What To Know
- The Nikon D3400 has a native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 51,200, while the Nikon D90 has a native ISO range of 200-3200, expandable to 6400.
- The Nikon D3400 features a 3-inch fixed LCD display with a resolution of 921,000 dots, while the Nikon D90 has a 3-inch fixed LCD display with a resolution of 230,000 dots.
- The D90, on the other hand, excels in low-light performance, has a slightly faster burst shooting speed, and features a larger and brighter optical viewfinder.
The Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90 are two popular entry-level DSLR cameras that have been praised for their user-friendliness and impressive image quality. However, with several years separating their releases, they offer distinct features and capabilities. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key differences between the Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D90, helping you make an informed decision about which camera is right for your photography journey.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D3400 boasts a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D90 features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. The higher resolution of the D3400 allows for larger prints and more detailed images, especially when cropping. However, the D90’s larger pixels offer better low-light performance, resulting in reduced noise at higher ISO settings.
Autofocus System
The Nikon D3400 utilizes a 11-point autofocus system, while the Nikon D90 employs an 11-point autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors. Cross-type sensors are more sensitive to detail and provide faster and more accurate focusing in low-light conditions. The D90’s superior autofocus system is particularly advantageous for sports and wildlife photography.
Burst Shooting Speed
The Nikon D3400 can shoot continuously at up to 5 frames per second (fps), while the Nikon D90 offers a slightly faster burst shooting speed of 4.5 fps. While the difference may seem minimal, it can be crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects or sequences of action.
ISO Range and Dynamic Range
The Nikon D3400 has a native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 51,200, while the Nikon D90 has a native ISO range of 200-3200, expandable to 6400. The D3400’s wider ISO range provides more flexibility in low-light situations, allowing you to shoot at faster shutter speeds to avoid blurry images. Additionally, the D3400 offers a slightly wider dynamic range, resulting in better preservation of detail in both highlights and shadows.
Display and Viewfinder
The Nikon D3400 features a 3-inch fixed LCD display with a resolution of 921,000 dots, while the Nikon D90 has a 3-inch fixed LCD display with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The D3400’s higher resolution display provides a clearer and more detailed view of your images, making it easier to focus and compose your shots. The D90’s optical viewfinder offers a larger and brighter view, especially in bright sunlight, but it does not provide the same level of information as the D3400’s electronic viewfinder.
Connectivity and Storage
Both the Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90 offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly transfer images to your smartphone or tablet. The D3400 also supports Nikon’s SnapBridge app, which enables constant Bluetooth connectivity for automatic image transfer and remote camera control. Both cameras use SD card slots for storage, with the D3400 supporting UHS-I cards and the D90 supporting UHS-II cards.
Verdict
The Nikon D3400 and Nikon D90 are both capable entry-level DSLR cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The D3400 offers higher resolution, a wider ISO range, a more advanced autofocus system, and a higher-resolution display. The D90, on the other hand, excels in low-light performance, has a slightly faster burst shooting speed, and features a larger and brighter optical viewfinder. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific photography needs and preferences.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D90 has a better low-light performance due to its larger pixels and higher ISO range.
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D90 has a more advanced autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors, providing faster and more accurate focusing in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera has a higher burst shooting speed?
A: The Nikon D90 has a slightly faster burst shooting speed of 4.5 fps compared to the D3400’s 5 fps.
Q: Which camera has a better display?
A: The Nikon D3400 has a higher-resolution LCD display with 921,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed view of your images.
Q: Which camera has a larger viewfinder?
A: The Nikon D90 has a larger and brighter optical viewfinder, making it easier to compose your shots in bright sunlight.
