Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D90

On this page, we are matching up the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D90, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are built by Nikon. The sensor resolution of the D5000 (12MP) and the D90 (12MP) is fairly similar and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The D5000 was announced 9 months after the D90 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5000 being a Compact SLR camera and the Nikon D90 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the D5000 grades versus the D90 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D5000 and Nikon D90. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D5000 Gallery and Nikon D90 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon D5000 enjoys outside measurements of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") having a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Nikon D90 has sizing of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") having a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D90 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the D5000 against the D90.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the D5000 and D90 is 65 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the D5000 and D90.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same megapixels and you should expect similar quality of photos but you might want to take the production date of the products into consideration. The younger D5000 should have an advantage in sensor tech.