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Nikon D5000 vs Sony A7R

The Nikon D5000 and the Sony Alpha A7R are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in April 2009 and October 2013. The D5000 is a DSLR, while the A7R is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D5000) and a full frame (A7R) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 36.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5000
versus
Sony A7R
Nikon D5000   Sony A7R
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-3,200 (200 - 6,400) ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
4 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
510 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
127 x 104 x 80 mm, 590 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 465 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5000 and the Sony Alpha A7R? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D5000 and the Sony A7R are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D5000 vs Sony A7R
Compare D5000 versus A7R top
Comparison D5000 or A7R rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R is notably smaller (10 percent) than the Nikon D5000. Moreover, the A7R is markedly lighter (21 percent) than the D5000. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7R 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 will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5000) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7R, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D5000 gets 510 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL9a battery, while the A7R can take 340 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7R can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D5000 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the A7R, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5000 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7R a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R 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.

Nikon D5000 and Sony A7R sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the A7R offers a higher resolution than the D5000 (12.2MP), but the A7R has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 5.53μm for the D5000). Yet, the A7R is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 6 months) than the D5000, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D5000 are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inches 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 Sony Alpha A7R are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D5000 versus A7R MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7R offers substantially better image quality than the D5000 (overall score 23 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.9 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
2.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
3.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
4.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
5.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
6.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
7.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
8.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
9.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
10.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
11.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
12.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
13.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
14.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
15.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
16.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7R provides a better video resolution than the D5000. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the D5000 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the A7R 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 A7R has a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.51x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D5000, the Sony A7R, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D5000 has one, while the A7R does not. While the built-in flash of the D5000 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The D5000 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A7R does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D5000 has 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 A7R uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7R 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.

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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 Sony Alpha A7R and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the A7R 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 provide wifi capability.

Both the D5000 and the A7R have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D5000 was replaced by the Nikon D5100, while the A7R was followed by the Sony A7R II. Further information on the features and operation of the D5000 and A7R can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5000 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D5000 or the Sony A7R – 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.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5000:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • 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.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (510 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • 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).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7R:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 72%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (23 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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 framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • 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 (0.71x vs 0.51x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 125g or 21 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D5000 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

D5000 09:23 A7R

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5000 and the Sony A7R place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings 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 A7R. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

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 (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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.

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    Specifications: Nikon D5000 vs Sony A7R

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2009 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 749 USD 2,299
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.8 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 372.88 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 36.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.53 μm 4.88 μm
    Pixel Density 3.28 MP/cm2 4.20 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 6,400 ISO 50 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 72 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.7 25.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.5 14.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 868 2746
    Screen Specs Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.51x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations250 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D5000 Sony A7R
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL9a Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)510 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 104 x 80 mm
    (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 590 g (20.8 oz) 465 g (16.4 oz)
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    Check D5000 offers at
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    Check A7R offers at
    ebay.com

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