Nikon D5000
The basics
The Nikon D5000 is a 12.3MP digital SLR with 3x (18-55mm) stabilised kit lens. It has a 2.7-inch folding LCD, HD Ready (720/24p) video capture, sensitivity up to ISO 6400 and burst mode up to 4fps. Quiet mode and HDMI connector. It measures 127x104x80mm and weighs 590g.
The good
The heart and soul of the Nikon D5000 is the D300, a semi-pro snapper that launched two years at over twice this price with the same 12MP chip but without the D5000’s lush 720p video capture. Sure, Nikon has dialled down the LCD quality and burst speed, but the D5000 remains a seriously competent imaging engine thanks to huge sensitivity and dynamic ranges, plus D-Lighting to boost them even further. A new tilting LCD for shooting and filming over your head or round corners keeps ease of use straightforward. You can even kiss your PC goodbye, with built-in RAW processing, retouching and editing features, and HDMI output straight to your local flatscreen.
The bad
We love the folding LCD for getting snaps of dogs’ bottoms but you might hate it for the same reason (or because it’s a bit low-res, grainy and glary in bright light). Oh, and the autofocus doesn’t work while you’re shooting a movie. Otherwise, c’est parfait.
The bottom line
You can trust Nikon’s cameras for one big reason: it doesn’t do anything else. Without camcorder, TV or mobile phone businesses to distract it, Nikon concentrates on churning out well-designed, well-made cameras that are all about image quality. Like this one.
User comments (10)
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fatalgoblin200813 October 2009
this is a good slr i originaly owened the d60 it is a big jump but ilike this cam the d5000 the only problem is there is no books or very few books that help you learn about the nikon d5000
Report as inappropriateIan17 October 2009
Take a look at these 5 books about the D5000 to learn more: Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Jeff Revell Nikon D5000 for Dummies by Julie Adair King Nikon D5000 Digital Field Guide by J. Dennis Thomas David Busch's Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography by David Busch Mastering the Nikon D5000 by Darrell Young
Report as inappropriateP Churton11 November 2009
I have spent months reasearching which camera to buy on my budget, so I have plumped for the D5000 for all the reasons you state, go gadget show. We watch it on BFBS here in Cyprus but are allways too late for the competition as it aires the week after any chance of a longer competition entry. Many Thanks Paul
Report as inappropriatecomputer-mad25 November 2009
Excellent camera. I bought this because of the live view and adjustable LCD screen which is a boon because of my disability. I can get low angle shots without crawling around and its great for photographing over the top of crowds, although the autofocus is slower on live view. There is also a great range of lenses for Nikons. I like the idea of automatic dust removal but only time will tell how effective this is. There are scene modes for nearly any type of situation if like me you get that blank moment, and also the standard manual modes. High ISO range can be a bit grainy if you don't use the NR system in the menu but overall this is a great bit of kit at a good price.
Report as inappropriatepython10 August 2010
D5000 is a great camera. It is great for beginner while maintaining some of the great things of D90. The tilt & swivel screen is the selling point. I own one... come and look at the sample pictures at http://dslrjourney.blogspot.com
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cool_username23 August 2010
edit: which would you recommend this or the canon eos 500d. it would help if you have tried both but any pros and cons would help
Report as inappropriateNikonD5000King14 December 2010
I LOVEEE MY CAMERAAA. ITS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD !!!!! THE FLASH IS SO DAMN BRIGHT, LIKE THE PEARLY GATES OF HEAVEN!!!!!
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