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Nikon D3100 vs D5000| Best for Entry or Mid-Level

single_reviewIt wasn’t surprising to know how great is the number of people comparing between nikon d5000 vs d3100. That’s is why this blog focused on a number of comparison among different models and brands (particularly these ones) which are indeed truly amazing DSLR’s units available. As you will see, there were hundreds of camera owners who have posted their reviews and opinions for Nikon D5000 vs D3100 at Amazon, and you can only imagine the surging interest of DSLR enthusiasts especially with these models out there.

Below is a handy table of comparison between Nikon D3100 vs D5000. You can jump to that table immediately to have a comprehensive yet easy to understand comparison between the said models. You will find a side-by-side comparison of the two including product description, highlights, specifications, prices and user love notes.

nikon d5000 vs d3100

 

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Firstly, if you have some sort of experiences with DSLR cameras in the past, you realize that there are at least three good things which have greatly improved with D5000 when compared with other models like the D40, although pretty close with pictures taken with D50. Even using the old 18-55mm non-VR zoom lens, the image quality is still excellent with this camera- thanks to the increased megapixels. While some may not consider this a big issue, for those who do a lot of cropping their images, high megapixels deserved a lot of consideration before you buy one for yourself. Also, some has noted that if you view these images in a large monitor, you can find some obvious difference in the quality of images.

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D-Lighting is one feature that seems to catch the attention of D5000 enthusiasts. This feature benefits someone who is taking pictures in low lighting conditions. however, you may need to consider also the quality of contrast especially if you are taking pictures in situation with strong lighting. 

Other great qualities for D5000 include the auto-distortion control, low light performance setting options, wider LCD screen and the auto-focus with 3D tracking. These features become handy in situation you wouldn’t expect yet can’t help but shoot! got me?

I can’t speak too much about D3100. If you are an amateur photographer, this one is probably best suited for you. This camera is said to be the training ground for advanced usage of DSLR’s. It includes an exceptionally detailed guide for you to learn tine basics of “pro” functions in DSLR cameras like ISO settings, aperture, light control etc.

Of course, you couldn’t be mistaken of the image quality. it captures superb quality photos with lower noise as high ISO. It also has a larger screen (LCD), the famous 11-focus points including 3D focus allowing you to track the movement/motion of your subject and of course the ability to capture up to 1080p Video.

But you know what? Of course we’re into the technical specs of D3100 but the two most favored features of D3100 which attracted most people for this model are beign light-weight and quiet! DSLR camera’s have the problem of giving you neck cramps (especially in the beginning) and if you travel a lot is a pain to carry it along. but with D3100 which is merely 1 pound and measuring 7 x 13 x 6 inches, it’s remarkable. Didn’t I say quiet..quiet, quiet? well, you may already understand this.

BUT if you’ve got more in your pocket and looking to go further and become a pro, I’d like you to have a look at Nikon D700. Check it out!

A quick look at Nikon D3100 features side-by-side with Nikon D5000

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3100- Head to Head

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100 vs D5000

Nikon D5000

nikon 5000 vs d3100

Product/Technical Details

  • 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor;
  • Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens
  • Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
  • Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)
  • 7 x 13 x 6 inches ; 1 pounds

Highlights:

I like to stress out that D3100 has a 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture. The movie capture is indeed an added value as it is the first DSLR that has the ability to record full 1080p HD videos. Of course, D3100 really takes an amazing shots too, with rich image quality, color contrast, exposure and noise, no question about that.

While Nikon considers the D3100 as an entry-level offering, others consider this model as a mid-level entry. It’s a good choice for those beginning to learn the basics and some features of a “pro”- such as ISO, light-control, aperture etc.

Best to note that D3100 has been considered as one of Nikon’s best-selling DSLR as well as #4 at Amazon’s Best Sellers in Camera and Photo.

This is one is great- the D3100 is able to capture pictures and make movies despite the limited amount of lighting available. Of course, this can only be made possible if you adjust the camera  with an ISO range of 100 to 3200.

D3100 provides you with 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions. It is also equipped with the so-called pop-up flash. As you know, this becomes handy when there isn’t enough light.

See more technical details: (i.e., start-up time, shutter speed, 11-point autofocus)

  • 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor

  • Includes the 3x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens with image stabilization
  • D-Movie Mode with sound; record 720p HD movie clips
  • Vari-angle color 2.7-inch LCD monitor; one-button Live View
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
  • 10.5 x 7.4 x 8 inches ; 1.2 pounds

Highlights:

Nikon D3100 is equipped with 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor along with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics. With, you can indeed be assured of the quality of pictures taken, as described in D3100.

We are dealing here with Nikon products, and somehow, due to the name itself, you can be confident indeed that what you will be getting out of the box is specially crafted to ensure quality and best performance.

If you are new to Nikon DSLR’s, then you need to know about Nikon’s EXPEED image processing. This further enhanced the performance of D5000 which contributes to the highly acclaimed split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second.

It has a built-in flash, 19 automatic exposure Scene Modes and an easy-to-learn 23 Custom Setting options plus 14 in-camera image retouching functions that essentially make the life of a beginner easier.

Unlike the D3100, the D-movie mode of D500 only allows movie captures at 720p HD

Don’t forget the awesome feature of D500 which allowed you to portion the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen can be flipped inward for safe keeping. 

See more technical details: (i.e., start-up time, shutter speed, 11-point autofocus)

User Love Notes:

(While camera owners and enthusiasts vary a lot in terms of their perspective, choices and personal preferences, the following qualities stand out why those people who bought such product have their heart to it.)

  • EXPEED2 processor & the CMOS sensor allows to capture crystal clear images
  • 14.2 mega-pixels are smart choices 
  • allows 1080p (HD) recording even in low lighting environment and AF subject tracking
  • ISO of 100-3200 (good to explore for wide range of exposure)
  • light-weight- good for travelling- handy enough compared to other DSLR’s
  • unlock and locked features- allows someone to easily switch between taking pictures and taking videos- great isn’t!
  • if you don’t have a specialized software for editing movie clips, D3100 provide an in-body photo and movie retouch menu- excellent innovation for beginners and starters alike

> Click Here to Read More Reviews

  • D500 is said to be upgrade of D50- a good choice 4-5 years ago. So if you have good feel already for D50, then switching to D500 is an easy tweak.
  • unfortunately lacks internal motor to auto focus a lens, which means you need to buy AF-S lenses
  • but… this also makes the camera lighter and “not too-heavy to your neck” to carry along
  • if you are familiar with the numbering/lineup of Nikon’s DSLR’s, the additional 00 (i.e., D50 vs D5000, D70 vs D7000) means that this camera belong to 2nd-generation class of cameras- more improved and better performance
  • it is a newer camera that D90 yet uses the sensor of the much expensive D90- got the point?

> Click Here to Read More Reviews

If you ask me… I would personally pick the Nikon D3100 or Nikon D7000!