Reasons to choose D3
Released in 2007, D3 has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,240 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D3
vs Nikon D5000
VS
Sensor area
860 mm²
D3373 mm²
D5000- Area ratio
- 2.31:1
- Absolute difference
- 488 mm²
- Relative difference
- 130.7%
The D3 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3MetricD5000
12.1 MPEffective pixels12.3 MP
36 × 23.9Sensor23.6 × 15.8
8.43 µmPixel pitch5.51 µm
71.11 µm²Pixel area30.32 µm²
1.41 MP/cm²Pixel density3.3 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1.52
—Maximum video—
1,240 gWeight590 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, MicrodriveStorageSDHC, Secure Digital
Lithium-Ion (EN-EL11) Li-ion batteryBatteryNikon EN-EL9a Lithium-Ion battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D3 has the larger sensor area. The D5000 has the lighter body. The D5000 has the higher effective resolution. The D5000 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D5000
Released in 2009, D5000 has about 373 mm² of sensor area, 12.3 MP effective resolution, and a 590 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.