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D90 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D90 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D90 or the Zf?
D90 reaches 15 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D90 and Zf?
D90 weighs 520 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the D90 is 190 g lighter.
Do the D90 and Zf record 4K video?
D90: 4K up to 60p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D90 and Zf weather sealed?
D90: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D90 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D90 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D90 launched at $999 and Zf at $2,049. The D90 is $1,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D90 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.