Nikon Coolpix P90 Review
Nikon’s Coolpix P90 is a camera that can not only make you smile but capture them as well … then shoots people only with their eyes open. We hope you find our review of it helpful below.
It looks a little like an interchangeable dSLR but it’s far smaller and lighter (500 grams). Then you look at the lens: a 24x Nikkor zoom — just try and find one for a dSLR!
The zoom at the wide end (as a 35 SLR equivalent) is 26mm and racks out to a tele setting of 624mm.
The CCD captures 12.1 megapixels and can seize a maximum image size of 4000×3000 pixels.
Nikon P90 Features
The 7.6cm vari-angle LCD screen rolls through a vertical arc of 135 degrees but does not swivel laterally (bummer!) … The turret finder is also an LCD — not an optical one.
External controls are relatively few, while the viewfinder menu confirms image size, ISO speed etc. The mode dial offers options of auto, Program AE, shutter or aperture priority plus manual. There are two custom positions that can store personal settings like ISO rating, white balance, metering mode etc.
Face detection: The P90 can detect as many as 12 faces in shot, locking in correct focus and exposure. Then there’s the Smile Timer, which releases the shutter only when the subject smiles. A Blink Proof function automatically shoots two sequential frames and saves only the shot with the subject’s eyes wide open.
The P90’s vibration reduction uses an optical system, built into the lens. This works on stills shooting but an electronic method is used to stabilise movie shooting.
Movies? The P90 only captures 640×480 pixel SD quality. A camera at this price level screams out for High Def video.
The ISO range can run up to 6400, but ISO 3200 and 6400 sensitivity can only be used with a smaller image size. At higher ISO levels you may also have to use the P90’s noise reduction feature — supported at shutter speeds of ¼ second or less.
Nikon Coolpix P90 Lens
The lens is well-corrected with only a little barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom and no sign of any problems at the tele end. The camera as a clever menu ‘fix’ that can remove this problem in-camera: setting the camera to correct distortion gives you a final shot with the barrel distortion removed.
Continuous shooting of full size images can be made at a speed of 1.4 fps but if you’re happy with a smaller image size you can tap into Sports Continuous mode and shoot 45 1920×1080 pixel shots at 15 fps in the 16:9 aspect ratio. This would deliver impressive High Def movie clips of sports action.
A useful cache continuously stores the 10 frames immediately prior to firing the shutter, so you should never miss the peak of the action.
The P90 is close to a dSLR in style yet brings that experience without the penalties of weight and size.
I found in my tests the zoom’s range a whiz! The only thing you may face is that, in tele, over a long distance that atmospheric haze may spoil your shot.
Our Nikon Coolpix P90 Recommendation/Review: A high quality compact digicam with a magic zoom!
Nikon P90 Specifications
- Image Sensor: 10.9mm. 12.1 million effective pixels.
- Lens: Zoom-Nikkor f2.8-5.0/4.6-110.4mm. 26-624mm (35mm equiv). 4x digital zoom.
- Focus Range: Normal: 50cm-infinity; macro: 1cm-infinity.
- Metering: 256-segment matrix metering, centre-weighted metering, spot, spot AF area.
- Vibration Reduction: Image sensor shift VR.
- Image Sizes (pixels): 4000×3000, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1600×1200, 1280×960, 1024×768, 640×480, 3984×2656, 3968×2232, 2992×2992, 1920×1080.
- Movie Clips: 640×480, 320×240.
- File Formats: JPEG, WAV, AVI movie.
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 64 to 6400.
- Flash: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, forced on and off, slow sync, rear-curtain sync.
- Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, AC.
- Dimensions: 114×83x99 WHDmm.
- Weight: Approx. 460 g (minus batteries and memory card).
- Price: Amazon currently has the P90 priced at $359.99.
22 Responses to “Nikon Coolpix P90 Review” - Add Yours
July 30th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Have handled the P 90 and it felt really cheap, really too light to have such a zoom range and at the far end the pic’s were no good at all, need a real steady tripod.. I also cannot understand why this camera does not have a lens hood. Save your $$$.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I’ll note that the Canon SX10IS has sharper images than the P90 but past that the P90 focuses faster and has a better optical range.
July 30th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
That’s really an awesome camera. Image quality is awesome. I am impressed by its features. I also like the Nikon cool pix L100 camera. It has good design and features. For more in detail refer Nikon Coolpix L100
July 31st, 2009 at 1:41 am
I’ve been using this camera nearly every day for the last six weeks as a backup to my Nikon D200 dSLR. It’s an excellent little camera. It takes sharp images, performs well at distance and has many superior built-in features normally associated with a camera that’s twice its price! I’m sold!!
July 31st, 2009 at 2:06 am
I bought the P90 when it came out in March and it is a great lightweight little camera to keep in your bag to capture those shots that you may have missed when not wanting to carry around a heavier counterpart. I use the Nikon D3, and the P90 does not take that quality of photo, but then, it is not intended to. But it does have most of the features of the big guys and the zoom is terrific with a steady hand ot tripod. You can bracket for HDR photos and do almost everything else. And it feels more like a real camera than those pocket models.
July 31st, 2009 at 4:12 am
Enjoyed your assessment of the Nikon P90. I am learning as this info is helpful.
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I am confused about what audience this camera is focused on. There is the Coolpix series for those who want the “little camera that fits into a pocket/purse” and there are the D80, etc., which suit the professional to the almost-professional, then of course the larger, more expensive line of Nikon DSLR’s for purely professional use. This one seems rather “gimmicky” – whom does it target?
August 5th, 2009 at 11:47 am
To people who want a whole lot but don’t know any better. I am a Nikon Fan to the Core..but this P90 is a piece of amateur junk.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
For Jim:
Assuming you’re over the age of 14 and sober, you’d sound a lot more plausible if you substantiate your rants with some facts. In addition to the P90, I use a D200 and a D300. One of the other commentors uses a D3. From the perspective of high end users, the P90 is an excellent camera. It delivers sharp images, has a 24 X optical zoom, has enough megapixels to allow some pretty fancy cropping and has a long list of excellent features that I suggest you should probably read. If you do have legimate complaints, let’s hear them.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:25 am
For Marty. I also own a D3 and a D 300 with Several Lenses, 3 of which are 2.8’s so when I say the P90 is a piece of junk I feel I know a little about what I am talking about. I owned one for 3 days and then sent it back and got a L100 which works much better for a p&s. The P 90 is way to light for the Zoom range and it feels really cheap. We all know that most of these P&S cameras are made in about 3 or 4 factories in Asia and are built under the Spec’s that Nikon and whoever orders them and it would be to those Companies advantage to put a little more Quality in what they produce.I found that Spending $200 less on the L100 was a much better value than the P90. I am sober and over 14. you sound like a person with a pimple on his butt so go get some neosporian
August 6th, 2009 at 3:34 am
For Jim:
I’m not terribly interested in getting into a watering contest with you. Telling folks that you don’t like the weight/feel of the P90 or that it’s built in a foreign factory does not speak to any deficiencies in the camera. If you can’t articulate the problem then this might be a good time to listen to what other folks – not just me – are staying about the P90 that is constructive.
August 6th, 2009 at 5:35 am
As you wish..I have better things to do myself..Good day.
August 6th, 2009 at 5:41 am
I bought a P90 a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased with the results. I am still exploring the advanced features of the camera. Referring to Jim’s review, since when has light been a problem? The reason I chose a compact zoom is that I was getting a curveature of the spine lugging around all the old heavy lenses etc.
A review on one site showed some images at high zoom, so that the image was starting to pixelate. I found this review just after I had placed the order for my P90. The image was awful. It looked like someone had wiped a wet watercolour. You can imagine I was concerned I had ordered a piece of junk. Pleased to tell you the images I am getting are much much better than those shown on that review site.
Hand held at full zoom I took a photo of a seagull at about 60 feet distance. The gull 2/3 fills the frame and is absolutely sharp. At 60 feet and full 24 X zoom the photo clearly and sharply shows the pupil in the birds eye. I was amazed at this shot.
It may not give full proffesional results, no raw, but for the amateur enthusiast, fed up with dragging around a wheel barrow full of kit, this is a good solution. Unless you are a Luddite!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:41 am
I’m un-impressed by the camera reviews on DPS. They’re little more than a repeat of the manufacturers specs. If you want to be valuable, add some value, please. In addition, this site seems married to Nikon and Canon and that’s fine for shilling but what about the other camera manufacturers?
August 7th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Nikon Coolpix P90 Review was the name of this thread and for those of us that have given input concerning the pluses and minuses of this camera solely for the benefit of those perhaps interested in purchasing it, may I suggest that we stay on track. If someone has complaints about the DPS site and its reviews, it is always possible to find another site that better meets your needs. I receive enough junk mail on a daily basis without adding to it by someone who just wishes to complain.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Ditto that!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
hi everyone,
I’m browsing cameras and interested in either this nikon P90 or canon powershot SX10is. Does anyone know which one is better between the two? If I don’t have a tripod, can it still produce sharp images despite of the slight movement of my hands?
August 18th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Really bad result. Especially sky/clouds looks too bad. Never expected such a flop from Nikon
August 19th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I am a complete amateur and am trying to learn alot fast. I had the Nikon P90 and love it. But I have nothing better to compare it to, so next to my Kodak Easyshare it is amazing, and I love the zoom and the action shots I can take. For everything else I carry a Canon sd1100is in my purse. I also love that. I really don’t know much at all, but I’m looking forward to learning! I “hear” from my other non photo taking friends that I take really good pictures, but what do they know? Ha ha!
August 21st, 2009 at 1:54 am
Can you use filters directly on the lens or do you need an adapter like on the Sony superzooms? What size filters? A UV or 1A filter on the front of the lens has saved my lens on more than one occasion when I have dropped or had the camera knocked from my hands.
Glenn
August 25th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
I like this camera.
You can see some photos on my profile at panoramio panoramio:
http://www.panoramio.com/user/243521
Not all are made with this camera, only da recent. Also the photos are resized!!!
The originals are with much better quality.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Yeah… I kinda feel the same way as @LadyKaldi this is more a overview than a review. Its biggest competitors would be the SX10 and SX20 canons.
I’ve gotten the chance to play with the sx10, 20 and the P90, compare images on computer. I’ve only tested in daylight and indoors with tungsten lighting. My lightmeter read 1/30th @ f/4 @ ISO 1600 indoors.
The Nikon focuses about 10-30% faster than either canon. It also zooms in faster too. The Nikon is wider angle and zooms in farther. I will note that when zoomed in the Nikon has fringing issues and past x15 sharpness takes a hit. Detail goes downhill. I also find the button layout not as intuitive as Canon’s. Lastly The LCD screen is bigger, brighter, and more vibrant than Canon’s.
On Canon’s side the image quality is excellent all the way through the zoom although past x15 images start to get a little soft though not as bad as the P90. The canon also has a little bit better high ISO noise quality than the P90. I found that the P90 used alot of in camera noise reduction which lead to rediculous soft images. Canon’s SX20 is also the only one that sports HD video up to 720p.
One feature that the sx10/20 has that the P90 doesn’t is the lack of a hot shoe mount. What is cool about that is that I can shoot images with the SX’s with my lighting equipment. As a professional photographer, I find value in the 1/500th sync speed as my 50D is 1/250th and my 5d’s are @ 1/200th.
Anyways, a little review/comparision with the P90 and the Canon SX10/20.
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