Nikon D5000
Nikon · DSLR · 12.3 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon |
| Model | D5000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 14, 2009 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 127 x 104 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 590 g |
Optics45/100 | |
About the OpticsNikon D5000 Overview and OpticsThe Nikon D5000 receives an optics score of 45/100. With 12.3 megapixels and a shooting speed of 4 frames per second, it offers decent image quality. The camera has a CMOS sensor, an Expeed processor, and a DXOMARK score of 72. Its sensor size is APS-C, and it uses the Nikon F DX lens mount. However, the D5000 lacks image stabilization, which can affect image sharpness in certain situations. In the current market, the Nikon D5000’s specifications may not stand out among newer models, as technology has advanced significantly since its release. The absence of image stabilization and a relatively low megapixel count make it less competitive. Despite this, the camera still produces good quality images, and its lens mount allows users to access a wide range of Nikon lenses. The Nikon D5000 has its limitations, but it remains a viable option for photographers seeking an affordable and reliable camera. Its optics may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers satisfactory image quality and provides access to a vast selection of Nikon lenses. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 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 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
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 |
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 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | 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. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 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 |
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 |
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 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 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 |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video49/100 | |
About the VideoThe Nikon D5000 receives a video score of 49 out of 100. This camera offers standard HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. It provides a maximum video frame rate of 24 frames per second (fps), which is a common frame rate for cinematic video. Additionally, the camera has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing users to create time-lapse videos without the need for external software. Comparing the Nikon D5000’s video capabilities to current market standards, it falls behind modern cameras that often feature 4K video resolution and higher frame rates. However, the built-in time-lapse functionality remains a useful feature for those interested in time-lapse photography. While the Nikon D5000’s video capabilities may not compete with newer models, it still provides standard HD video and time-lapse functionality, making it suitable for casual video shooters and time-lapse enthusiasts. | |
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. | |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Nikon D5000’s feature score stands at 34 out of 100, which may not seem impressive compared to modern cameras. This camera has a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. Unfortunately, it does not offer a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth capabilities. Comparing these specifications to today’s market, it becomes evident that the Nikon D5000 falls short in some areas. Many contemporary cameras now come with touchscreens, flip screens, and connectivity options such as WiFi and Bluetooth. These features enhance user experience and facilitate the sharing of images and videos. Despite its shortcomings, the Nikon D5000 still delivers quality images and videos that may satisfy the needs of those who prioritize performance over additional features. However, for those seeking more advanced features and connectivity options, there are other cameras on the market that may better suit their requirements. | |
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. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
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. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Nikon D5000’s storage and battery score stands at 27/100. This camera offers a single memory card slot, compatible with SD and SDHC cards. In today’s market, this may not be sufficient for users seeking more storage options and flexibility. The D5000’s battery life allows for 510 shots, powered by an EN-EL9a battery type. However, it lacks a USB charging feature. Compared to modern cameras, the battery life and charging options are somewhat limited. The Nikon D5000’s storage and battery capabilities may not be on par with contemporary models, but they still provide a decent performance for casual photographers. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | EN-EL9a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 510 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |