Review: Canon EOS 90D specs

With a 32.5-megapixel APS-C format sensor, a rapid top shooting speed of ten frames-per-second and a 45-point autofocus system, the Canon EOS 90D packs a fairly hefty technical punch in a small and easy-to-handle package. Ideal for capturing both wildlife and sports action, the 90D’s APS-C format adds a 1.6x factor to your telephoto lenses, effectively getting you closer to the action than you would with the same lenses on a full-frame camera.

The camera’s impressive autofocus system deploys all of its 45 points as cross-type points, which means all of them are analyzing both vertical and horizontal lines and hence are more accurate than cameras with vertical-only autofocus points in ensuring reliable focusing performance across the frame. The autofocus points, distributed across the camera’s optical viewfinder, can be used in isolation or in groups of points that can be swiftly moved around the frame via an autofocus multi-controller. A top shutter speed of 1/8000sec also helps you to freeze fast action.

The 45 cross-type points work in tandem with a 220,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor to help to deliver superb low light sensitivity, which allows you to focus even when shooting in moonlit conditions down to -3EV. It’s also worth noting that 27 of the autofocus points are f/8 compatible, which allows you to shoot at less wide-open apertures and in lower light. The camera’s iTR AF focusing system uses both color and face information to recognize and track subjects as they move around the frame.

The camera’s autofocus system extends to shooting in Live View mode, which boosts the 90D’s shooting speed further—up to 11 frames per second. If you want to capture fast action, the use of UHS-II SD memory cards means you can capture up to 58 full-size JPEG files, 25 RAW files or 39 C-RAW files in a single, continuous burst.

The top ISO value of 51,200 is a low light option that’s able to cope with the vast majority of lighting situations, even if you’re working without camera support. The 90D’s standard ISO range is 100-25,600, but an additional ’H’ expandable setting means photographers can shoot in a range between ISO 100-51,200. That superb top ISO value means the 90D operates at light levels for those shooting at dusk, night or in extremely low light.

The importance of the 1.6x APS-C format crop sensor can be seen if you consider that, say for wildlife, you’re in the field with a 200mm lens but, on the 90D, that will give you an effective focal length of 320mm in comparison to a full-frame camera. Thus you’re getting 'closer' to subjects that might be easily startled or disturbed. For shooting sports action the added focal length factor is also a major benefit.

Another key feature is a Vari-Angle touchscreen, which lets you shoot from fresh and tight angles by simply tapping the LCD screen. Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity allow you to view images instantly on smartphones or tablets that are running Canon’s Camera Connect app. It's also possible to remote tether the 90D to a PC or Mac, via the supplied EOS Utility software, for smooth studio shoots. Finally, if you want to shoot movies, the Canon EOS 90D offers an impressive 120fps shooting speed—ideal for capturing action and editing it to slow-mo sequences—and can deliver quality 4K footage. Overall, the Canon EOS 90D is an excellent DSLR choice that combines impressive spec with easy, intuitive handling.