Nikon D5000 vs Olympus E-400

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Nikon D5000 versus Olympus E-400, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the D5000 (12MP) and the E-400 (10MP) is relatively similar but the D5000 (APS-C) and E-400 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The D5000 was unveiled 2 years after the E-400 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the D5000 grades against the E-400 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D5000 and Olympus E-400. The full galleries are available at Nikon D5000 Gallery and Olympus E-400 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon D5000 has got exterior dimensions of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") along with a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Olympus E-400 has measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs).

See the Nikon D5000 versus Olympus E-400 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the D5000 vs the E-400.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D5000 and E-400 is 65 and 77 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specifications. The pic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D5000 and E-400.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D5000 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Nikon D5000 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher D5000 will have a benefit in sensor technology.