Reasons to choose EOS 30D
Released in 2006, EOS 30D has about 338 mm² of sensor area, 8.19 MP effective resolution, and a 784 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon EOS 30D
vs Nikon D90
VS
Sensor area
338 mm²
EOS 30D373 mm²
D90- Area ratio
- 1.1:1
- Absolute difference
- 35 mm²
- Relative difference
- 10.5%
The D90 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
EOS 30DMetricD90
8.19 MPEffective pixels12.3 MP
22.5 × 15Sensor23.6 × 15.8
6.42 µmPixel pitch5.51 µm
41.21 µm²Pixel area30.32 µm²
2.43 MP/cm²Pixel density3.3 MP/cm²
1.6Crop factor1.52
—Maximum video1,280 × 720
784 gWeight703 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageSD/SDHC
AA (4) batteries (NiMH recommended)BatteryLithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D90 has the larger sensor area. The D90 has the lighter body. The D90 has the higher effective resolution. The D90 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D90
Released in 2008, D90 has about 373 mm² of sensor area, 12.3 MP effective resolution, and a 703 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.