Reasons to choose D4
Released in 2012, D4 has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 1,340 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D4
vs Nikon D90
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D4373 mm²
D90- Area ratio
- 2.31:1
- Absolute difference
- 488 mm²
- Relative difference
- 130.7%
The D4 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 4 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D4MetricD90
16.2 MPEffective pixels12.3 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor23.6 × 15.8
7.29 µmPixel pitch5.51 µm
53.11 µm²Pixel area30.32 µm²
1.88 MP/cm²Pixel density3.3 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1.52
—Maximum video1,280 × 720
1,340 gWeight703 g
Compact Flash (Type I, XQD) x2StorageSD/SDHC
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-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 D4 has the larger sensor area. The D90 has the lighter body. The D4 has the higher effective resolution. The D4 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.