Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D90

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5000 and Nikon D90. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D5000

Nikon D90

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D5000 were released 2009 and Nikon D90 was released 2008. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D5000	2009
Nikon D90	2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D5000	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D90	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon D5000 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D90 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D5000	12,3 MP 12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848
Nikon D90	12,3 MP 12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 200 to 6400.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D5000	200-6400
Nikon D90	200-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D90 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 D90

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 D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D5000	4
Nikon D90	4,5

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 D90 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 D90 weighs 703 gr (equal to 1.55 lb) which is 19% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1.3 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D5000	590 gr 1.3 lb
Nikon D90	703 gr 1.55 lb