Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Semi-Pro DSLR. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Nikon and Canon. Although Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Nikon D90 has a sensor with a resolution of 12.0 MP, while Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a different resolution of 20.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D90 Key Features:
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Key Features:
Nikon D90 was substituted by Nikon D7000.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D90 vs. D7000
Nikon D7000 vs. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Nikon D90 substituted Nikon D80.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D90 vs. D80
Nikon D80 vs. Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Wireless Connectivity | Eye-Fi Connected vs No | Better connectivity |
Sensor Area | 372.88 mm2 vs 336 mm2 | 9.9% larger pixel area |
Flash Range | 17 vs 12 | 5 better flash range |
Battery Life | 850 shots vs 670 shots | 180 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 703 g vs 910 g | 207 g lighter |
Dxo Color Depth | 22.7 vs 22.4 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 12.5 vs 11.8 | Better dynamic range |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.64 vs 0.63 | 0.01 better magnification |
Gps | Built-in vs Optional | Has GPS |
Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 40% more pixels |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 4.5 fps | 5.5 fps faster |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Number Of Focus Points | 65 vs 11 | 54 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 920k dots | 11.5% higher resolution screen |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 | Higher Resolution Video |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 1082 vs 977 | Better High ISO performance |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Battery Life | 850 shots | 670 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 20.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D90 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 207g less than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D90 features a 12.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor . Canon EOS 7D Mark II, in its turn, comes with a 20.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon D90 | Canon EOS 7D Mark II |
---|---|---|
Portrait Photography |
|
|
Street Photography |
|
|
Sports Photography |
|
|
Daily Photography |
|
|
Landscape Photography |
|
|
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D90 or Canon EOS 7D Mark II, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon EOS 7D Mark II deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D90. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon D90 | Canon EOS 7D Mark II | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Canon |
Model | D90 | EOS 7D Mark II |
Announced | Oct 13, 2008 | Sep 15, 2014 |
Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8 mm | 22.4 x 15 mm |
Sensor Area | 372.88 mm2 | 336.00 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 20.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 5472 x 3648 |
Max Native ISO | 3,200 | 16,000 |
Max Boosted ISO | 6,400 | 51,200 |
Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF/EF-S |
Number of Lenses | 287 | 304 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.6x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 11 | 65 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 65 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 920k dots | 1,040k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 96% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.64 | 0.63 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 4.5 fps | 10.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 17 | 12 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 73 | 70 |
DxO Color Depth | 22.7 | 22.4 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.5 | 11.8 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 977 | 1082 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50. 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (29.97, 25 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 703 g | 910 g |
Physical Dimensions | 132 x 103 x 77 mm | 149 x 112 x 78 mm |
Battery Life | 850 shots | 670 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | EN-EL3e | LP-E6N |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | Built-in |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC | CompactFlash + SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
Most popular cameras