Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D5

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D5000 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D5 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D5000 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D5 has a 70 % larger resolution than Nikon D5000. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D5 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5000. Nikon D5 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 102400 while Nikon D5000 has 200 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D5 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5000 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5000
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D5000 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5 can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D5 weighs 1415 gr (equal to 3.12 lb) which is 140% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1.3 lb).

Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D5 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Name	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Release Year	2009	2016
Release Date	2009-04-14	2016-01-05
MSRP	849 USD	6499 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4288 x 2848 pixels	5588 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels	12,3 MP	21 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 5
Image	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
ISO Range	200 - 6400	100 - 102400
White Balance Presets	12	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Autofocus Motor	No	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	11	153
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated	Fixed
Screen size	2,7”	3.2”
Screen dots	230000	2359000
Touch screen	No	Yes
Screen type	N/A	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)	0.72×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	0
Photography features	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Frames per second	4 fps	14 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	17 meters	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	MPEG4	MPEG4 H.264
Video resolution	1280 x 720	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	Yes
Storage	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash XQD
Connectivity	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	Yes
Headphone Port	No	Yes
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	Yes Optional with WT-5A or WT-6A
Remote Control	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))	Yes (wired, wireless, smartphone)
GPS	Yes Optional	Yes Optional with GP-1A
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D5000	Nikon D5
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Nikon EN-EL9a Lithium-Ion battery	EN-EL18a lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	510 shots	3780 shots
Width	127 mm	160 mm
Height	104 mm	159 mm
Depth	80 mm	92 mm
Weight	590 gram	1415 gram