Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 41
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 44
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5000 | D90 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
14/04/2009 | 27/08/2008 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 127 x 104 x 80 mm | 132 x 103 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 590 g | 703 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
12.3 MP050 | 12.3 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 | 4288 x 2848 |
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 | 15.8 x 23.6 |
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 | 4.5 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 |
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 | 20030200 |
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 | 32003003280000 |
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 | 64003003280000 |
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 | 110300 |
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 (pentaprism) |
| 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 | Standard 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 | 1280 x 720 |
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 | 24 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
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 |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL9a | EN-EL3e |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
510 shots1505000 | 850 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D90 outperforms the Nikon D5000 with a score of 44/100 compared to the D5000’s 41/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2008 and 2009, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the D90 measuring 132 x 103 x 77mm and the D5000 at 127 x 104 x 80mm. The D5000 is lighter, weighing 590g, while the D90 weighs 703g.
The D90’s higher score reflects its better performance, despite being an older model and having a higher launch price of $1235, compared to the D5000’s $730. On the other hand, the D5000’s advantage lies in its lighter weight, making it more convenient for some users. Considering these factors, the Nikon D90 is the superior camera, but the D5000 may be more suitable for those prioritizing weight and budget.
The Nikon D90 wins the optics comparison with a score of 46/100, while the Nikon D5000 scores 45/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as 12.3 megapixels, a CMOS sensor, the Expeed processor, an APS-C sensor size, a Nikon F DX lens mount, and no image stabilization.
The D90 surpasses the D5000 in two aspects: shooting speed and DXOMARK score for the sensor. With a shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second (fps), the D90 has a slight edge over the D5000’s 4 fps, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the D90’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 73, one point higher than the D5000’s score of 72. This indicates that the D90’s sensor performs marginally better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
While the D5000 falls short in those two areas, it does not possess any specific advantages over the D90 in terms of optics. The one-point difference in the overall score is solely due to the D90’s slightly better performance in shooting speed and sensor quality.
Taking these factors into account, it is clear that the Nikon D90 is the better camera in terms of optics. The higher score of 46/100 reflects its advantages in shooting speed and sensor performance. The Nikon D5000, with a score of 45/100, remains a worthy contender but does not offer any optical benefits over the D90. Potential buyers should consider these differences when deciding between the two cameras.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D90, it is essential to note that the Nikon D90 does not have any video functionality. Thus, the remainder of this comparison will focus on the video capabilities of the Nikon D5000.
The Nikon D5000 has a video score of 49 out of 100. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of standard HD, with dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. This resolution is suitable for casual video recording and sharing on social media platforms. The D5000 also supports a maximum video frame rate of 24 frames per second (fps), which is a common frame rate for cinematic video recording.
One notable feature of the Nikon D5000 is its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse sequences directly within the camera, without the need for additional software or equipment.
Considering the video capabilities of the Nikon D5000 and the lack of video functionality in the Nikon D90, it is clear that the D5000 offers more versatility in terms of video recording. Users who prioritize video recording alongside photography will find the Nikon D5000 to be a more suitable option.
The Nikon D90 outperforms the Nikon D5000 with a feature score of 41/100 compared to the D5000’s 34/100. Despite their differences, both cameras share several specifications, including the absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth.
The Nikon D90 surpasses the D5000 in terms of screen size and resolution. With a 3-inch screen and a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D90 provides a more comfortable and detailed viewing experience than the D5000’s 2.7-inch screen and 230,000-dot resolution. This advantage allows photographers to better compose their shots and review images on the D90.
Although the Nikon D5000 has a lower feature score, it does not necessarily mean it lacks any advantages over the D90. However, in this comparison, the D5000 does not show any significant benefits over the D90 in terms of features. Both cameras have the same limitations and share the same specifications, as mentioned earlier.
Considering the information provided, the Nikon D90 holds a clear advantage in features with its larger screen and higher resolution. This makes it a better choice for those who prioritize image composition and review. The Nikon D5000, on the other hand, does not offer any notable benefits in this comparison. It is essential to consider other aspects, such as general specifications, optics, and video capabilities when making a final decision.
The Nikon D90 outperforms the Nikon D5000 in storage and battery with a score of 37/100, compared to the D5000’s 27/100. Both cameras share the same storage specifications, featuring one memory card slot and accepting SD/SDHC cards. However, the D90 surpasses the D5000 in battery life, offering 850 shots per charge, while the D5000 provides 510 shots. This difference is due to the D90 using the EN-EL3e battery type, while the D5000 uses the EN-EL9a. Neither camera supports USB charging.
The D90’s longer battery life makes it a more convenient option for extended photography sessions, reducing the need to carry spare batteries or recharge frequently. On the other hand, the D5000 does not offer any advantages in storage and battery over the D90.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D90 proves to be the superior choice in terms of storage and battery performance, making it more suitable for photographers who require longer shooting times without interruptions.
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 D90:
