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
ZR
Compact Nikon RED full-frame 6K cinema camera with R3D NE RAW, 32-bit float audio, 7.5-stop VR, and Z mount.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Sep 2025
ZR is 17 years newer.
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Wins
D90
Wins
ZR
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD90 has higher Burst (mechanical) (6 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZR has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 15 fps)
- BZR has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BZR has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BZR has higher Resolution (24.5 MP vs 12.3 MP)
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
ZR
134 × 81 × 49 mm
630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
D90 is 4mm wider, 18mm taller, and 39mm thicker than ZR.
D90 is 110 g lighter than ZR.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D90 · 49mm ZR
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D90
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZR
134 × 81 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
ZR
134 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D90
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
ZR
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
ZR
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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Weight
520 g vs 630 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
ZR
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.5, 49
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, MicroSD UHS-I
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds R3D NE, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ…
AA filter
Only ZR supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 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
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
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
ZR
Pros
- ✓6K/60p R3D NE RAW
- ✓32-bit float audio
- ✓7.5-stop stabilization
- ✓Compact 535g cinema body
Cons
- –No built-in EVF
- –Cinema-first ergonomics
- –Single CFexpress plus MicroSD workflow
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D90 and ZR 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 ZR?
ZR 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 ZR?
D90 is 12.3 MP and ZR is 24.5 MP, so the ZR captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D90 and ZR have in-body image stabilization?
D90 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while ZR has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D90 or the ZR?
D90 reaches 15 fps electronic. ZR reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D90 and ZR?
D90 weighs 520 g and ZR weighs 630 g, so the D90 is 110 g lighter.
Do the D90 and ZR record 4K video?
D90: 4K up to 60p. ZR: 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D90 and ZR weather sealed?
D90: Yes. ZR: Yes.
How much does each cost?
D90 launched at $999 and ZR at $2,199. The D90 is $1,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D90 vs ZR vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.