What To Know
- The D40 has a battery life of approximately 470 shots per charge, while the D5000 has a battery life of approximately 510 shots per charge.
- However, if you are on a budget, the D40 is still a good option and can be found for a very affordable price.
- The Nikon D5000 has a higher ISO range than the D40, which means that it can shoot in darker conditions without having to use a flash.
The Nikon D40 and D5000 are two popular entry-level DSLRs that have been on the market for several years. Both cameras offer a range of features that make them suitable for amateur photographers looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your decision. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D40 and D5000 in terms of their features, performance, and price to help you make an informed choice.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D40 features a 6.1-megapixel CCD sensor, while the D5000 has a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. CMOS sensors are generally considered to be better than CCD sensors in terms of image quality, as they produce less noise and have a wider dynamic range. This means that the D5000 will produce better-quality images, especially in low-light conditions.
Autofocus System
The D40 has a 3-point autofocus system, while the D5000 has an 11-point autofocus system. A higher number of autofocus points means that the camera can focus more accurately and quickly, which is especially important for shooting moving subjects. The D5000 also has a more advanced autofocus algorithm that can better track moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The D40 can shoot continuously at 2.5 frames per second (fps), while the D5000 can shoot at 4 fps. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it can be important for shooting fast-moving subjects or capturing multiple shots in a row.
ISO Range
The D40 has an ISO range of 200-1600, while the D5000 has an ISO range of 200-3200. A higher ISO range allows you to shoot in darker conditions without having to use a flash. The D5000’s higher ISO range gives it an advantage in low-light situations.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The D40 has a pentamirror viewfinder with a magnification of 0.8x, while the D5000 has a pentaprism viewfinder with a magnification of 0.94x. A pentaprism viewfinder is generally considered to be better than a pentamirror viewfinder because it provides a brighter and clearer image. The D5000 also has a larger LCD screen (2.7 inches) than the D40 (2.5 inches).
Battery Life
The D40 has a battery life of approximately 470 shots per charge, while the D5000 has a battery life of approximately 510 shots per charge. This difference is not significant, but it is worth considering if you plan on shooting for extended periods of time.
Price
The Nikon D40 was originally released in 2006 and is now discontinued. It can be found used for around $100-$200. The Nikon D5000 was released in 2009 and is also discontinued. It can be found used for around $200-$300.
Takeaways
The Nikon D40 and D5000 are both good entry-level DSLRs that offer a range of features for amateur photographers. However, the D5000 has a number of advantages over the D40, including a better image sensor, autofocus system, continuous shooting speed, ISO range, viewfinder, and LCD screen. If you are looking for the best possible image quality and performance, the D5000 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the D40 is still a good option and can be found for a very affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D5000 has a higher ISO range than the D40, which means that it can shoot in darker conditions without having to use a flash.
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D5000 has an 11-point autofocus system, while the D40 has a 3-point autofocus system. This means that the D5000 can focus more accurately and quickly, which is especially important for shooting moving subjects.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon D5000 has a slightly longer battery life than the D40, with approximately 510 shots per charge compared to 470 shots per charge.
