• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D90 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    158 mm vs 88 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity

Canon T8i advantages over Nikon D90

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    45 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon T8i
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All T8i Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 50D

Nikon D90
Canon 50D
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D90 vs Canon 50D

Canon T8i
Canon 50D
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 50D

Compared to Nikon D300S

Nikon D90
Nikon D300S
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D90 vs Nikon D300S

Canon T8i
Nikon D300S
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D300S

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Nikon D90
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D90 vs Sony DSLR-A550

Canon T8i
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Sony DSLR-A550

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Nikon D90
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D90 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Canon T8i
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Pentax K-5

Nikon D90
Pentax K-5
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-5

Canon T8i
Pentax K-5
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax K-5

Compare Other Cameras?