Nikon D5000

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    Highlights

    • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 11 Focus Points
    • 2.7" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
    • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D5000 was announced in 2009 and is an APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) DSLR camera with 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fully Articulated 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder.

    Nikon D5000 can capture video up to 1280 x 720 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon D5xxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon D5xxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5600
    Compare
    		November
    2016    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.2"
    1,037k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5500
    Compare
    		January
    2015    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.2"
    1,037k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5300
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.2"
    1,037k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5200
    Compare
    		May
    2013    		 24.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5100
    Compare
    		April
    2011    		 16.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5000 June
    2009    		 12.3 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 3,200 Articulated 2.7"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D5600 vs D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100 vs D5000.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5000.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 72
    •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D5000 to its predecessor D60 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D60
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3872 x 2592
    Timelapse Recording vs
    More Focus Points 11 vs 3
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
    Larger Screen 2.7" vs 2.5"
    Live View vs
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 868 vs 562
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.7 vs 22.5
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.5 vs 11.4
    Higher DxO Overall Score 72 vs 65
    HDMI Output vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Longer Battery Life 510 shots vs 500 shots
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D60
    Higher Native ISO 200 vs 100
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.52x vs 0.53x
    Heavier 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz) vs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D5000 vs D60.

    Successor

    In 2011 Nikon D5000 was replaced by Nikon D5100. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D5000 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D5000
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
    Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 6,400
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 2 vs EXPEED
    Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4288 x 2848
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
    Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1183 vs 868
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.5 vs 22.7
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.6 vs 12.5
    Higher DxO Overall Score 80 vs 72
    Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
    Microphone Input vs
    Lighter 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz) vs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 660 shots vs 510 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D5000 vs D5100.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated screen

    Nikon D5000 has a 2.7" Fully Articulated screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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    Nikon D5000 with Fully Articulated screen


    Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.78x (0.52x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D5000 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D5000's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.8 mm372.9 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D5000 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5000.

    Nikon D5500
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D5600
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D5100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D60
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Nikon D5200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.1 MP

    Nikon D5300
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon Z8
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    45.7 MP

    Nikon Z7
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    45.7 MP

    Nikon Z6 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.5 MP

    Nikon D3200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon Rebel T3i
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    18.0 MP

    Nikon Z30
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.9 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon D5000 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon D5000 comes with EN-EL9a battery pack with battery life of 510 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D5000 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Nikon D5000 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 17.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +1 EV with 1/3 or 1/2 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D5000 has dimensions of 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5 x 4.09 x 3.15"). It weighs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    127 mm (5")

    104 mm (4.09")

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    104 mm (4.09")

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    80 mm (3.15")

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    Nikon D5000 dimensions

    Nikon D5000 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D5000 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    65

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 65 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    56

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 56 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Nikon D5000 gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots

    Nikon D5000 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D5000 and give score of 62 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    62

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 66 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 72

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    63

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 63 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    BAD
    7

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 7 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

    Focusing

    GOOD
    81

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 81 for Focusing parameters.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    77

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 77 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    61

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 61 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    41

    We give Nikon D5000 a score of 41 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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