If the D80 sensor come from the D200, it follows that the D90 should use the D300's sensor.
| Name | D300 | D80 | D90 |
| Sensor | 12.3 MP CMOS | 10 MP CCD | 12.3 MP CMOS |
| Self-cleaning sensor | Yes | No | Yes |
| Movie mode | No | No | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | No | Yes |
| Focus Points | 51 | 9 | 9 |
| Live View | Yes | No | Yes |
| Storage | CF | SD | SD |
| HDMI out | Yes | No | Yes |