Nikon N90S

Author's Rating:

Pros: Great auto-focus, super flash program, sturdy and dependable, cheap.

Cons: A bit bulky, and the technology is dated when compared to the F100 & F5.

The Bottom Line: 
The N90S provides pro quality features and durability at an amateur price.

Author's Review
OVERVIEW

Nikon's top tier of cameras (F5, F100, and N90S) are cousins under the skin...all posses a unique computer interface that allows the photographer a larger number of options than many similar cameras from other manufacturers. The oldest member of the trio, the N90S, introduced in 1992 (and upgraded to the "S" designation in 1994) is the camera most geared toward advanced/serious amateur shooters. The venerable Nikon "F" mount is still the workhorse basis of the N90S's appeal. The camera accepts manual focusing (AI and later) Nikkors, all AF Nikkors, AF-D Nikkors (flash distance measurement) and AF-S Nikkors (Silent internal motors in each lens) plus lenses from many other manufacturers. This provides access to hundreds of lenses...both new and used.

Coupled with many useful features such as multi segment 3D matrix metering, Centerweighted and one per cent spot metering, multi mode (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, seven "Subject" based special program modes, and Manual) operation, vertical shutter release, variable fill flash options, and the Nikon Photo Secretary software (which allows the camera to connect to your PC) the N90S is one of the most versatile and useful photographic tools available today.

IN THE FIELD/OPERATION & HANDLING

The auto-focus is very very good in low light situations (Pro photographers love this feature) and quite fast in normal operation. Nikon's exclusive long base AF CCD sensor with cross vertical sensor, provides snappy and very accurate auto focus.

The camera is a bit bulky but feels comfortable, the controls are well laid out, easy to understand, and operate. The optional (about $250) Multi control back provides auto bracketing and multiple exposure capabilities. Flash capabilities (with either the SB27 or SB28 Nikon Speedlights) are almost limitless, especially with Nikkor AF-D lenses. An especially desirable feature is the ability to use AA batteries (available everywhere) or the CR123A Lithium batteries.

SUMMARY

The N90S is a serious camera, for serious photographers. Many Pro photographers use the N90S as either a backup to their F5's or as a primary camera. The camera is built to Nikon's famous built to last standard, and well sealed against dirt and moisture. Prices for new N90S bodies have been falling since the introduction, earlier this year, of the F100...so this may be the best time to get a real bargain on this camera.

Technical Specifications

Exposure/Auto Exposure: Multi-Program (user shiftable), seven Vari-Programs, Aperture & Sutter Priority, & Metered Manual.
Focusing: AF or Manual with almost all "F" mount lenses.
Metering: 8 segment "Matrix", spot, & centerweighted
Film Advance: 4.7 FPS
Power: 4 "AA" or two CR123A Lithium cells
Options: Multi Control Back (auto bracketing & Multiple Exposure)
Nikon "Photo-Secretary"


UPDATED: 5/20/00 With the introduction of the new Nikon N80, the status of the N90S and N70 are in question. If the N80 measures up to the advance publicity, then the N90S (and the N70) will probably be discontinued. If you are considering purchasing a camera in this price/feature range it might be a good idea to wait awhile and see how the N80 is received. If the N90s is discontinued, then prices will drop further. The price has already fallen to just over $700.00 in the past year, depending on your needs and shooting style, the N90s may be just what you are looking for....and everybody loves a bargain.

If you would like to read more about 35mm cameras, please see my reviews:

Contax SLR’s

Contax N1
http://www.epinions.com/content_21301202564

Contax 645 (Medium Format) AF SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-31B5-B8D40D6-38AECFC4-prod2

Olympus SLR’s

Olympus OM4ti
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5ABD-F3D6954-38B42C34-bd3

Nikon SLR’s

Nikon N70
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6991-EA50BF1-38EE1854-prod4

Nikon N80
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5CF1-20F9233-3915B0F2-prod6

Nikon FM10
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6C07-23519DF-393087EA-prod2

Nikon N65
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-46B3-76FC62B-3A00116B-prod1

Nikon FM3A
http://www.epinions.com/content_32634801796

Nikon F5 (35mm) SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-3A32-DBB0138-37FBC7B7-bd3

Nikon F100 (35mm) SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-540D-DBAA8E5-37FBC6D5-bd3

Nikon F4S
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-1BF0-4DCCD57-389DB017-prod2

Nikon FM2n
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-3CFA-1D553EB-37BC4CFF-bd2

Nikon N90S
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2BE1-1D4C2DF-37BC4B8C-bd2

Rollei 35mm

Rollei QZ35W & QZ35T
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6991-EA50BF1-38EE1854-prod4

Voightlander 35mm Rangefinder Cameras

Bessa L & Bessa R
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5D5-BC745AC-38AF6B20-prod6

Choosing a 35mm Camera
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-658D-D159BD0-38EA19CC-prod4

Choosing 35mm Lenses
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-283E-10641A05-393D299A-prod1

Just “cut’n’paste” the URL into your browser’s address window