Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D5000

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

You own

Nikon

D3S

£168 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5000

£25 used (-£143)

2009

❌

Skip it

The D5000 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D3S. 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	D3S	D5000
Price	£168 used	£25 used
Released	2009	2009
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame 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	9fps	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~510 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	560g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	2.7" vari-angle LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D5000 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Other upgrades from the D3S

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