Nikon D3000 or Nikon D5000?

Find a camera that is perfect for your needs!

Nikon has two fantastic entry level DSLR cameras to choose from: the Nikon D5000 and the brand spankin' new Nikon D3000.

The newer D3000 is the replacement for the extremely popular Nikon D40 and D60. It has all the finest features of both cameras, and then some.

I'm making the assumption that those who are reading this article for serious decision making content have already decided that you want to upgrade from the Nikon D40 or from a point and shoot camera to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR).

You have made a great decision! You will not regret it.

Be sure to read The Bottom Line of this article because I will disclose the vital difference between these two cameras that will help you make a choice you will be satisfied with.

Here is the simple comparison:

D3000	D5000
Image sensor: 10.2 effective megapixels	Image sensor: 12.3 effective megapixels
LCD: 3.0" 230k pixels	LCD: 2.7" 230k pixels with Tilt Screen
Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing system	Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing system
6 Scene Modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, and other settings for superior image quality	19 Scene Modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and other settings for superior image quality
ISO Range of 100 to 1600; a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200	ISO Range of 200 to 3200; can be set to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalents
Up to 3 fps continuous shooting	Up to 4 fps continuous shooting
No Movie Function	D-SLR Movie Function: D-Movie, selectable from 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or 1,280 x 720 pixels in AVI format
No Live View	One-touch access to Live View, which includes face priority AF and subject tracking
Battery: Highly efficient energy-saving design that allows approx. 550 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and flash fired at full power once every other shot.)	Battery: Highly efficient energy-saving design that allows approx. 510 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and flash fired at full power once every other shot.)
11 AF points provides fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame	11 AF points provides fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame
Price:	Price:

The Bottom Line:

Photographers purchase DSLR cameras for 2 basic reasons. First, they want great image quality. Even though the entry level DSLRs do not have full image sensors, they are much more capable than Point and Shoot cameras of producing professional quality images. Second, the photographer wants more control. This comes with the ability to change lenses and manually control the camera in such areas as Aperture and Shutter Speed. If these reasons fit you, you will be totally satisfied with either the Nikon D3000 or the Nikon D5000. If, however, you want the big three features offered in the D5000 that are not in the D3000 - these being Video, Live View, and an Articulating LCD panel, then the Nikon D5000 is for you.

In this writer's humble opinion, Video is not a compelling enough reason to go for the extra $150. The Nikon D3000 will prove to be a capable replacement for the D40 and D60.