Nikon D90 vs D80: Features and Capabilities

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Now, let's talk about the D90 and the D80:

Nikon D80:

Nikon D90

UPDATE: I had decided to upgrade my D40 to the D90 for my wife due to the video option the D90 possesses.  I heard that the quality was excellent from an electronic department store employee.  However, when I went to my good and honest local camera store to get more details and to make my purchase, I found out that the auto focus does not work while the video is running.  You are forced to focus while the video is running if your focus point changes.  I kept my D40 (6.1 megapixels are A-OK for family shots). 

I entered into digital photography (with the exception of a Kodak 3.1mp point-and-shoot I purchased in 2002) in November 2006 with the Nikon D80.  It was a decision battle between the Nikon D70s and the D200 when, like Mana from Heaven, Nikon introduced the D80 and my decision was easy.

Like many of the D70s users, when the D80 came out, it probably felt like their cameras were old.  Yep, but many D70s users kept on shootin’ because they knew their D70s’ were still A-OK.  My D80 is A-OK as well and I plan on keeping it and not upgrading to the D90.

D70, D50 and D70s users: There is a guide for you as well.

However, if you are still shooting with a D70 or are looking to get a new D90 or a new (not for long) or used D80 <OR> if you have a D80 and want to see what some of the differences are before you upgrade to the D90, this guide may be just what you are looking for.

Here are the difference and similarities that I found:

Effective pixels

D90: 12.3 million
D80: 10.2 million

Sensor

D90: CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 12.9 million; Nikon DX format
D80: RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8 mm, 10.75 million total pixel; Nikon DX format
 
Image size (pixels):

D90: DX Format 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
D80: (3,872 x 2,592) / M (2,896 x 1,944) / S (1,936 x 1,296)
 
Sensitivity

D90: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV
D80: to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1

Storage media
 
D90: SD memory cards, (Will accept SDHC)
D80: SD memory cards, (Will accept SDHC)

Monitor
 
D90: 3-in., approx. 920,00-dot (VGA), 170-degree viewing angle, approximately. 100% frame coverage
D80: 2.5-in., 230,000-dot

Exposure metering
 
D90: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
D80: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
 
Exposure modes
 
D90: Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
D80: Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]

Power sources

D90: One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
D80: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
 
Dimensions (W x H x D)
 
D90: Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
D80: Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)

Weight
 
D90: Approx. 620 g
D80: Approx. 585g

I hope this guide was helpful and that you have a better understanding the differences between Nikon’s D80 and D90.  If it was helpful, let me know by clicking the “YES” down below.  If you would like to provide your input, I will be happy to add the information to this guide.