Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic SZ10

Here is a extensive analysis of the Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic SZ10, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the D5000 (12MP) and SZ10 (16MP) and the D5000 (APS-C) and SZ10 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The D5000 was revealed 6 years earlier than the SZ10 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5000 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the D5000 grades against the SZ10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D5000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D5000 Gallery & Panasonic SZ10 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon D5000 comes with outer dimensions of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") having a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ10 has sizing of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs).

See the Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic SZ10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the D5000 versus the SZ10.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the D5000 and SZ10 is 65 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D5000 and SZ10.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The D5000 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ10 will provide more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older D5000 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.