FAQ 3: Comparisons between Nikon's 'Consumer DSLR' Models?

People ask me this question a lot: What is the difference between entry level (D3000, D3100), upper entry level (D5000, D5100) and mid-range (D7000, D90) Nikon models?

Here is my answer in four main points... (Keeping in mind that people would like to have bird's-eye view rather than going into the technicalities.



Picture Quality
1. Better Image Clarity = Sensor Size (As you go higher in models... sensor size increases)

2. Less Noise or Grainy Images on low light = ISO Sensitivity (ISO performance is high in higher models)

3. Better Color Depth (23.5 bits in D7000 vs 22.7 bits in D5000)

4. High resolution movies (D7000 shoots in higher resolution at 1080p @ 24fps vs D5000 at 720p @ 24fps)

Control on Camera

1. Continuous Shooting Speed = Number of frames per second (In higher models... fps is more e.g. D3100 has 3 fps and D7000 has 6 fps)

2. Faster Shutter Speed (2x faster max shutter speed in D7000 compared to D5000)

3. Control on Light = Exposure Bracketing (Can take pictures at different brightness levels)

4. More Focus Points = Dynamic AF Modes (Set focus accurately within the frame... D7000 has 39 compared to D5000 which has only 11)

Menu Options
1. More White Balance Options (D7000 has many more white balancing options)

2. More Scene Modes (D7000 has many more scene options)

Hardware Features
1. Much Longer Battery Life (More than 2x more shots per battery charge in D7000 compared to D5000)

2. More Card Slots (D7000 has 2 card slots compared to D5000 and D3000)

3. Weather Sealed (D7000 is sealed to shoot in the rain) 

4. Better Monitor Resolution and Size (Higher models have larger screen size and up to 921,000 dots)

References:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Digital-SLR-Cameras/index.page
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D5000-vs-Nikon_D7000
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5100-vs-Nikon_D7000