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Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD
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Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX), Nikon F (DX) |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Supported File Format | RAW, JPEG |
Image Stabilization | VR |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Expanded ISO Minimum | 200 |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Brand | Nikon |
About this item
- 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)
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This Item Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $184.00$184.00 | $299.00$299.00 | $699.95$699.95 | $999.00$999.00 | $588.50$588.50 | $699.99$699.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it Jun 6 - 10 | Get it Jun 5 - 7 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 4 | Get it Jun 6 - 10 | Get it Jun 5 - 7 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.5 | — | 3.4 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 3.6 |
Auto focus | 3.8 | — | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 3.9 |
For beginners | 4.5 | — | — | 4.2 | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | Trust Japan Camera | Digital Village | Willoughby's Established 1898 | Wholesale Photo | Digital Village | Willoughby's Established 1898 |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3.2 inches | 3 inches | 2.5 inches |
lens type | zoom | Zoom | zoom | Zoom | Wide Angle zoom | zoom |
zoom type | Optical, Digital | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | optical | Optical Zoom | Optical |
shooting modes | Movie | Movie | Scene, Sports | Landscape; Monochrome; Neutral; Portrait; Standard; Vivid | Aperture Priority | Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [fl ash off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Closeup, Night portrait), Programmed auto (P) with fl exible program, Shutter-priority auto (S),Aperture-priority auto (A), Manual (M) |
connectivity tech | Wi-Fi | USB | USB | HDMI C (Mini), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) | Bluetooth | USB |
video resolution | HD 720p | 720p | HD 720p | FHD 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
optical zoom | 3 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 3.1 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 2 multiplier x |
What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Selective single-point, Face Detection, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 230,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 12.3 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.3 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Image Stabilization | VR |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200_sec |
Supported Image Format | RAW, JPEG |
Video Capture Format | MJPEG |
Video Capture Resolution | HD 720p |
Video Standard | AVI |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 2.7 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fully-articulated |
Model Name | Nikon D5000 |
---|---|
Brand | Nikon |
Model Number | D5000 18-55mm Kit |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #125,013 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #144 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B00267S7TQ |
Color | Black |
Guide Number | 30 |
Included Components | Camera Kit |
Assembly Required | No |
Processor Description | Expeed |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5 x 3.15 x 4.09 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Minimum Aperture | 5.6 |
Zoom Type | Optical, Digital |
Autofocus Points | 11 |
Camera Lens Description | DX Nikkor with 3x zoom |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX), Nikon F (DX) |
Focus Type | Automatic with Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 35 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 200 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Movie |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Alkaline |
Battery Description | AA |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Software Included | Nikon suite |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | True |
Compatible Devices | Nikon 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF AF Micro-Nikkor Lens -- Search on Amazon ASIG B00006I5J5, Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens -- Search on Amazon ASIG B00005LEOO |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 4 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC card |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | TFT-LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Supported Audio Format | RAW, JPEG |
Form Factor | Compact SLR |
Hardware Interface | SDHC |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Audio Output Type | internal |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer
A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly-advanced DSLR 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.
The D5000’s 24-fps HD D-Movie mode with sound captures video clips with amazing clarity--offering new and exciting creative opportunities. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus with 3D Tracking, teamed with famous NIKKOR optics, assures incredible image sharpness, while active image sensor cleaning combats annoying dust automatically. Featuring a convenient built-in flash, 19 automatic exposure Scene Modes to make the impossible easy and 23 Custom Setting options to fit your preferences, as well as 14 in-camera image retouching functions, the D5000 is the perfect DSLR, beginning with performance to meet your picture-taking tomorrows.
Outfit includes the 3x AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens with image stabilization and legendary NIKKOR optical quality.
Nikon D5000 Highlights
12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured.
3x Zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens included
Legendary NIKKOR optical quality features Nikon VR image stabilization for added sharpness.
D-Movie Mode with sound
Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
Vari-angle color LCD monitor
Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping.
19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more.
One-button Live View
Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF.
Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second
Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag.
Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting.
Built-in image sensor cleaning
Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free.
11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking
Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness.
Auto Active D-Lighting
Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures—Selectable and Auto modes available.
In-camera Retouch image editing
Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more—all without a PC.
Picture Control Settings for personal image control
Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings.
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy.
Durable, high precision shutter
Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life.
GPS geo-tagging
GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day.
Review from dpreview.com
Learn more about this camera
at DPReview.com Nikon D5000 Digital SLR: Hands-on Preview by dpreview.com
The recent boom in DSLR sales has seen all the major manufacturers adding bulked-up or stripped-down entry level models, repositioning their offerings to make sure that anyone willing to put up with the size and weight of a DSLR will look at one of their models. The whole thing has often left existing DSLR owners a little lost - 'why isn't there a direct replacement for my camera?' - but has undoubtedly meant there are many more attractive, accessible cameras on the market just waiting to entice first-time DSLR owners.
And its into this maelstrom of DSLR proliferation that Nikon launches its latest baby DSLR, the D5000. The name will come as no surprise to anyone within earshot of the rumor mill but the camera itself may present some more surprises. Having confused many people but made huge ground with its simplified D40 and D60 range, it appears Nikon has again decided that simply replacing models isn't the best way to address the market. So here we have a camera that genuinely seems to sit above the D60 (rather than continuing in parallel until the stock runs out), and below the D90. Like the baby Nikons, the D5000 doesn't have an autofocus motor built into the body but does gain a tilt-and-swivel LCD, as a series of leaked images that have made their way around the internet would have you expect.
The idea of an upper-entry-level DSLR (for want of a better term), that sits below the 'enthusiast' grade D90 (with its twin control dials, big battery and pentaprism viewfinder), is hardly a radical one - the Canon 500D and Olympus E-620 seem to cater to a similar market. So what does this new Nikon have to offer either the tech-savvy first-time DSLR buyer, or the owner of an older entry-level model wanting newer features but unwilling to slavishly follow the manufacturer's 'upgrade path'?
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
- Bracketing >Read more at dpreview.com
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, image quality, ease of use, value, and features of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it takes great pictures, is easy to learn the basics of, and is well worth the investment. That said, some complain that the screen doesn't affect the photo quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camera. For example, they say the picture quality is nice, the results are great pictures, and the screen doesn't affect the photo quality. Some mention that the snow setting produces excellent pictures with excellent, well saturated color. That said, most say that the camera is good for beginners and that the articulating LCD is great.
"...was that it really can take good color, bright and lively pictures from the box, on auto mode... maybe the one I am least using by now, but good to..." Read more
"...LOVE the auto-rotating menu for the LCD, just, awesome, the articulating LCD is great and I for one am VERY happy it's not side-hinged, if you have..." Read more
"...Even their cheapest kit lenses have great optics and take great pictures. Not all manufacturers can say that...." Read more
"...The black body was finished with a slightly rough tactile coating. Very nice...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They say it's a great product, does everything well, and produces nice results. They appreciate the vari-angle screen and the manufacturing is up to par. Customers also mention that the camera is based on a proven design and has a lot of lens options.
"...hear it shooting, bursting at 4fps (the sound is lovely), doing everything well and much more than I would expect...." Read more
"...rest of the camera, I LOVE the auto-rotating menu for the LCD, just, awesome, the articulating LCD is great and I for one am VERY happy it's not side..." Read more
"...not completely perfect, the D5000 can be a good upgrade or a very capable first dslr that is easy to use AND will give you the room and controls to..." Read more
"...Sure it's made out of plastic, but it does a great job. If you don't already have Nikon lenses then the 18/55 kit lens is a no brainer...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say the controls are easy to learn and the camera is easy to setup from a simple point-and-shoot to a full-control DSLR. They appreciate the ability of the camera to help beginners by auto-selecting some settings. Additionally, they appreciate the navigation to get to the main settings. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality of the pictures and the quiet operation up to 3 stops.
"...any other camera I used, only inconvenience is the focus but it is easy to learn... and zooming during video looks nicer than on video cameras that..." Read more
"...D5000 can be a good upgrade or a very capable first dslr that is easy to use AND will give you the room and controls to expand your skills and your..." Read more
"...It works well and quietly up to 3 stops. If you hold the camera tight and still, you can shoot up to a quarter second without motion blur...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
Customers find the digital camera well worth the investment. They say it's the best value for money from Nikon, with Live View and an affordable DSLR package. Customers also say it takes high quality pictures for the price.
"...Overall this is a GREAT camera for the price...." Read more
"...This makes the D5000 a fantastic camera and a great value at its current price point...." Read more
"...It is cheaper, lighter and smaller, more user-friendly but has inferior image sensor, no live view and no movie recording mode...." Read more
"...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...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the features of the digital camera. For example, they mention it has a lot of features, options to explore, and allows every level of expertise to use its capabilities. They appreciate the long list of useful tips and the wide range of preset options. Some mention that the information button has helped them tremendously in learning about all the settings.
"...The retouching options are fast, easy to understand and vastly usable, I did some shots on a cloudy day and with some NEF processing on camera and..." Read more
"...You can Google him. He rates ALL of these cameras and provides useful information like tips on how to setup your D5000 once you buy it...." Read more
"...go with the D5000 because it's based on a proven design and has a lot of lens options. I couldn't be happier with my decision...." Read more
"...It is quite versatile for overhead or low angle shot. It is also very helpful when you are in live view mode or movie recording mode...." Read more
Customers like the response of the camera. They mention that it has a fast response, the shutter speed is incredible, and the auto feature is excellent. They also appreciate the fast AF in live view mode and the tilt-able LCD screen. Overall, most are happy with the quality and performance of this digital camera.
"...Flash is powerful and have a good range, also very tunable for adding light to a scene or to freezing someone or something on a shot... helped with..." Read more
"...viewfinder gridlines ala the D90, the 11-area-AF is superb and fast in non-LV mode...." Read more
"...feature of full-manual to play with, but like having an excellent and fast AUTO feature...." Read more
"...and the fast autofocus and quick turnaround time...." Read more
Customers like the battery life of the digital camera. They mention that it has outstanding battery life, it lasts much longer than their old point and shoot, and that the battery is a real workhorse.
"...Battery lasts long, about 6 days traveling on my father's hands and 1 or 2 full shooting days on my hands... you notice that the camera is all the..." Read more
"...I read that the battery life was good, but it seemed to run out pretty easily. Here was the problem. The camera just started turning off on me...." Read more
"...most obvious differences compared to my old Coolpix are the outstanding battery life..." Read more
"...Battery performance impressive. I shot 1,200 shots in continuous mode recently at a graduation event. Didn't have to change batteries once...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the autofocus of the camera. They mention that it focuses quite slowly, has a really short turn, and can't autofocus in video mode. They also say that the manual focus is very course and it fails to focus at all. Some customers also mention that the lack of an autofocus motor in the body is not an issue for them.
"...About the kit lenses (18-55mm nikkor lenses), the focus has a really short turn (about 30 degrees, but fells like 5) from 28cm to infinity, it is..." Read more
"...The complaint is that the LiveView feature focus is either SO incredibly slow or it just fails to focus at all...." Read more
"...The lack of an internal motor means the D5000 is slightly smaller and lighter than the next step up - cheaper too...." Read more
"...Therefore, it can't auto focus older lenses such as the venerable Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or the legendary Nikon 85mm f/1.4D. If you need AF function, you..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Got it with 18-55mm lenses, a small tripod and a 16GB class 4 SDHC card. Was in doubt between nikon's D5000, D90 or D60, Canon's EOS Xsi and T1i, Sony's A200 or A350 and Olympus E520 or E620.
First, I have had some diferent digital cameras (and also a couple analogic before that), the better ones being sony's DSC W7, H9 and H50 (not mine, but I used for some days), so I don't know how the D5000 compares to other DSLR, but I can feel the great lap between this amazing camera and those other simpler ones I am used to...
My first impression was that it really can take good color, bright and lively pictures from the box, on auto mode... maybe the one I am least using by now, but good to know it will work when you can't or don't want to set anything before the shot. So the camera goes great on full AUTO. Same for video, easy to focus with the kit lenses and pretty professional looking movie results.
My dad was with the camera for 2 weeks before I put my hands on it, and he shot amazing pics from simple places and situations, even at night... and he was on AUTO all time, so this nikon can be used as a point-and-shoot, actually the best I've ever seen... it is funny to see that any picture taken with it looks like it would be very hard or impossible to be taken with the cameras we used before.
I havent posted any video so far, but I had put some pics here [...]
I've done a lot of research on the DSLR world and the most useful site was [...] where I found the info that made me decide between the Canon EOS 500 (or T1i) and this Nikon D5000 that I got here on amazon.com .
So, knowing some previous things about aperture, shutter speed, focus, depth of field an ISO from the previous cameras and some books I've read in the past fell weeks I tried the Nikon on the other modes, A,M,S and P...
Ok, P is also as good as the AUTO, but it is almost just AUTO, I found it hard to change to the type of exposure I wanted while rolling the control. So between this and AUTO I stay with AUTO.
"A" mode (aperture prior)works great for me... the control with the DOF is good and the kit lenses on auto focus are great.
The "S" mode is normal, but I have not used it too much, havent had action scenes so far.
The "M" mode is easy to use as all controls are at reach, the only change I did was to make the Fn button control the ISO, so I have the shutter on the main wheel with my right thumb, click with a finger on the button behind the shutter and have the wheel to control aperture, with my left thumb I make it control the ISO or flash (2 buttons well placed close to the lenses) and if I use manual focus the left hand is already in place and stays there, zooming and focusing.
About the kit lenses (18-55mm nikkor lenses), the focus has a really short turn (about 30 degrees, but fells like 5) from 28cm to infinity, it is handleable on manual focus but a bit too sensitive... the zooming is perfect though.
I already bought a used nikkor 28mm 2.8 AF-D lenses, that goes well with the D5000 (with manual focus only, cause it is not DX) and have a much better focus ring, with about 160 degree turn from 25mm to infinity that fells like 360... this made me fell good for not buying an olympus because the nikon DX format has a 1.5 relation for lenses and the four third had a 2.0 relation, at this point I realise that finding good old used lenses that can work well on the D5000 is easy, and this 28mm lense made me remember using my father's yashica 45mm focus when I was 6... very good felling.
For the manual focus the camera helps with the green light that goes on when on focus, and changing the menu to show distance info on the viewfinder I got it to show arrows that indicate to witch side to change the focus.
Live view... I did not mention, but my father took all his picures on this mode and liked it, so again can be used as p-a-s, but I have not used it too much, just loved the viewfinder and the 11point AF.
The picture reviewing is also nice on the LCD panel and it being articulated is good for awkward shots, but even greater to protect it and to maintain the screen off when using the viewfinder (when I don't want more info than that on the small window).
I did record some movies and they all look great, only did on 720p and no complains, all them look better than any other camera I used, only inconvenience is the focus but it is easy to learn... and zooming during video looks nicer than on video cameras that have digital controls for zooming.
Battery lasts long, about 6 days traveling on my father's hands and 1 or 2 full shooting days on my hands... you notice that the camera is all the time saving power and even turning the LCD off when you are looking is not annoying because it comes back nicely.
Flash is powerful and have a good range, also very tunable for adding light to a scene or to freezing someone or something on a shot... helped with some exposures...
The retouching options are fast, easy to understand and vastly usable, I did some shots on a cloudy day and with some NEF processing on camera and one or two other adjustments (also in the camera) I got images that seemed taken at noon!!
In conclusion on this messy review, the D5000 is a great camera and I would recommend to anybody who wants good pictures and movies... take that from a DSLR newbie and a nature, travel, sports and technology lover.
And also, on my personal experience, it fells amazing to handle this camera, hear it shooting, bursting at 4fps (the sound is lovely), doing everything well and much more than I would expect. (I am not a brand person, but the nikon name helped on my choice and I am pleased it did).
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2009
Got it with 18-55mm lenses, a small tripod and a 16GB class 4 SDHC card. Was in doubt between nikon's D5000, D90 or D60, Canon's EOS Xsi and T1i, Sony's A200 or A350 and Olympus E520 or E620.
First, I have had some diferent digital cameras (and also a couple analogic before that), the better ones being sony's DSC W7, H9 and H50 (not mine, but I used for some days), so I don't know how the D5000 compares to other DSLR, but I can feel the great lap between this amazing camera and those other simpler ones I am used to...
My first impression was that it really can take good color, bright and lively pictures from the box, on auto mode... maybe the one I am least using by now, but good to know it will work when you can't or don't want to set anything before the shot. So the camera goes great on full AUTO. Same for video, easy to focus with the kit lenses and pretty professional looking movie results.
My dad was with the camera for 2 weeks before I put my hands on it, and he shot amazing pics from simple places and situations, even at night... and he was on AUTO all time, so this nikon can be used as a point-and-shoot, actually the best I've ever seen... it is funny to see that any picture taken with it looks like it would be very hard or impossible to be taken with the cameras we used before.
I havent posted any video so far, but I had put some pics here [...]
I've done a lot of research on the DSLR world and the most useful site was [...] where I found the info that made me decide between the Canon EOS 500 (or T1i) and this Nikon D5000 that I got here on amazon.com .
So, knowing some previous things about aperture, shutter speed, focus, depth of field an ISO from the previous cameras and some books I've read in the past fell weeks I tried the Nikon on the other modes, A,M,S and P...
Ok, P is also as good as the AUTO, but it is almost just AUTO, I found it hard to change to the type of exposure I wanted while rolling the control. So between this and AUTO I stay with AUTO.
"A" mode (aperture prior)works great for me... the control with the DOF is good and the kit lenses on auto focus are great.
The "S" mode is normal, but I have not used it too much, havent had action scenes so far.
The "M" mode is easy to use as all controls are at reach, the only change I did was to make the Fn button control the ISO, so I have the shutter on the main wheel with my right thumb, click with a finger on the button behind the shutter and have the wheel to control aperture, with my left thumb I make it control the ISO or flash (2 buttons well placed close to the lenses) and if I use manual focus the left hand is already in place and stays there, zooming and focusing.
About the kit lenses (18-55mm nikkor lenses), the focus has a really short turn (about 30 degrees, but fells like 5) from 28cm to infinity, it is handleable on manual focus but a bit too sensitive... the zooming is perfect though.
I already bought a used nikkor 28mm 2.8 AF-D lenses, that goes well with the D5000 (with manual focus only, cause it is not DX) and have a much better focus ring, with about 160 degree turn from 25mm to infinity that fells like 360... this made me fell good for not buying an olympus because the nikon DX format has a 1.5 relation for lenses and the four third had a 2.0 relation, at this point I realise that finding good old used lenses that can work well on the D5000 is easy, and this 28mm lense made me remember using my father's yashica 45mm focus when I was 6... very good felling.
For the manual focus the camera helps with the green light that goes on when on focus, and changing the menu to show distance info on the viewfinder I got it to show arrows that indicate to witch side to change the focus.
Live view... I did not mention, but my father took all his picures on this mode and liked it, so again can be used as p-a-s, but I have not used it too much, just loved the viewfinder and the 11point AF.
The picture reviewing is also nice on the LCD panel and it being articulated is good for awkward shots, but even greater to protect it and to maintain the screen off when using the viewfinder (when I don't want more info than that on the small window).
I did record some movies and they all look great, only did on 720p and no complains, all them look better than any other camera I used, only inconvenience is the focus but it is easy to learn... and zooming during video looks nicer than on video cameras that have digital controls for zooming.
Battery lasts long, about 6 days traveling on my father's hands and 1 or 2 full shooting days on my hands... you notice that the camera is all the time saving power and even turning the LCD off when you are looking is not annoying because it comes back nicely.
Flash is powerful and have a good range, also very tunable for adding light to a scene or to freezing someone or something on a shot... helped with some exposures...
The retouching options are fast, easy to understand and vastly usable, I did some shots on a cloudy day and with some NEF processing on camera and one or two other adjustments (also in the camera) I got images that seemed taken at noon!!
In conclusion on this messy review, the D5000 is a great camera and I would recommend to anybody who wants good pictures and movies... take that from a DSLR newbie and a nature, travel, sports and technology lover.
And also, on my personal experience, it fells amazing to handle this camera, hear it shooting, bursting at 4fps (the sound is lovely), doing everything well and much more than I would expect. (I am not a brand person, but the nikon name helped on my choice and I am pleased it did).
I was really worried about this going in because the whole reason for this over a D90 in my case was that the stupid angles I tend to like taking pictures from REALLY make an articulating LCD a godsend.
Well, my first picture with the 5k was in a room with no lighting other than a natural light source in the form of a sliding glass door (venetian blinds half open) in the OTHER room (though the door was in front of me and I WAS shooting in it's direction, but still the light level was LOW). The AF on LV took approx 2sec. to lock focus perfectly (I tried manually adjusting for better but could not). Tried this again with an artificial (CCFL, warm, not cool, spiral type) light source BEHIND me, approx. 6ft from the subject. The time to focus was about 1.3 seconds (iPhone used for stopwatch, so add in my reaction time if you want, personally at 1.3sec I don't care).
The bottom line here is AF in LiveView is something NO DSLR does truly WELL right now, but as far as what's out there goes, this performs admirably. And my fears have ALL vanished.
Next up, the recall.
Ooooh, scary, right? Not so much, first of all the complaints voiced here are that Nikon is somehow being shady by not giving an open list of which serial numbers are impacted. Look the simple truth of the matter is you either have this problem, and it's pretty much dead from the factory, or you don't. There was a pretty insanely wild guesstimation by one of the 1-star reviewers here on amazon who, one breath after saying there was no information available on affected units, then proceeded to toss out potential numbers for affected units.
Yes, there is a recall, but the plain truth is, you get your camera, you turn it on, odds are GOOD it will power on just like mine did, fresh and happy and ready to go. If you are still worried you go to their site, plug in the serial number, and get your mind put at ease. This is NOT that big a deal and I personally think it's good of Nikon to voluntarily offer a recall without having to be brow beaten into it, especially on one of their more buzzworthy cameras, normally (ahem, apple) you'd have to bury a company in a pile of their defective products up to their ears to get them to replace one of their "most talked about" new products.
Cut then some slack. And rest fairly comfortably in the knowledge that, odds are more than just good you wont get a defective unit.
As for the rest of the camera, I LOVE the auto-rotating menu for the LCD, just, awesome, the articulating LCD is great and I for one am VERY happy it's not side-hinged, if you have problems with this hitting your tripod, you take shots from WAY more crazier angles than me lol, and that's saying something. :)
Image quality, top notch.
Menu systems. I will go on record as saying that nikon has THE best menu system on a DSLR, PERIOD. ABSOLUTELY in love with it.
Love the optional viewfinder gridlines ala the D90, the 11-area-AF is superb and fast in non-LV mode. LV is as good as ALMOST any other example out there right now (and if you exclude cameras if LV-focus specific lenses it's an even closer race).
A note, you WILL need to upgrade CameraRaw to 5.4 if you use Photoshop (CS4 here) or the NEF files wont be understood, rest easy though as it's a free upgrade.
[...]
What else. The weight is nice, still lighter than a D90 but not as feather light as a D40, continues the common-model battery from most other Nikon's which is great, means if you go from one Nikon to another you gain yourself an extra battery and charger out of the deal (handy!).
Overall this is a GREAT camera for the price. If an articulating LCD is important to you, then this is the camera for you, if it doesn't matter, consider the D90, it's pentaprism IS a step up but the differences are NOT great.
HIGHLY recommend this camera.