Nikon D5000 In Depth Review

Introduction

The Nikon D5000 represents a trend we like very much, the upper entry level DSLR camera. It features the familiar 12.3 megapixel sensor found in costlier stablemates, so it offers comparable image quality, while at the same time featuring a good degree of beginner level user friendliness. In addition the D5000 is the first Nikon DSLR to implement a tilt and rotatable LCD. This brings an element of creative fun to the D5000, but also a good degree of versatility. The LCD comes in handy in any number of situations, especially when combined with the D5000’s other notable feature, the ability to shoot 720p HD video. Together, Nikon offers a competitive feature set that looks to merge ease of use, performance and image quality in a camera that appeals to first time DSLR camera purchasers, or enthusiast photographers looking to upgrade from an older model.

Competitors

Clearly the main rival facing the Nikon D5000 is the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D), and both offer similar, but not exact, feature sets. We’ve included a comparison of some of the key specifications.

Nikon D5000 camera body (est.retail): $729.95	Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera body (est. retail): $799
12.3 million effective pixels	15.1 million effective pixels
12 bit A/D conversion	14 bit A/D conversion
Max file size: 4,288 x 2,848	Max file size: 4752 x 3168
1280x720 @ 24 fps, mono sound, 5 minute clips	1920x1080 @ 20 fps, 1280x720 @ 30 fps, mono sound, 29 minute clips
11 point AF, with 1 center cross type point	9 point AF, with 1 center cross type point
4 fps continuous shooting (11 RAW)	3.4 fps continuous shooting (9 RAW)
2.7 inch, 230,000 dots LCD. LCD is able to flip down and rotate	3.0 inch, 920,000 dots LCD
Dimensions: 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)	Dimensions: 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
Weight: 560 g (1 lb. 4 oz.) without battery	Weight: 480 g (1.1 lb) without battery

Technology Highlights

The D5000 benefits from a good deal of trickle-down from higher end Nikon products. Thanks to sensor and processing technology, D5000 owners can expect the same image quality and similar ISO performance as the D90 and D300. But the D5000 also brings some of its own innovation, like the articulating LCD and a number of beginner friendly interface additions. Here are some of the highlights.

The Nikon D5000 features a familiar 12.3 megapixel DX format sensor bringing enthusiast level image quality to the entry level consumer.	The D5000's shutter unit is rated at 100,000 cycles with speeds of 1/4000 sec all the way up to 30 sec. Shutter sound is fairly appealing, but more appealing is the "Quiet Shutter Release" that eliminates shutter and AF sounds.
2.7 inch, 230k LCD, flips down and around, and comes in very handy for shooting video and for getting more creative with still compositions. Initially hesitant about the bottom hinge location, it turns out to be incredibly useful, even on tripods.	The Nikon D5000 features EXPEED processing, allowing for the D5000 to fire off 4 fps (impressive at this level) and produce very usable high ISO images at 1600, 3200, and in smaller prints, 6400.
The D5000 offers 4 Live View focus modes including face detection, which can detect up to 5 faces, throwing a focus box (simulation above) around the closest subject. Other modes include Normal Area AF, Subject Tracking, and Wide Area AF.	The D5000 uses Nikon's Multi-CAM 1000 sensor module, with 11 points spread evenly across the viewing area, including the center cross type point.
For beginners, the D5000 provides subtle, but very effective help, from actual images to help understand camera settings, to outright spelling out the various camera functions by way of a dedicated "Help" button	Much like the D90, the D5000 can record 720p HD video. Video is recorded at 24 fps and saved as AVI/Motion JPEG files. Clips can be recorded in up to 5 minute clips. Sound is mono only.

Support this site by purchasing the Nikon D5000 at B&H Photo Video. Check the following links for the best prices on the Nikon D5000 camera body and kit lens configurations.

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera (Camera Body) Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm & 55-200mm VR Lens

Continue Reading This Review:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Camera Design
4. Interface
5. Performance
6. Image Quality
7. Playback Options & Video
8. Verdict
9. Image Samples

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