What To Know
- The D3100 has a longer battery life than the D5000, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 550 shots per charge compared to 510 shots per charge for the D5000.
- The D3100 is a more affordable option with a slightly simpler feature set, while the D5000 offers better image quality, autofocus performance, and video recording capabilities.
- If you are a beginner looking for a basic DSLR with good image quality and easy-to-use features, the D3100 is a great choice.
The Nikon D3100 and D5000 are two entry-level DSLRs released by Nikon in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Both cameras offer a great starting point for aspiring photographers looking to upgrade from point-and-shoot cameras. In this comprehensive review, we will compare the Nikon D3100 vs D5000 to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.
Sensor and Image Quality
Both the D3100 and D5000 feature a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. However, the D5000 has a slightly larger sensor size (APS-C) than the D3100 (DX-format). This gives the D5000 a slight edge in terms of image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
ISO Performance
The D3100 has a native ISO range of 100-3200, expandable to 12800. The D5000, on the other hand, has a native ISO range of 200-3200, expandable to 6400. While both cameras perform well at low ISO settings, the D5000 has a slight advantage in high-ISO performance, producing images with less noise.
Autofocus System
The D3100 features an 11-point autofocus system, while the D5000 has a more advanced 11-point autofocus system with 3D tracking. This gives the D5000 faster and more accurate autofocus performance, especially when tracking moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The D3100 can shoot up to 3 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode, while the D5000 can shoot up to 4 fps. While this difference may not seem significant, it can be noticeable when capturing fast-paced action.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
Both cameras have an optical viewfinder with 0.85x magnification. However, the D5000 has a slightly larger LCD screen (2.7 inches) than the D3100 (2.3 inches). The D5000’s LCD screen also has a higher resolution (230k dots) than the D3100 (920k dots), providing a more detailed and vibrant display.
Video Recording
Both cameras offer video recording capabilities. The D3100 can record 720p videos at 24 fps, while the D5000 can record 1080p videos at 24 fps. The D5000 also has a built-in microphone for audio recording, while the D3100 requires an external microphone.
Battery Life
The D3100 has a longer battery life than the D5000, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 550 shots per charge compared to 510 shots per charge for the D5000. This means you can shoot for longer periods without having to worry about your battery running out.
Ergonomics and Handling
Both cameras are relatively compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and carry around. However, the D3100 has a slightly more ergonomic grip than the D5000, which can provide a more comfortable shooting experience, especially for extended periods.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D3100 and D5000 are both discontinued models, but they can still be found on the used market. The D3100 is typically more affordable than the D5000, but prices can vary depending on condition and availability.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D3100 and D5000 are both excellent entry-level DSLRs that offer a great starting point for aspiring photographers. The D3100 is a more affordable option with a slightly simpler feature set, while the D5000 offers better image quality, autofocus performance, and video recording capabilities.
If you are a beginner looking for a basic DSLR with good image quality and easy-to-use features, the D3100 is a great choice. However, if you are willing to spend a little more for better performance and features, the D5000 is a better option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: The Nikon D5000 has slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera has faster autofocus?
A: The Nikon D5000 has a faster and more accurate autofocus system than the D3100.
Q: Which camera has better video recording capabilities?
A: The Nikon D5000 can record 1080p videos, while the D3100 can only record 720p videos. The D5000 also has a built-in microphone for audio recording.
Q: Which camera has longer battery life?
A: The Nikon D3100 has a longer battery life than the D5000.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Nikon D3100 is typically more affordable than the D5000, but prices can vary depending on condition and availability.
