• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D90 advantages over Panasonic GH5S

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 850 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 600 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GH5S 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 (DCI) 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    405k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.76x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.7 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.5 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    120 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D90

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Buy the Panasonic GH5S
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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent video quality; Very good high ISO performance; Cinema 4K & UHD video up to 60p; Full HD up to 240p; 10-bit internal video recording; Tons of features & options for advanced/pro videographers.

  • 10MP resolution is limiting for still photos; No in-body image stabilization; Slower AF than GH5; Buffer clearing could be faster; No 6K Photo features due to sensor resolution.

  • Read our Panasonic GH5S Express Review

The Competition

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

Panasonic GH5S
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S 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

Panasonic GH5S
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S 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

Panasonic GH5S
Pentax K-5
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Pentax K-5

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Nikon D90
Panasonic GH5
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D90 vs Panasonic GH5

Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic GH5
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic GH5

Compared to Panasonic G9

Nikon D90
Panasonic G9
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D90 vs Panasonic G9

Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic G9
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic G9

Compare Other Cameras?