Canon EOS 500D vs Nikon D3000

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D3000. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 500D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3000 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 500D has a "APSC"-sensor while Nikon D3000 has a "DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 500D has a 15,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3000 has 10,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 500D has a 50 % larger resolution than Nikon D3000. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Canon EOS 500D has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3000. Canon EOS 500D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D3000 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 500D has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3000 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 500D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3000

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 500D can shoot up to 3,4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3000 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Canon EOS 500D. Unfortunately Nikon D3000 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3000 weighs 536 gr (equal to 1,18 lb) which is 3% heavier than Canon EOS 500D and its 520 gr (or 1,15 lb).