Upgrade Guide

Nikon D300S→Nikon D5000

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D300S

£79 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5000

£25 used (-£53)

2009

❌

Skip it

The D5000 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D300S. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D300S	D5000
Price	£79 used	£25 used
Released	2009	2009
Sensor	12.3MP APS-C CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	12MP
Video	720p/24	720p/24
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	7fps	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~950 shots (CIPA)	~510 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	920g (with battery)	560g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	2.7" vari-angle LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D300S and D5000 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5000 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D300S

Related buying guides

Camera family history