Some of the improvements the D90 offers over the D80 include 12.3 megapixel resolution, live view capability and automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration. The D90 is also notable for being the first DSLR to offer video recording, with the ability to record HD 720p videos, with mono sound, at 24 frames per second (for up to 5 minutes or 20 minutes for smaller resolutions).
Unlike less expensive models such as the D40, D60, D3000 and D5000, the D90 has a high resolution rear LCD screen, as well as a built in autofocus motor, which means that all Nikon F-mount autofocus-lenses (except the two for the rare Nikon F3AF) can be used in autofocus mode.[6]
The Nikon D90 was the first Nikon camera to include a third firmware module, labeled "L," which provides an updateable lens distance integration database that improves autoexposure functions.[7] [8]

Video recording
Nikon D90 was introduced as the first ever DSLR with video capabilities, being able to record HD 720p videos with monaural sound. Of note about the video recording feature is that the D90 does not auto-focus while filming video, even when an auto-focus lens is used. In order to keep a subject in focus while it moves relative to the focal plane, the user must manually adjust the focus. As with other DSLRs, its CMOS sensor captures video frames using a method called rolling shutter, which may cause skewing artifacts during rapid camera or subject motion.
According to the Internet Movie Database,[9] the first use of the Nikon D90 to shoot a feature film has been a motion picture entitled Reverie. The film's cinematographer has praised the camera for its dynamic range, its ability to support 35mm optics, and large chip in comparison to standard video cameras within and beyond the D90's price range.[10]

Reception
The Nikon D90 has been tested by many independent reviewers since its introduction[11][12]. Most reviews of the D90 have been positive, assessing the D90 as a notable improvement over its predecessor, the Nikon D80. The camera received 4 stars out of 5 in CNET's editor review[13] and Photocrati's Nikon D90 review labeled the D90 a "best value" DSLR[14]. Digital Photography Review also published a highly positive assessment[15], but noted that the only weakness seemed to be that matrix metering on the D90 is tied too strongly to individual focus points, and therefore allows highlights to be clipped in other areas of an image. DxOmark's camera sensor ranking places the D90 above its competitors and even higher priced cameras like the Canon EOS 1D Mark III and Canon EOS 5D, partly due to a high dynamic range.[16]
As noted above, one of the most notable features of the Nikon D90 is that it is the first digital SLR cameras to include high definition video capabilities. While most reviewers gave the D90's HD Video high marks, Nikon expert Thom Hogan noted that the HD Video capability, while novel, was not yet refined, providing only mono sound, and being subject to video flaws such as apparent distorted motion of stationary objects when panning left to right.[17]