Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5000 | D5500 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
14/04/2009 | 06/01/2015 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 127 x 104 x 80 mm | 124 x 97 x 70 mm |
| Camera weight | 590 g | 420 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.3 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4288 x 2848 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.8 x 23.6 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
4 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
32003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
64003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 390300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Standard HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
24 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
Motion JPEG | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 2.7" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL9a | EN-EL14 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
510 shots1505000 | 820 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner with a score of 61/100, while the Nikon D5000 trails behind at 41/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, with the D5500 announced in 2015 and the D5000 in 2009. They share similarities in their launch prices, with the D5000 at $730 and the D5500 at $900.
The D5500 outshines the D5000 in size and weight, measuring 124 x 97 x 70mm and weighing 420g, making it more compact and lighter than the D5000’s 127 x 104 x 80mm and 590g. However, the D5000’s lower price may appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Considering the specifications, the Nikon D5500 is a more advanced and user-friendly option, while the Nikon D5000 still holds value for those seeking a more affordable choice.
The Nikon D5500 triumphs over the Nikon D5000 in optics, with a score of 65/100 compared to the D5000’s 45/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and lack of image stabilisation.
The D5500 outperforms the D5000 in several aspects. Firstly, it boasts a higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the D5000’s 12.3 megapixels. This results in sharper, more detailed images from the D5500. Secondly, the D5500 has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second, as opposed to the D5000’s 4 frames per second, allowing for better performance in capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the D5500 features an improved Expeed 4 processor, compared to the D5000’s Expeed processor, contributing to faster image processing and enhanced performance in low light situations. Lastly, the D5500 has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 84, compared to the D5000’s score of 72, indicating better overall image quality.
The D5000, however, does not have any significant advantages in optics over the D5500. The only possible merit could be its lower megapixel count, which may result in slightly better low light performance due to larger pixel size. However, this advantage is minimal and does not outweigh the benefits provided by the D5500’s higher megapixel count.
Considering these factors, it is evident that the Nikon D5500 offers superior optics compared to the Nikon D5000. The higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, advanced processor, and better DXOMARK sensor score make the D5500 a more desirable camera for capturing high-quality images.
The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner in video capabilities, with a score of 70 out of 100, compared to the Nikon D5000’s score of 49. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having built-in time-lapse functionality. However, there are key differences that set the D5500 apart as the superior choice for video recording.
The D5500 offers Full HD video resolution, with maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, while the D5000 only provides Standard HD, at 1280 x 720. This means that the D5500 records higher quality and more detailed videos, making it a better option for those who prioritize video performance. Additionally, the D5500 has a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, whereas the D5000 is limited to 24fps. The higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion effects, which is an advantage for videographers seeking more flexibility in their video projects.
On the other hand, the D5000 does not have any notable advantages over the D5500 in terms of video capabilities. The shared time-lapse functionality is the only common ground between the two cameras, but this does not make the D5000 a better choice for video recording.
Taking all these factors into account, the Nikon D5500 is the clear winner when it comes to video capabilities, with its higher video resolution and frame rate. The D5000 falls short in this comparison, lacking any distinct advantages over its counterpart. Therefore, for those prioritizing video performance, the Nikon D5500 is the recommended choice.
The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 59/100, while the Nikon D5000 scores 34/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the lack of GPS and Bluetooth connectivity.
The D5500 outperforms the D5000 in several aspects. It has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the D5000’s 2.7 inches, providing a better view of captured images and videos. The screen resolution of the D5500 is significantly higher, at 1,037,000 dots, compared to the D5000’s 230,000 dots, resulting in sharper and clearer images on the display. The D5500 also features a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate through settings. Additionally, the D5500 has a flip screen, providing flexibility in shooting angles and facilitating self-portraits. Lastly, the D5500 includes Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling users to transfer images wirelessly and control the camera remotely through a smartphone or tablet.
The D5000, despite its lower score, has some advantages over the D5500. It is an older model, which means it may be available at a lower price, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize cost over advanced features.
Considering the differences between the Nikon D5000 and D5500, the D5500 is the superior camera in terms of features. Its larger and higher-resolution touchscreen, flip screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it a more versatile and user-friendly option. However, the D5000 may still appeal to those seeking a more affordable camera without the need for advanced features.
The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner in storage and battery with a score of 35, compared to the Nikon D5000’s score of 27. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and do not support USB charging. However, the D5500 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, while the D5000 only accepts SD and SDHC cards.
The D5500’s battery life is significantly better, providing 820 shots per charge with its EN-EL14 battery. In contrast, the D5000’s EN-EL9a battery only lasts for 510 shots. This advantage makes the D5500 more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
On the other hand, the D5000 does not have any advantages in storage and battery when compared to the D5500. The D5500’s superior battery life and broader memory card compatibility make it the clear choice for photographers who prioritize these features.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5000 or the Nikon D5500: