Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3X→Nikon D5000
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the D3X. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the D5000
-
Generation1 year newer (2009 vs 2008)
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution12MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
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.
| Genre | D3X | D5000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.4 | ||
| Street | +1.6 | ||
| Travel | +1.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -1.8 | ||
| Documentary | — | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.6 | ||
| Landscape | -0.8 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | +1.1 | ||
| Food | +0.9 | ||
| Macro | +0.5 | ||
| Architecture | -0.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.8 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3X | D5000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £638 used | £25 used | |
| Released | 2008 | 2009 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame CMOS | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 12MP | ↓ |
| Video | No video | 720p/24 | |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect AF (15 cross-type) with 3D tracking | 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 | 5fps | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~4400 shots (CIPA) | ~510 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1220g (with battery) | 560g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 2.7" vari-angle LCD, 230k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F-mount (DX) | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D3X and D5000 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5000 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history