Nikon D90 vs Nikon D3000

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D90 and Nikon D3000. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

** 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 (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D90 has a 12,3 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:

Nikon D90 has a 22 % 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

Nikon D90 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3000. Nikon D90 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D3000 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D90 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 Nikon D90
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. Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 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 Nikon D90. 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 D90 weighs 703 gr (equal to 1,55 lb) which is 31% heavier than Nikon D3000 and its 536 gr (or 1,18 lb).