Handling & ease of use:
The D90 follows a long tradition of Nikon SLRs that feel substantial to hold and comfortable to use. With its large, rounded handgrip and textured exterior, it's a camera that can be held securely in one hand without any real trouble. Its relatively lightweight body (620 grams) is a bonus for those who find the semi-pro models too heavy, while the option of an additional grip will please those who prefer a camera outfit with a more substantial feel. Controls are very neatly set out and follow the layout used throughout the Nikon DSLR range, which ensures that those looking to upgrade will have little problem getting used to their new camera. Anyone who have not used a Nikon before will find that the D90 is a relatively easy DSLR to get to grips with; the biggest challenge will be running through the various sub-menus and options as the camera is so well-specified. This is aided in no small part by the large 3in LCD monitor and the easy to read on-screen menu system. However, with the buttons neatly laid out and well labelled, selecting the major functions and modes should prove to be straightforward. The info button allows you to customise some aspects of the operation and with the on-screen menu activated, a help button provides an explanation of the functions on offer, should you have left your instructions at home. While the depth of features may be a little overbearing for some newcomers, Nikon has tried to make the D90 as easy to use as possible without dumbing it down.
The D90's viewfinder provides 96% coverage and gives a sharp and bright image. The screen has black markings for the AF points, with the option to superimpose gridlines too. Exposure information runs along the bottom and is comprehensive with large, easy to read digits. The 3in LCD monitor, like those found in the D300, D700 and D3, features 920,000 dots, providing sharp images with accurate colours – which proves particularly good when reviewing images, especially at high magnification.

Features:
The D90 replaces the two year old D80 and brings with it a number of improvements and innovations. It boasts a newly developed DX-format CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12.3-megapixels, the same as the semi-pro D300. The ISO range of 200-3200 (expandable to 100-6400) is on a par with most consumer models and a dust reduction system is also present. Image processing borrows much from the high-end models with an EXPEED processor handling images and various key functions, while the Scene Recognition System, developed to optimise AF, exposure and White Balance, has been expanded to also offer Face Detection, a first on a Nikon DSLR. The 11-point AF system covers a large area of the image frame and includes a cross-type sensor at the centre that can be set to 'wide-zone'. The exposure system is typical of what you'd find on Nikon consumer models with 3D Colour Matrix II, spot (central 2%) and centre-weighted average metering patterns, along with exposure compensation, AE-Lock and bracketing. The D90 also features an improved version of Active D-Lighting, which is a function used to retrieve detail in the highlights and shadows of a high-contrast scene.
Adjustments to the colour reproduction and sharpness of the image can be made using the Picture Control feature, with six settings available, including Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome. And, although the camera is aimed at the advanced amateur, Nikon has included Scene modes such as Portrait and Landscape, to help DSLR newcomers settle into using the camera. These modes have been enhanced by allowing the images to be optimised with Active D-Lighting, Picture Control and other exposure-related functions.
Arguably the biggest innovation of the D90 is the video mode. While digital compacts have offered this function for years, the D90 is the first ever DSLR to allow users to shoot video footage (up to 5 mins in HD or 20 minutes in lower quality settings). This feature may be seen as a gimmick by some, but amateurs may see this as an opportunity to leave the camcorder at home and keep weight down, while photojournalists may view this as a chance to shoot video as well as stills. Time will tell how popular this function proves to be. Overall, the D90 offers an extensive range of features, especially when you consider its attractive price.

Performance:
The Nikon D90 has some pretty big shoes to fill, as the camera it replaces, the D80, has maintained its popularity since it first appeared two years ago and enjoys its status as one of the best all-round performers on the current scene. As it turns out, the D90 performs as well or better in most areas but isn't entirely without hiccups. On to the positive aspects of the camera, of which there are many: The Matrix metering pattern is superb, providing the correct exposure for the vast majority of shooting situations and virtually making the other two patterns redundant. However, as with all DSLRs, it struggles with strong backlighting and scenes containing a large amount of bright sky; underexposing in both instances. In terms of image quality, the D90 performs very well. It delivers images with very good colour reproduction, and the Auto White Balance fares well in a multitude of lighting situations. The Active D-Lighting does make a difference, so it's worth considering using it with scenes that have a wide contrast range i.e. strong highlights and deep shadows. Image sharpness is excellent too, with the 18-105mm 'standard' zoom capturing plenty of detail and good contrast. Noise isn't an issue until ISO 800 and is on a par with other models in this sector. The camera also features a number of creative options, which is a bonus for those looking to try in-camera manipulation.
The D90 fares less well in autofocus speed. It is not only slower than its main rivals, but is actually, notably, behind the older D80 too. It should be pointed out that AF accuracy isn't an issue – the D90 doesn't hunt, but the time it takes for the AF to lock onto a subject is more than you'd expect from the current generation of DSLRs. So, while the D90 delivers in virtually all areas, its AF lets it down a little, and although the Nikon D90 comes highly recommended, we'd suggest that you check it out first to ensure you've no issues with the AF speed.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
The Nikon D90 is boxed with: Quick Charger (MH-18a); Lithium-ion battery (EN-EL3a); USB cable; AV cable; strap; body cap, hotshoe cover, LCD monitor cover (BM-10); Quick Guide; instruction manual and software CD-ROM

INTEGRAL FLASH
The built-in flash uses i-TTL control to deliver accurate flash exposures. It has a Guide Number of 12 (ISO 100, m) and coverage for lenses as wide as 18mm. It also boasts Advanced Wireless Lighting for controlling off-camera Speedlight flashguns.

ADDITIONAL GRIP
As well as providing improved handling, the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 offers secondary controls and the choice of extra power in the form of up to two EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or six AA cells.

EXPEED PROCESSOR
A powerful EXPEED processor not only enables fast image processing, it is also at the heart of the D90's image quality and aids functions such as Live View and the Face Detection system.

CALENDER PLAYBACK
The D90 offers a number of ways for reviewing images. As well as the standard single-image and histogram screens, there is a multi-image option that displays up to 72 images, as well as a calendar screen with images placed on appropriate dates.

TEST VERDICT
There is little doubt that the Nikon D90 is an innovative and well specified DSLR that offers much for the enthusiast. It handles extremely well, has plenty of features and delivers high quality results. Its ease of use and creative in-camera options mean that it also offers a good, feature-packed entry option for ambitious newcomers (although the Nikon D60 makes more sense as a learning tool for beginners). The video mode is an interesting concept that will appal some and be applauded by others. I can see it being well received by DSLR photographers who can use it to video as well as photograph family occasions and I'm in no doubt that we'll see video slowly become a standard feature on many DSLRs. The only real factor against it is its AF speed. I'd have rather seen the D90 offer similar or faster AF to the D80 than offer face detection and prove slower. Other than that, the D90 is yet another solid performer from the Nikon stable and offers very good value for money.
Handling & Ease of use: 23/25
Features: 23/25
Performance: 22/25
Value for money: 22/25
FINAL SCORE: 90/100

Model: NIKON D790
contact: 0800 230220, www.nikon.co.uk
 Sensor type: CMOS
Resolution (effective pixels): 13.2
Max. image resolution (pixels): 4288x2848
Focal length increase: 1.5x
Number of AF points: 11
Multi-zone metering zones: 420 pixels
ISO rating: 100-6400
Card format: SD
Raw + JPEG: Yes
Shutter speedS: 1/4000sec-30sec+Bulb
Flash sync: 1/200
Shake reduction: VR lenses only
Dust reduction: Yes
Continuous frame rate: 4.5fps
LCD monitor: 3in
POWER SOURCE: Lithium-ion
Size (MM): 132x103x77
Weight (grams): 670