Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290
65 Imaging
51 Features
50 Overall
50


66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
- 1280 x 720 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 590g - 127 x 104 x 80mm
- Introduced June 2009
- Superseded the Nikon D60
- Newer Model is Nikon D5100
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Released June 2010
- Earlier Model is Sony A230

Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Overview
Below is a in-depth overview of the Nikon D5000 and Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the D5000 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very comparable and they feature the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

The D5000 was announced 12 months earlier than the A290 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the D5000 scores against the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D5000 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D5000 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D5000 over the Sony A290
D5000 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Nikon D5000
A290 | D5000 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2010 | ![]() | June 2009 | More recent by 12 months |
Common features in the Nikon D5000 and Sony A290
D5000 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Display sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equivalent display size |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch friendly display |
Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon D5000 provides external dimensions of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Compare the Nikon D5000 and Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the D5000 against the A290.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the D5000 and A290 is 65 and 66 respectively.

Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D5000 and A290.
As you can see, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A290 to show more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older D5000 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D5000 vs Sony A290 Specifications
Nikon D5000 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon D5000 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Type | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2009-06-12 | 2010-06-09 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4592 x 3056 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Max enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7 inch | 2.7 inch |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.52x | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 4.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 17.00 m (at ISO 100) | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/200s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video format | 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 | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 590 grams (1.30 lb) | 549 grams (1.21 lb) |
Dimensions | 127 x 104 x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 72 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.7 | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.5 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light rating | 868 | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 510 pictures | 290 pictures |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL9a | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC card | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail pricing | $630 | $600 |