Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D5100

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100
      62
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      67
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D5100, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D5000 was introduced in June 2009 and Nikon D5100 was introduced in April 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D5000 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon D5100 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D5100
      4. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      5. Screen and Viewfinder
      6. Sensor
      7. Photography Features
      8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      9. Other Features
      10. Physical Parameters
      11. For Different Types of Photography
      12. Evaluations
      13. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100.

      PROS

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 660 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5000.

      Nikon D5500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5600
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D60
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D5200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Nikon D5300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon Z7
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon Z6 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D3200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T3i
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Samsung GX-1L
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D5100

      Nikon D5100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D5100 over Nikon D5000.

      Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D5100
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Higher Boosted ISO 6,400 vs 25,600
      More Powerful Processor EXPEED vs EXPEED 2
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 4928 x 3264
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 921k dot
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 868 vs 1183
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.7 vs 23.5
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.5 vs 13.6
      Higher DxO Overall Score 72 vs 80
      Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 1920 x 1080
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz) vs 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 510 shots vs 660 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5100.

      Nikon D5200
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Nikon D5600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7S
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      Full Frame

      12.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-T5
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      APS-C

      40.2 MP

      Sony a6700
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      APS-C

      26.0 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon L24
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Nikon D600
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 1D X
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D5000 Nikon D5100
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Screen TypeFully ArticulatedFully Articulated
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D5000 Nikon D5100
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi via Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D5000 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Nikon D5100 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution. Both have Fully Articulated screens. Fully articulated screen makes cameras selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage and 0.78x (0.52x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D5000 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode. Nikon D5100 features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D5000 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D5100 is equipped with EXPEED 2 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3696 x 2448, 2464 x 1632 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D5000 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D5100 nothing can be done. On Nikon D5100 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D5000 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D5000 has an HDMI and Nikon D5100 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D5000 comes with EN-EL9a battery pack with battery life of 510 shots and Nikon D5100 comes with EN-EL14 battery pack with battery life of 660 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D5000 has a single SD/SDHC card slot. Nikon D5100 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100 have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D5000, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D5100. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D5000 has 11 focusing points and Nikon D5100 has 11 (1 cross-type) focusing points. Nikon D5100 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on both models.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 17.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D5000 and 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D5100. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D5000 body has dimensions of 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5 x 4.09 x 3.15") and Nikon D5100 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.11"). Nikon D5000 weighs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz) and Nikon D5100 weighs 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz).

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      127 mm

      104 mm

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      128 mm

      97 mm

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      104 mm

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      97 mm

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      80 mm

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      79 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100

      Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 660 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 660 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 660 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D5000 and Nikon D5100 and give them scores of 62 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      OVERALL
      62
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80

      Photo

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      83
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      GOOD
      77
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      80
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      75
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D5000

      Nikon D5100

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 510 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 660 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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