The following Nikon D90 battery life numbers (how many photos can be taken before power from the Nikon EN-EL3e 7.4V, 1500mAh Lithium Ion battery pack runs out) is extracted from the Nikon D90 Manual and the Nikon D90 Specifications page.
Nikon provides two sets of battery life figures, one based on the CIPA standard, and the other on their in-house, Nikon standard.
Three different power supply conditions are tested:
- One fully-charged Nikon EN-EL3e, either in-camera or in an attached Multi-Powered Battery Pack Grip MB-D80.
- Two fully-charged Nikon EN-EL3e battery packs in the MB-D80 battery grip.
- Six AA-sized batteries in the MB-D80 battery grip.
CIPA standard
Figures calculated based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) testing standards (see the section titled “Standard Procedure for Measuring Digital Still Camera Battery Consumption” for more information) are obtained in the following manner (quoted from the Nikon D90 Manual):
Measured at 23°C / 73.4°F (±2°C/3.6°F) with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR lens under the following test conditions: lens cycled from infinity to minimum range and one photograph taken at default settings once every 30 s; flash fired once every other shot. Live view not used.
Nikon D90 battery life, CIPA standard:
- One EN-EL3e battery (in the camera or in the MB-D80): Approximately 850 shots
- Two EN-EL3e batteries (in the MB-D80): Approximately 1700 shots
- Six AA batteries (in the MB-D80): Approximately 600 shots
Nikon standard
Figures calculated based on the Nikon standard are obtained in the following manner (quoted from the Nikon D90 Manual):
Measured at 20°C / 68°F with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR lens under the following test conditions: release mode set to Continuous High Speed, autofocus mode set to AF-C, image quality set to JPEG basic, image size set to M (medium), white balance set to A, ISO sensitivity set to ISO 200, shutter speed 1/250 s, focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times after exposure meters have been on for 3 s; six shots are then taken in succession and monitor turned on for 4 s and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off.
Nikon D90 battery life, Nikon standard:
- One EN-EL3e battery (in the camera or in the MB-D80): Approximately 4200 shots
- Two EN-EL3e batteries (in the MB-D80): Approximately 8400 shots
- Six AA batteries (in the MB-D80): Approximately 1900 shots
Unlike Canon, unfortunately, Nikon does not provide separate battery life figures for movie and Live View shooting, and photography at 0°C / 32°F / freezing temperature.
Other Battery Life Factors
In the D90 Manual, Nikon advised that the following will lead to a reduction in battery life and number of shots:
- Using the LCD monitor.
- The shutter-release button is kept pressed halfway.
- Autofocus operation is repeatedly performed.
- Shooting NEF (RAW) instead of JPEG images.
- Slow shutter speeds.
- Using the GP-1 GPS unit.
- VR (vibration reduction) mode on VR lenses is activated.
Some lenses draw more power from the camera’s battery during operation due to their physical (heavy lens elements that need more power to move) and electronic (type and technology of the VR employed) properties.
Related
Nikon D90 – Main page