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Monday, September 28th, 2009 | Posted by Editor - Blog News Service

Review – Nikon D5000 Digital SLR

Nikon D5000

Nikon D5000

Nikon Inc. introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon’s expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.

Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000’s robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon’s revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design.

“The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon’s D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user’s ability and creativity to grow—with the camera,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000’s rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality.”

Nikon D5000 Key Features

* 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
* 2.7″ tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
* Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
* Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
* Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
* 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
* IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
* 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
* Expeed image processing engine
* Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
* Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
* New battery with increased capacity
* 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

Nikon D5000 vs D60: Key Differences

The D5000 could easily be seen as a D60 with a tilting screen added, and most of a D90 stuffed into it. As such it offers quite a few feature improvements over its little brother:

* 12.3 MP CMOS sensor (D60: 10.2 MP CCD)
* Tilt/swivel screen
* Live View with contrast detect AF
* Movie Mode
* Wider ISO range
* 11 point AF system with 3D tracking (D60: 3 point AF)
* Control of Active D-Lighting intensity
* Automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration
* Choice of JPEG quality in RAW+JPEG shooting
* Extra retouching options
* More scene modes
* Faster continuous shooting
* Exposure bracketing

Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.

The D5000’s D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.

Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.

The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.

Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.

Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000’s 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.

Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.

Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon’s 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.

Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*

The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.

System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.

The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.

Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95.** For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95.**

Nikon D5000 Reviews

LaptopMag reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“we strongly encourage you to consider the value of the Nikon D5000. For this price, it contains the same sensor and HD movie recording ability as the Nikon D90 in a more compact body, but costs about $150 less with the 18-55mm lens kit.”
Rating: ★★★★½

TrustedReviews reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The Nikon D5000 is a well made and well equipped mid-level camera ideal for those upgrading from an entry-level DSLR and looking for more features. Performance and handling are excellent, autofocus is quick and reliable, and image quality is very good under most circumstances. Video mode has no AF and the monitor opens the wrong way, but other than that it’s a good little camera. “
Rating: ★★★★½

ByThom reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Autofocus performance is better than I expected. The D5000 uses the CAM1000, and as we discovered with the D90, Nikon’s new twist of combining metering and autofocus data can provide some surprising focus gains.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

PhotographyReview reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The Nikon D5000 is exactly the kind of digital SLR most photographers should be buying. It offers great performance, excellent image quality, solid features and a couple bonuses – HD video and the tilt-swivel LCD. The D5000 is more camera than most people will ever need.”
Rating: N/A

Shutterbug reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The pop-up flash is not very powerful, and if you really like to do family gatherings or extensive flash work get yourself an auxiliary, but for quick outdoor fill the built-in works fine”
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBay reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Overall, I highly recommend the Nikon D5000 to anyone looking for a feature-rich and very capable DSLR on an entry-level budget. There are plenty of great DSLRs on the market – some offer more features and some may be cheaper. Image quality in the D5000 rivals cameras much more expensive than it and, if you buy something cheaper, you’re going to miss out on some cutting edge stuff that only the D5000 offers.”
Rating: N/A

DPInterface reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“To summarize, the D5000 essentially take most of the good stuff (autofocus system, image sensor and consequently, good image quality characteristics) from the D90 minus a few features like the in-body AF motor and puts them into a form-factor of a more familiar, less intimidating body of an entry-level digital SLR. For newbies looking to buy their first digital SLR and avid, existing SLR users alike, the Nikon D5000 is a good camera that deserves my recommendation.”
Rating: N/A

RegHardware reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“You get a good set of features, lots of automation and plenty of manual control for the more adventurous. The articulating LCD screen is a bonus, despite its limitations when using a tripod and it’s relatively low resolution. However, if you’re tempted to trade up for the D5000’s video recording feature, you’ll be disappointed. That said, the D5000 is a fine model and if you’re looking for a camera that offers more than the average entry level DSLR, you should certainly put it on your shopping list.”
Rating: ★★★★½

PCW reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The Nikon D5000 is an impressive camera that falls between two stools in terms of its price. Good points Excellent still photos; high-definition video handy folding screen. Bad points Kit lens is disappointing; no auto-focus in video mode”
Rating: ★★★★☆

Shutterbug reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“You cannot interrupt the recording with a still; that simply stops the video. But the quality of the video was very pleasing and I trust that those who choose this camera partly because of this feature will use it extensively.”
Rating: N/A

CameraLabs reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly DSLR though with powerful features and image quality to match, the Nikon D5000 is a great choice, and comes Highly Recommended. If it really does replace both the D60 and D40 though, Nikon now has a gap at the truly affordable end of the range.”

Rating: ★★★★½

ImagingResource reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Still image quality from the Nikon D5000 reveals one awesome image maker, whose high-ISO settings are mind-blowing. Even ISO 3,200 looks usable at 8×10, and downright decent at 5×7. And that, far more than the latest gee-whiz feature, the kind of advancement we like to see in a digital camera: better image quality in low light. The Nikon D5000 is a very impressive digital SLR camera.”
Rating: N/A

TerryWhite reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The D5000 is extremely compact and although it’s smaller than what I’m used to, it still feels good in my hands…I’m happy with my purchase and can’t wait to shoot some more video. “
Rating: N/A

Steve’sDigicams reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“With excellent still image and video quality, class leading burst abilities, and loads of user-friendly exposure settings, the Nikon D5000 is sure to please most any photographer, whether this is your first SLR, or you’re picking up a lighter backup unit. “
Rating: N/A

MacWorld reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“In our lab tests for image quality, the D5000’s photos looked a bit dark and muddied at automatic settings, but improved at manual settings. In my casual shooting outdoors, the manual settings were more consistent, but the Program mode setting often overexposed my images.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

Steve’sDigicams reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“With excellent still image and video quality, class leading burst abilities, and loads of user-friendly exposure settings, the Nikon D5000 is sure to please most any photographer, whether this is your first SLR, or you’re picking up a lighter backup unit. “
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBlog reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The new DSLR combines the imaging assembly, AF module, Live View and HD video recording capabilities of the former with the beginner-friendly infopanel-based operation of the latter, in a form factor that lies somewhere in the middle between the two.”
Rating: ★★★★½

DigitalTrends reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“We have no problems recommending the Nikon D5000. That said, if you go this route, you might consider a different lens, such as the 18-105mm bundled with D90. We found the D5000 3x kit lens to be wanting, and really were looking for some extra reach.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

DCRP reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“In conclusion, the Nikon D5000 is a very nice digital SLR that takes most of the good stuff from the D90 and puts it into a more compact, less expensive body. The D5000 doesn’t support autofocus on that many lenses, so if you have a collection of older Nikkor glass, you may want to consider stepping up to the D90…”
Rating: N/A

BuyNShoot reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Overall, D5000 photographs appear clear and crisp with only a slight decrease in sharpness at full zoom and colours seem to reproduce well across the board and are especially vibrant outdoors. Images do tend to come out quite contrasty but with well-saturated colours and good skin tones.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

InfoSync reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The Nikon D5000 cranked out the best image performance in its class, and we can safely deliver this news after putting a good flogging to the Pentax K2000, Canon Eos 500D and Olympus E-620. We strained to find any faults with the D5000’s showing, but came up short, which is a very good thing.”
Rating: ★★★★½

DxOMark compares Nikon D5000 to Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i and writes;
“The Nikon D5000 sensor obtains exceptional results for low ISO settings and outperforms the Canon EOS 500D sensor in Dynamic Range and Color Depth. When ISO increases, however, the differences become smaller, but the Nikon D5000 still maintains a slight advantage.”

LetsGoDigital reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“the Nikon D5000 an excellent performing DSLR camera if we look solely at image quality… In general, we are very pleased with the Nikon D5000. This kind of DSLR camera, aiming at a wide target group, shows that quality and an appealing suggested retail price can go hand in hand… “
Rating: ★★★★☆

CameraLabs reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“There’s a lot to like about the Nikon D5000. It takes the great image quality of the D90, not to mention its HD movie mode and AF system…If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly DSLR though with powerful features and image quality to match, the Nikon D5000 is a great choice, and comes Highly Recommended.”
Rating: ★★★★½

T3 reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Picture quality on the D5000 is just about identical to that of much more expensive cameras: It’s a sign of maturity in the Digital SLR market, perhaps, but if you’re shooting at low ISO, the crisp 12.9 mpx sensor will give you the same image quality as you can expect from much more expensive snappers..”
Rating: ★★★★☆

PCMag reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“If you already own Nikon lenses, the D5000 is a no-brainer. But for those who don’t have a brand allegiance or are just entering the D-SLR realm, I have to recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, our Editors’ Choice, over the D5000 for its higher 15.1-megapixel resolution, sharper LCD, and ability to autofocus when shooting video.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

CNET reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“The good: Very good photo quality; fast; video capture; articulated LCD; nice kit lens; built-in wireless flash controller. The bad: Small, dim viewfinder; middling video quality; too easy to accidentally change focus points. The bottom line: Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a nice feature set, speedy performance, and great photo quality for the money.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

TechRadar reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Image quality is very high, and the wide ISO range of 100-6400 (equivalent) is adequate for virtually any situation. Noise levels increase above ISO 800, but detail capture remains very high… All in all, the Nikon D5000 is a well thought-out DSLR with something for everyone.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

PhotoReview reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“Video quality was almost identical to the D90’s with sharp, detailed pictures at the 1280 x 720 (16:9) setting but uninspiring sound quality. Best results were obtained when the camera was tripod-mounted and with slow-moving or stationary subjects, because then we could use the manual focus to keep the subject sharp. “
Rating: ★★★★½

Engadget reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“the D5000’s image quality will be more than adequate…For the DSLR newcomer, we view the D5000 as a perfect device for those willing to pony up the $850 (kit) / $729 (body only), but only if you’re honestly not planning on utilizing the video mode extensively “
Rating: N/A

GoodGearGuide reviews the Nikon D5000 and writes;
“As for the camera’s still image performance — it’s stellar. The focus system has 11 points and it focused very quickly. It can track objects in three dimensions within those focus points… We recommend it for anyone who wants to make the leap from a compact camera to a digital SLR. “
Rating: ★★★★½

Nikon D5000 hands-on preview by LetsGoDigital;
“If we compare the topside of the Nikon D5000 with that of the D90, we find a bigger difference. In particular the small status display is a luxury which you enjoy as Nikon D90-owner. If we look at the back of the D5000, we again find a large similarity with that of the D60.”

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