Nikon D800E vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D800E and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D800E was introduced in June 2012 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 was introduced in August 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D800E Highlights

      • 36.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 3.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D800E and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90.

      PROS

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 96
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D800E

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D800E over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90.

      Nikon D800E vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.33-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 36.3 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 vs 4000 x 3000
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 23
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 0
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 460k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 3.7 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 900 shots vs 200 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D800E.

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 over Nikon D800E.

      Nikon D800E vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 6,400
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) vs 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 40 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D800E Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D800E Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D800E has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D800E

      Nikon D800E has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90.

      Sensor

      Nikon D800E features a 36.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D800E is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 7360 x 4912 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 6144 x 4912, 6144 x 4080, 5520 x 3680, 4800 x 3200, 4608 x 3680, 4608 x 3056, 3680 x 2456, 3600 x 2400, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2400 x 1600 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1600 x 904, 1504 x 1504 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon D800E

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D800E. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.

      Image Stabilization on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Nikon D800E has a Mini Type C HDMI and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D800E comes with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 900 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D800E has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA). Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D800E has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D800E, and up to 1/4000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. Nikon D800E can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 can shoot continuously up to 3.7 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D800E has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 has 23 focusing points. Nikon D800E has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D800E ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D800E and ±2 range on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. You can also do exposure lock and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D800E and exposure bracketing on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D800E and 5.90 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. Nikon D800E also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D800E.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D800E body has dimensions of 146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.75 x 4.84 x 3.23") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 body has dimensions of 102 x 56 x 22 mm (4.02 x 2.2 x 0.87"). Nikon D800E weighs 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 weighs 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz).

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      146 mm

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      102 mm

      56 mm

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      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      56 mm

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      82 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      22 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D800E and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      Nikon D800E and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      54
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.7 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      70
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.7 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      74
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D800E and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 and give them scores of 71 and 60 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      60

      Sensor

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 96
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      79
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      73
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      81
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      75
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D800E

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90

      GOOD
      73
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 149 g (0.33 lb / 5.26 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 200 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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