Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3100→Nikon D5000

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

You own

Nikon

D3100

£35 used

2010

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5000

£25 used (-£9)

2009

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the D3100. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the D5000

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	D3100	D5000
Price	£35 used	£25 used
Released	2010	2009	↓
Sensor	14.2MP APS-C CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	14MP	12MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30	720p/24
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	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	3fps	4fps	↑
Battery Life	~550 shots (CIPA)	~510 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	505g (with battery)	560g (body only)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots	2.7" vari-angle LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3100 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 D3100

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Camera family history