Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r
65 Imaging
51 Features
50 Overall
50


67 Imaging
52 Features
52 Overall
52
Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 590g - 127 x 104 x 80mm
- Launched June 2009
- Superseded the Nikon D60
- New Model is Nikon D5100
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 598g - 125 x 97 x 68mm
- Revealed March 2011

Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Overview
Here, we will be contrasting the Nikon D5000 versus Pentax K-r, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the D5000 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (APS-C).

The D5000 was launched 21 months before the K-r which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief overview of how the D5000 matches up against the K-r in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D5000 and Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D5000 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D5000 over the Pentax K-r
D5000 | K-r | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-r over the Nikon D5000
K-r | D5000 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | March 2011 | ![]() | June 2009 | Fresher by 21 months |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D5000 and Pentax K-r
D5000 | K-r | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Absent Touch screen |
Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon D5000 comes with outer 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) while the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon D5000 versus Pentax K-r in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the D5000 compared to the K-r.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the D5000 and K-r is 65 and 67 respectively.

Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the D5000 and K-r.
As you have seen, both cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact MP therefore you should expect comparable quality of images though you have to consider the production date of the cameras into account. The older D5000 will be behind in sensor technology.

Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D5000 vs Pentax K-r Specifications
Nikon D5000 | Pentax K-r | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D5000 | Pentax K-r |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Launched | 2009-06-12 | 2011-03-11 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Max resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4288 x 2848 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Max enhanced ISO | 6400 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW data | ||
Min enhanced ISO | - | 100 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Available lenses | 309 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 96% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.52x | 0.57x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/6000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 4.0fps | 6.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 17.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, High-Speed Sync and Wireless Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/200 secs | 1/180 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) | 1280 x 720 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (25 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 590 gr (1.30 lb) | 598 gr (1.32 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 127 x 104 x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") | 125 x 97 x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 72 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.7 | 22.9 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.5 | 12.4 |
DXO Low light score | 868 | 755 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 510 pictures | 470 pictures |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL9a | D-LI109,4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail pricing | $630 | $1,100 |