• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5000 advantages over Fujifilm X30

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Fujifilm X30 advantages over Nikon D5000

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/1000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    423g vs 588g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.65x vs 0.52x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X30

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for its class; Very good optical performance from the bright f/2-2.8 4x lens; Quick autofocus, even in very low light; Fast burst modes; EVF fixes the flaws of optical viewfinder in X20; Tilting high-res LCD screen; Excellent feel in the hands; Very good battery life.

  • Top shutter speed is only 1/1000s when lens is wide open; No built-in ND filter; 28mm eq. may not be wide enough for some; Shallow buffer depths; Default NR processing a bit heavy-handed.

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm X30
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm X30
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Nikon D5000
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm X30
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X10

Nikon D5000
Fujifilm X10
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch

Compared to Fujifilm X20

Nikon D5000
Fujifilm X20
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X20
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
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