By Geoffrey Pereira

THE launch of a new digital camera often means little more than small improvements over an older model. In this respect, one common change is higher resolution in the new camera.

However, now and then, a new entry comes along that makes a big jump to a higher level of performance than the previous model.

Such is the case with Nikon's new D90, a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) which has joined the popular D80 on the shelves.

Among the key changes and features not found on the D80 are:

• A new CMOS sensor, unlike the D80's charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor;
• A dust-removal system;
• A new image-processing system called Expeed;
• High-definition movie capability;
• Live view, which allows the user to view the scene on the LCD screen, just like in point-and-shoot cameras.

Besides these new features, there is a long string of other improvements compared to the D80.

The key ones include:

• Better low-light capabilities, with ISO extending to 6400, which is twice the D80's maximum;
• Improved resolution: 12.1 megapixels, compared to the D80's 10.2 megapixels.

Taken together, these new features make the D90 almost a completely new camera, rather than a marginally improved 'upgrade' version of the D80.

Many of these changes are internal and not noticeable from the outside. A major exception, however, is the bigger 3-inch LCD panel at the back, compared to the D80's 2.5-inch panel.

Current Nikon users will find the menus and functions in the D90 easy to navigate and access as no major changes have been made. First-time buyers should have no problems here either.

However, I felt that more of the functions - such as the ability to change the area of focus - should have been made accessible through buttons and other controls on the camera body. I found it time-consuming to have to access the menu on the LCD screen in order to change the settings.

Nevertheless, the D90 is an easy camera to use, with well-positioned and labelled buttons and dials and an easy-to-follow menu arrangement.

There is no question about the quality of the images produced by the camera in terms of colour and contrast. A good range of lenses is also available to ensure crisp images.

Nikon first showed its improved capability in low-light photography with its flagship D3 and the D300 last year.

This new capability has also been incorporated in subsequent models, including the new D90. This means that a previous bugbear, poorer low-light performance when compared to competitors, has been eliminated.

With its 12.1 megapixel resolution, the D90 should be more than enough for A4 or bigger prints.

This high resolution gives greater scope when cropping off portions of images to enlarge what you want to show off.

• Nikon D90
  $1,988, from camera stores

Final say

The Nikon D90 has so many new features, functions and improvements over the older D80 that it is not just a small upgrade but a big jump to almost a different grade of camera.

This article was first published in Digital Life, The Straits Times on Oct 29, 2008.