Mastering the art of DSLR shooting
Guide

Nikon D90 Vs Sony A7ii: The Pros And Cons Of Each Camera

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • The Nikon D90 has a buffer depth of 100 JPEG images or 14 RAW images, while the Sony A7II has a buffer depth of 50 JPEG images or 26 RAW images.
  • The EVF of the Sony A7II provides a live preview of the image with real-time adjustments, making it easier to compose and focus the shot.
  • The Nikon D90 has a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots, while the Sony A7II has a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with a resolution of 1.

The Nikon D90 and Sony A7II are two popular DSLR and mirrorless cameras, respectively, that have been widely used by photographers of all levels. Both cameras offer a range of features and capabilities, making them suitable for a variety of photography genres. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D90 vs Sony A7II in detail to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.

Image Quality

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Nikon D90 has an APS-C sized CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12.3 megapixels, while the Sony A7II has a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.3 megapixels. The larger sensor size and higher resolution of the Sony A7II give it an advantage in terms of image quality, particularly in low-light conditions and when shooting at higher ISO settings.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture a wide range of tones from bright highlights to dark shadows. The Sony A7II has a wider dynamic range than the Nikon D90, allowing it to capture more detail in both bright and dark areas of the scene. This is especially beneficial for landscape and HDR photography.

Color Depth

Color depth refers to the number of bits used to represent each color channel in the image. The Nikon D90 has a color depth of 12 bits, while the Sony A7II has a color depth of 14 bits. The higher color depth of the Sony A7II provides smoother color transitions and more accurate color reproduction.

Performance

Autofocus

The Nikon D90 uses a 11-point autofocus system, while the Sony A7II uses a 117-point autofocus system. The Sony A7II’s more advanced autofocus system provides faster and more accurate focusing, particularly in low-light conditions and when tracking moving subjects.

Continuous Shooting Speed

The Nikon D90 has a continuous shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second (fps), while the Sony A7II has a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps. The slightly higher continuous shooting speed of the Sony A7II is beneficial for capturing fast-paced action or sports photography.

Buffer Depth

Buffer depth refers to the number of images the camera can capture before it needs to pause to write the images to the memory card. The Nikon D90 has a buffer depth of 100 JPEG images or 14 RAW images, while the Sony A7II has a buffer depth of 50 JPEG images or 26 RAW images. The larger buffer depth of the Nikon D90 allows it to capture more images in a burst without slowing down.

Features

Viewfinder

The Nikon D90 has an optical viewfinder with 96% coverage, while the Sony A7II has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage. The EVF of the Sony A7II provides a live preview of the image with real-time adjustments, making it easier to compose and focus the shot.

LCD Screen

The Nikon D90 has a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots, while the Sony A7II has a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with a resolution of 1.23 million dots. The tilting LCD screen of the Sony A7II provides more flexibility for shooting at different angles and in difficult lighting conditions.

Connectivity

The Nikon D90 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, while the Sony A7II offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth connectivity of the Sony A7II allows for easy pairing with smartphones and other devices for remote control and image transfer.

Lenses

The Nikon D90 uses Nikon F-mount lenses, while the Sony A7II uses Sony E-mount lenses. Both camera systems offer a wide range of lenses available, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and telephoto lenses. However, the Sony E-mount system has a wider selection of native lenses compared to the Nikon F-mount system.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D90 was released in 2008 and is currently discontinued. It can be found for around $300-$500 used. The Sony A7II was released in 2014 and is still in production. It can be found for around $1,000-$1,500 new.

Final Thoughts: The Best Camera for Your Needs

The Nikon D90 and Sony A7II are both capable cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities for photography enthusiasts. The Nikon D90 is a good choice for photographers on a budget who are looking for a reliable and versatile camera. The Sony A7II is a better choice for photographers who are looking for a camera with superior image quality, advanced autofocus, and more features. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which camera has better low-light performance?
A: The Sony A7II has better low-light performance due to its larger sensor size and wider dynamic range.

Q: Which camera has faster autofocus?
A: The Sony A7II has faster and more accurate autofocus due to its 117-point autofocus system.

Q: Which camera has a larger buffer depth?
A: The Nikon D90 has a larger buffer depth, allowing it to capture more images in a burst without slowing down.

Q: Which camera has a tilting LCD screen?
A: The Sony A7II has a tilting LCD screen, providing more flexibility for shooting at different angles and in difficult lighting conditions.

Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Nikon D90 is more affordable than the Sony A7II, especially on the used market.

Was this page helpful?

Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
Back to top button