Nikon D90 vs Nikon D7100

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Nikon D90 vs Nikon D7100

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APS-C 372.9mm²
12.3 megapixels
ISO 200 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Nikon D90 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D90.

APS-C 366.6mm²
24.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D7100 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D7100.

Succeeded by the Nikon D7000
Compare D90 vs D7000

Succeeded by the Nikon D7200
Compare D7100 vs D7200

Compare NIKON D7000 vs NIKON D7200

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Differences

Nikon D90 advantages over Nikon D7100

Bigger pixels
~ 5.50 vs 3.92 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 12 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Bigger RAW buffer
10 vs 5 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Nikon D7100 advantages over Nikon D90

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D7100 test data on DxO Mark D90 test data on DxO Mark

1,256 vs 977 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
More cross-type AF points
15 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
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
More AF points
51 vs 11
More AF points improve autofocus
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Faster JPEG shooting
5.8 fps vs 4.5 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
5.3 fps vs 4.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Faster shutter
1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
25600 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
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
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

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D90 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D7100 User Reviews

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Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 18-105mm Lens
Kit with 18-140mm Lens

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Review Excerpt

Read our Nikon D90 Full Review

Solid, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.
Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).
Read our Nikon D7100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Nikon D90

Canon 70D

$1300
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1149
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D90 vs Canon 70D

Nikon D7100

Canon 70D

$690
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

$1149
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Canon 70D

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

Nikon D7100

Sony DSLR-A550

$690
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$859
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D7100 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

Nikon D7100

Sony DSLR-A500

$690
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Pentax K-5

Nikon D90

Pentax K-5

$1300
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

$800
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-5

Nikon D7100

Pentax K-5

$690
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$800
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Pentax K-5

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D90

Pentax K-3

$1300
APS-C

Bigger pixels
Fast startup

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-3

Nikon D7100

Pentax K-3

$690
APS-C

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Pentax K-3

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