Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500
69 Imaging
50 Features
36 Overall
44


63 Imaging
51 Features
52 Overall
51
Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Expand to 3200)
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 536g - 126 x 97 x 64mm
- Launched December 2009
- Older Model is Nikon D40
- Replacement is Nikon D3100
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 630g - 137 x 104 x 84mm
- Released August 2009
- Refreshed by Sony A560

Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Overview
In this article, we are analyzing the Nikon D3000 versus Sony A500, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the D3000 (10MP) and the A500 (12MP) is very comparable and they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The D3000 was introduced 4 months later than the A500 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a short view of how the D3000 scores vs the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3000 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D3000 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3000 over the Sony A500
D3000 | A500 |
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Reasons to pick Sony A500 over the Nikon D3000
A500 | D3000 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Common features in the Nikon D3000 and Sony A500
D3000 | A500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | December 2009 | ![]() | August 2009 | Same age |
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display measurement |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly display |
Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon D3000 comes with exterior dimensions of 126mm x 97mm x 64mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 536 grams (1.18 lbs) while the Sony A500 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).
Check the Nikon D3000 versus Sony A500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the D3000 versus the A500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D3000 and A500 is 69 and 63 respectively.

Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the D3000 and A500.
All in all, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony A500 to provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images far more aggressively.

Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3000 vs Sony A500 Specifications
Nikon D3000 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon D3000 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Launched | 2009-12-11 | 2009-08-27 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 12MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4272 x 2848 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 12800 |
Highest boosted ISO | 3200 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 309 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.53x | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0fps | 5.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/200s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 536g (1.18 lbs) | 630g (1.39 lbs) |
Dimensions | 126 x 97 x 64mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 62 | 64 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.3 | 21.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.1 | 11.6 |
DXO Low light rating | 563 | 772 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 500 photos | 520 photos |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL9a | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $0 | $638 |