Nikon D40 vs Nikon D5000

On this page, we are contrasting the Nikon D40 vs Nikon D5000, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras and both of them are offered by Nikon. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the D40 (6MP) and D5000 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

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The D40 was announced 3 years prior to the D5000 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the D40 matches up versus the D5000 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D40 & Nikon D5000. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D40 Gallery & Nikon D5000 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon D40 features outside measurements of 124mm x 94mm x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 522 grams (1.15 lbs) whilst the Nikon D5000 has measurements of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D40 vs Nikon D5000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the D40 versus the D5000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D40 and D5000 is 71 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The image below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the D40 and D5000.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You can expect to see the Nikon D5000 to give extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged D40 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.