Canon EOS 90D 90D Black Review

The Canon EOS 90D is a DSLR that still impresses with a 32.5MP sensor, class-leading battery life, and strong 4K video. Its autofocus is a throwback, so action shooters should think twice. But for stills and casual video at a good refurbished price, it's an easy recommendation.

The Canon EOS 90D is one of those cameras that feels like a greatest hits compilation from the DSLR era. A 32.5MP APS-C sensor, 10fps burst, and a battery that seemingly never dies all packed into a chunky, familiar body. If you're asking "Is the Canon 90D good for video?" or "Should I buy a DSLR in 2024?", you're not alone. This thing still has a loyal following, and for good reason.

Prices are all over the map, though. We've seen it anywhere from $1,149 to a baffling $340,165 depending on the vendor, so shop around. Make sure you're not paying a collector's premium for what is basically a well-loved workhorse. Refurbished body-only deals around $1,149 are the real sweet spot if you already own lenses.

For family photos, casual video, or just the feel of an optical viewfinder, the 90D still holds its own. It's not trying to be a mirrorless camera, and that's exactly why some people still prefer it. The vari-angle touchscreen and top LCD make it easy to handle, and the EF lens ecosystem is massive and affordable on the used market.

In our database, the 90D's battery life ranks in the absolute top tier. At 1,300 shots per charge, you can easily forget your charger on a weekend trip and not sweat it. The 32.5MP sensor is a standout too, sitting in the 95th percentile and delivering sharp, detailed images that can handle heavy cropping. Burst shooting at 10fps is decent, falling around the 65th percentile. It won't embarrass itself at a kids' soccer game, but it's not going to worry a Sony A9 either.

The autofocus system is the clear weak point, and there's no sugarcoating it. With 45 cross-type points, this thing lands in the 4th percentile compared to modern mirrorless options. That means for fast action or subjects that zigzag, you'll miss shots that a Canon R7 would nail without breaking a sweat. Video specs are much stronger: 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps are well above average, but the lack of in-body stabilization means handheld footage can get shaky. If you're locked down on a tripod, though, the quality is great.

Value is tricky because the price spread is insane. At $1,149 for a refurbished body, it's a steal for anyone with EF glass. But if you're looking at bundles over $1,500, you're better off eyeing a mirrorless alternative. The Canon EOS R7, for instance, gives you a similar sensor with much better autofocus and stabilization for not a whole lot more when you catch a sale. The 90D makes the most sense for DSLR holdouts who refuse to go mirrorless and want a reliable, high-res body that'll work with lenses they've collected over the years.

Stack the Canon 90D against the Sony a7 IV or Fujifilm X-H2S, and you're talking about entirely different leagues. Those mirrorless bodies deliver cutting-edge autofocus, in-body stabilization, and better video codecs, but they'll also set you back at least double the price of a 90D. And they lack that optical viewfinder charm that some shooters still crave.

A more direct rival is the Canon EOS R7. It uses a similar 32.5MP APS-C sensor, but ditches the mirror for vastly superior subject-tracking AF and in-body stabilization. If you're starting fresh, the R7 is the smarter long-term buy. But if you already own a bag full of EF glass and don't want an adapter, the 90D gives you native compatibility and a familiar shooting experience that still gets the job done for most stills work.

Skip the 90D if you shoot fast action or wildlife and need reliable subject tracking. The autofocus just can't keep up with modern mirrorless systems. It's also not for you if you rely on handheld video without a gimbal, since there's no stabilization in the body. And if you're buying a new system from scratch with no lens investment, a Canon R7 or even a Sony a6600 will offer a better blend of speed and features for around the same money.

Should you buy the Canon 90D in 2024? If you mostly shoot stills, value battery life over autofocus, and have a shelf of EF lenses at home, the answer is yes, and you'll probably love it. It's a camera that feels like an old friend: predictable, durable, and capable of gorgeous images. The user sentiment backs this up. People rave about the image quality and the solid build.

But if your work involves fast sports, unpredictable wildlife, or a lot of handheld video, the 90D's aging autofocus and lack of stabilization will frustrate you. It's not that it can't do those things; it's that mirrorless cameras at similar prices do them so much better. For the right person, though, this DSLR is still a champ.