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A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly advanced D-SLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon's EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly.
Features
- 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
- Outfit includes the 3x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens with image stabilization
- D-Movie Mode with sound; record 720p HD movie clips
- Vari-angle color 2.7-inch LCD monitor; one-button Live View
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Customer Reviews
Great CameraGreat Camera. If you are new to the DSLR game (like myself) or you are upgrading and you can fork up the cash, it is definitely worth it. It has a very concise, simple, and easy to use interface, the buttons are very well placed, and the swivel LCD is very nice and useful in certain situations (I really like how it folds inwards to protect the screen). My main purpose for this camera is still photos so the video is a cool bonus and is surprisingly better than I thought (though if you are looking to do serious HD video, I'd go for an HD camcorder or something else instead).
The D5000 is essentially a D90 squeezed into a smaller lighter body (of course it lacks the internal AF motor, doesn't have as good a grip, and has a slightly smaller pentamirror viewfinder instead of the pentaprism in the D90 - all of this amongst a few other things, but hey it's cheaper for a reason - also it is mentionable that the D5000 has an additional live view mode, a few more in camera editing tools, and more scene modes compared to the D90 - all useful for someone new to the DSLR in the sense that you can learn from them or just use them to make your life easier and your photos look great).
So far I love it. It is simple to use and great for those new to the DSLR realm, but it also packs enough punch for those looking to upgrade and will give newcomers much room to learn and grow with it.
First DSLR and I Couldn't Be Happier!I decided to upgrade to a DSLR a few months ago because I wanted to learn to take the fabulous pictures that I had come to associate with DSLRs. After I made the decision, the next choice was Cannon or Nikon. My current point and shoot camera was a Cannon PowerShot, so I thought I would stick with Cannon until I saw the specs on the D5000. It had everything that I liked about my Cannon and was worried about giving up--video, a rotating screen with Live View--all in an affordable DSLR package, so I decided to take the plunge and go Nikon.
After a month of using the camera in different situations--a trip to New York, a wedding, a bridal shower, a kid's birthday party--I couldn't be happier. I'm very much a beginner when it comes to operating a DSLR, but all of the pictures I've taken with the D5000 have been excellent. The camera was easy to pick up and start using, but it is also easy enough to learn to start customizing your shots for different situations. I'm impressed by the camera's ability to help a beginner by auto-selecting some settings while allowing the photographer to manually select other things. The kit lens is a good starter lens, and works for most of the situations I've shot in so far. I'm still learning what this camera can do, and I'm excited to know that the D5000, with its advanced features, can grow along with me as I develop as a photographer.
In terms of size, I have small hands and I feel like I can comfortably carry around the D5000. Yes it is bigger and heavier than a point and shoot, but it's not so big that its cumbersome for me to carry. Which is a good thing, because I've started carrying this camera everywhere because I always want to be able to capture that perfect shot!
If you're transitioning from a point and shoot to a DSLR and you want something with great features that still is easy to use, this is the camera for you. I couldn't be happier with my D5000--when you get that crisp shot of a kid opening presents or a beautiful bride coming down the aisle, it's so worth it to have made this investment!
Hands on comparison with T1i My research boiled down to a face-off between the D5000 and Canon T1i. Initially, I was leaning toward the T1i but when I went to the local electronics retailer and compared them side by side the D5000 won out. There were just a few features that were not obvious to me from the written reviews that tipped the balance in favor of the Nikon. Before we get into the details, just let me say that I'm not a pro - just an amateur, but have used a DSLR for a couple of years, and film SLRs prior to that.
Layout/Design: The D5000 seems to have a better grip and button/control layout. For example, the index finger can operate the on/off switch, and reach nearby buttons while resting on the shutter button. The thumb can manipulate the command dial to select desired values for factors such as ISO, Exposure Compensation, etc. - all while you keep the finger on the shutter button. On the T1i, you must remove your finger from the shutter button, select a setting button (e.g. ISO), and then move the command dial with your index finger. This just doesn't seem as good a design to me.
Shooting Info/Status Display LCD: On the Canon, I noticed a lot of "white" space where no information was displayed and the values seemed to have random pattern. Indeed, if you compare the exposure info layout to the predecessor XSi you will see several differences. I also noticed that the T1i does not show several items on the main info display: Flash Mode (except in Creative Auto mode where it is ~apparently~ important enough to be displayed), Bracketing Mode, and Focus Points that are available on the Nikon. Exposure Compensation is shown, but is less than obvious (its a small hash mark under the exposure meter). To me, flash mode (on/off/red-eye, etc.) is pretty important and should be always visible. On the Nikon, every key bit of exposure info is displayed on the single shooting info display. The layout is very uniform - the key settings are in the main area, and the less often used info is on the right and bottom borders. The layout is nearly identical to other recent Nikon models.
Auto/Scene Mode Flexibility: I discovered that the Nikon, unlike the Canon, allows one to modify many exposure settings even in the automated Scene (Digital Vari-Program) modes. These include ISO, white balance, Auto Focus Mode, AF Area, AF Point, etc. The only adjustment possible on most scene modes on the T1i is image size/quality (check the Function Availability Table). I think this is quite a limitation, I think the ability to tell the camera that I'm taking a portrait but also override ISO, or auto white balance if I choose offers much more flexility and control.
Auto Focus: Some reviews mentioned this but it may not be obvious to newbies. In low light the DSLR needs to use a assist light to focus quickly and accurately. The T1i requires the flash to be deployed for this to happen, while the Nikon has an independent focus assist lamp which is always available (unless manually disabled). Most find this lamp to be less annoying than the Canon's flash strobe.
Built-in Help: When you are attempting to change an exposure setting, or menu option and forget what the functions does, etc. the D5000 has a help button that provides a pop-up explanation on the LCD display. This is great for new to SLR users and even seasoned photographers when facing a menu option you haven't used in a while. The Canon does not have anything like this.
So, there are a few features that sold me on the D5000. I've had it for about two months now and am very happy with it. The easy of use, speed, and picture quality has been superb in my opinion. Hope this helps!
