• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 12.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200

Buy From

Differences

Canon 5D advantages over Nikon D5000

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.20 vs 5.50 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.10 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,368 vs 868 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 800 vs 510 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Less shutter lag
    0.15 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D5000 advantages over Canon 5D

  • Less expensive
    $850 vs $3500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More dynamic range
    12.5 vs 11.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    588g vs 810g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Canon 5D
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Canon 5D
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Canon 5D
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Canon 5D
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A33

Canon 5D
Sony A33
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5000
Sony A33
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?