• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 855.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D90 advantages over Nikon L840

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon L840 advantages over Nikon D90

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $1300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Newer
    9 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.4 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Nikon D90
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D90 vs Sony DSLR-A550

Nikon L840
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 vs Sony DSLR-A550

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Nikon D90
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D90 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Nikon L840
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Pentax K-5

Nikon D90
Pentax K-5
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-5

Nikon L840
Pentax K-5
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon L840 vs Pentax K-5

Compared to Nikon P530

Nikon D90
Nikon P530
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Newer

Compare Nikon D90 vs Nikon P530

Nikon L840
Nikon P530
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon P530

Compared to Nikon B500

Nikon D90
Nikon B500
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D90 vs Nikon B500

Nikon L840
Nikon B500
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon B500

Compare Other Cameras?