Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D90

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D2Xs and Nikon D90. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D2Xs were released 2006 and Nikon D90 was released 2008. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D2Xs 2006
Nikon D90 2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D2Xs 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D90 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D2Xs has a 12,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D90 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D2Xs 12,2 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848
Nikon D90 12,3 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848

ISO range

Nikon D90 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D2Xs. Nikon D90 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D2Xs has 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D2Xs 100-3200
Nikon D90 200-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D2Xs
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D90

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D2Xs can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D2Xs 5
Nikon D90 4,5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D90. Sadly, the Nikon D2Xs does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D2Xs weighs 1200 gr (equal to 2.65 lb) which is 71% heavier than Nikon D90 and its 703 gr (or 1.55 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D2Xs 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon D90 703 gr
1.55 lb

Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D90 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D2Xs and Nikon D90, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Name Nikon D2Xs Nikon D90
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Release Year 2006 2008
Release Date 2006-06-01 2008-08-27
MSRP 4699 USD 899 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4288 x 2848 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels 12,2 MP 12,3 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
ISO Range 100 - 3200 200 - 6400
White Balance Presets 6 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 11 11
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2.5” 3”
Screen dots 235000 920000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 96%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.86× (0.57× 35mm equiv.) 0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Frames per second 5 fps 4,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 17 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Supported Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)
GPS No Yes
Optional
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D90
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 3800 shots 850 shots
Width 158 mm 132 mm
Height 150 mm 103 mm
Depth 86 mm 77 mm
Weight 1200 gram 703 gram