Upgrade Guide

Nikon D5000→Nikon D90

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

You own

Nikon

D5000

£25 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D90

£42 used (+£17)

2008

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the D5000. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the D90

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	D5000	D90
Price	£25 used	£42 used
Released	2009	2008	↓
Sensor	12.3MP APS-C CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	12MP
Video	720p/24	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	4fps	4.5fps	↑
Battery Life	~510 shots (CIPA)	~850 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	560g (body only)	700g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x	Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x
Screen	2.7" vari-angle LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D5000 and D90 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D90 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D5000

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