Nikon D5000 vs D750

The Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D750 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in April 2009 and September 2014. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D5000) and a full frame (D750) sensor. The D5000 has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the D750 provides 24.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D5000		Nikon D750
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor		24.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
720/24p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 200-3200 (200-6400)		ISO 100-12800 (50-51200)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
2.7" LCD, 230k dots		3.2" LCD, 1229k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second		6 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
510 shots per battery charge		1230 shots per battery charge
127 x 104 x 80 mm, 590 g		141 x 113 x 78 mm, 750 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D750? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D750. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D750 is notably larger (21 percent) than the Nikon D5000. Moreover, the D750 is markedly heavier (27 percent) than the D5000. It is noteworthy in this context that the D750 is splash and dust-proof, while the D5000 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D750) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D5000). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D5000 gets 510 shots out of its EN-EL9a battery, while the D750 can take 1230 images on a single charge of its EN-EL15 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon D5000»	5.0 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	20.8 oz	510	n	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D750«	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	26.5 oz	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Canon XSi« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.5 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Leica SL« »	5.8 in	4.1 in	1.5 in	29.9 oz	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D5600« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D5« »	6.3 in	6.3 in	3.6 in	49.9 oz	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499			Nikon D5
	Nikon Df« »	5.7 in	4.3 in	2.6 in	26.8 oz	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
	Nikon D5200« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	500	n	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Nikon D5100« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	3.1 in	19.8 oz	660	n	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100
	Nikon D3100« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	550	n	Aug 2010	599	-		Nikon D3100
	Nikon D3000« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.5 in	18.9 oz	500	n	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Nikon D60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	629	-		Nikon D60
	Nikon D90« »	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	24.8 oz	850	n	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Nikon D90
	Nikon D40X« »	4.9 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	520	n	Mar 2007	729	-		Nikon D40X
	Nikon D80« »	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	23.6 oz	600	n	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D5000 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the D750, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5000 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D750 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D750 is 131 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the D750 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 4) than the D5000 (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

With 24.2MP, the D750 offers a higher resolution than the D5000 (12.2MP), but the D750 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 5.53μm for the D5000) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D750 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 4 months) than the D5000, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D750 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D750 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20.1 inch or 76.4 x 51 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16.1 inch or 61.1 x 40.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.4 inch or 50.9 x 34 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D5000 are 21.4 x 14.2 inch or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inch or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inch or 36.3 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D5000 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 200-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D750 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D750 offers substantially better image quality than the D5000 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D750 provides a better video resolution than the D5000. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the D5000 is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The D5000 and the D750 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D750 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D5000 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D750 has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.51x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D750 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One feature that is present on the D750, but is missing on the D5000 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D750 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D5000 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the D750 uses SDXC cards. The D750 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D5000 only has one slot. The D750 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the D5000 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D750 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the D750 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D5000 does not offer wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D750 (unlike the D5000) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D750 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D5000 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D5000 was succeeded by the Nikon D5100. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon website.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D5000 or the Nikon D750 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5000:

• More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x104mm vs 141x113mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 160g or 21 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (67 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in April 2009).

Advantages of the Nikon D750:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24.2 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 41%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 4 vs EXPEED).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/24p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.51x).
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 230k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1230 versus 510) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 4 months of technical progress since the D5000 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D750 is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D750 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D5000 or the D750. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon D5000»	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D750«	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Canon XSi« »	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Leica SL« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D5600« »	-	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D5« »	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499			Nikon D5
	Nikon Df« »	-	81/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon D610« »	+ +	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	+ +	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
	Nikon D5200« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749	-		Nikon D5200
	Nikon D5100« »	+ +	76/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100
	Nikon D3100« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	599	-		Nikon D3100
	Nikon D3000« »	+	72/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Nikon D60« »	80/100	+ +	4/5	o	4.5/5	Jan 2008	629	-		Nikon D60
	Nikon D90« »	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Nikon D90
	Nikon D40X« »	79/100	+ +	4/5	o	4/5	Mar 2007	729	-		Nikon D40X
	Nikon D80« »	+	+ +	o	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Nikon D5000 vs Nikon D750

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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