Nikon D5000 Review

Our Rating (4/5)

Good: Tilt and swivel LCD enables creativity; Records HD video to Motion JPEG

Bad: Battery life not as long as larger units; Automatic controls produce middling pics

Nikon has unveiled the D5000 upper-entry-level DSLR and we’ve prepared a full preview of the camera and its features. Sitting between the D60 and D90, the D5000 appears to go head-to-head with Canon’s EOS 500D, aiming at upgrading DSLR owners and experienced compact users. It combines many of the features of the D90 in a slightly smaller, simpler body and includes a 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, live view, 720p movies and a 2.7 inch, 180 degree Tilt/Swivel LCD. Price, we are guessing $999

PhotoReview 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:

Engadget 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

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GoodGearGuide 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:

PhotoCracti writes:

“Digital noise is remarkably well controlled making the D5000 one of the best in its price range at high ISO levels… As easy to use as any entry-level DSLR in auto modes, the D5000 provides greater speed, reliability and versatility plus advanced amenities.”
Rating: N/A

About.com writes:

“Pros: Image quality is excellent, D5000 provides great mix of manual control and ease of use for a DSLR, LCD can twist and swivel away from the camera, Battery life is good for DSLR camera, Good collection of printed materials – quick start guide and user guide. Cons: Learning the function of each button could be time consuming, Autofocus can be slow, especially in low light, Experienced photographers will want more features, LCD could use more resolution”
Rating: ★★★★½

Nikon D5000 hands-on preview video by WDC:

Hands-on preview video by MegaWhatTV:

PhotographyBlog writes:

“First impressions of the new Nikon D5000 are mainly positive. It offers similar build and handling quality as the D90, retaining that distinctive Nikon feel, whilst simplifying some aspects of its operation.”

Nikon D5000 hands-on preview video by ShinyMedia:

Nikon D5000 specifications:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured
• 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 computer
• 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

• Image Sensor Format
• CMOS
  Image Sensor Type
• 15.8 x 23.6mm
  Sensor Size
• 12.9 million
  Total Pixels
• 12.3 million
  Effective Pixels

• DX-format
  (L) 4288×2848
  (M)3216×2136
  (S)2144×1424

  Image Area (pixels)
• 4 frames per second
  Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
• DX-format
  CH: Up to 4 frames per second
  CL: Up to 4 frames per second
  Continuous Shooting Options
• 2.7 in. diagonal
  LCD Monitor Size
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor
  LCD Monitor Type
• 230,000 Dots
  LCD Monitor Resolution
• 170-degree wide-viewing angle
  LCD Monitor Angle of View
• Brightness,7 levels
  LCD Monitor Adjustments
• Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
  Shutter type
• 30 sec. in steps of 1/3
  1/2
  1 EV
  Slowest Shutter Speed
• 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3
  1/2
  1 EV
  Fastest Shutter Speed
• Yes
  Bulb Shutter Setting
• 200 in steps of 1/3
  1 EV
  Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity
• 3200 in steps of 1/3
  1 EV
  Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity
• Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
  Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity
• Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
  Highest Expanded ISO Sensitvity

• Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV

  Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV

  Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options
• SD
  SDHC
  Storage Media
• JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality
  AVI
  Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
  Storage System
• Compliant with DCF 2.0
  DPOF
  EXIF 2.21
  File System
• Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program
  Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
  Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
  Manual (M)
  Auto
  Auto (flash off) Advanced Scene Modes
  Exposure Modes
• Portrait
  Landscape
  Close-up
  Sports
  Night Portrait
  Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Automn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, Low key
  Advanced Scene Modes
• 420 pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Center-weighted
  Spot
  Exposure Metering System
• 1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)
  Metering Range
• CPU
  Exposure Meter Coupling
• ±5EV in increments of 1/3
  1/2
  1
  Exposure Compensation
• Yes
  Exposure Lock
• Yes
  2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
  Exposure Bracketing
• Live View [LV] mode
  Self-timer mode
  Continuous [C] mode: 4 Quiet mode
  Shutter Release Modes
• Movie with sound
  Stop motion movie
  D-Movie
  HD 1280 x 720/24 fps VGA 640 x 424/24 fps QVGA 320 x 216/24 fps
  Movie Modes
• Sun
  Shade
  Fluorescent
  Incandescent
  Flash
  Preset
  Auto
  Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor) Seven manual modes with fine-tuning; Sun Shade Fluorescent Incandescent Flash Preset Fine Tune by Kelvin Color temperature setting
  White Balance
• Yes, Yes
  White Balance Bracketing
• 2 exposures
  D-Lighting Bracketing
• yes
  Live View Shooting
• Full frame
  Thumbnail (4, 9, 16 or 72 segments)
  Zoom
  Slideshow
  Histogram
  Shooting data
  Highlight point display
  Auto image rotation
  Sound playback
  D-Movie playback
  Calendar
  D-Movie playback Thumbnail (4, 9, 72 segments) Calendar
  Playback Functions
• Hi-speed USB
  NTSC
  HDMI
  Interface
• Nikon F bayonet mount
  Lens Mount

• AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.
  • Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autofocus supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
  • Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
  • Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
  • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
  • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster

  Compatible Lenses
• 1.5
  Picture Angle
• -2.0 to +1.0 m-1
  Viewfinder
• Approx. 95%
  Viewfinder Frame Coverage
• (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
  Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

• 17.9

  Viewfinder Eyepoint
• Quick-return type
  Reflex Mirror
• Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark V screen with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
  Focusing Screen
• No
  Interchangeable Focusing Screens
• Approx. 0.78
  Viewfinder Magnification
• No
  Depth-of-field Control
• Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9ft.10 in.)
  Autofocus System
• 11
  Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
• -1 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F
  Autofocus Sensitivity
• Single-servo AF (S)
  Continuous-servo (C)
  Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder
  Live View autofocus; Face-priority, wide area, normal area and Subject tracking
  Focus Modes
• Yes
  Single-point AF Mode
• Yes
  Dynamic AF Mode
• Yes
  Auto-area AF Mode
• AE-L/AF-L button
  Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
  Focus Lock
• Standard
  Neutral
  Vivid
  Monochrome
  Nine User-customizable settings
  Portrait
  Landscape
  Picture Control
• Trim
  D-Lighting
  Color Balance
  Image Overlay
  Filter Effects
  Distortion Control
  Monochrome
  Stop Motion
  Color Balance
  NEF (RAW) processing
  Quick retouch
  Straighten
  Distortion Control
  Fisheye
  Small picture
  Red-eye correction
  Perspective control Color outline
  In-Camera Image Editing
• Yes
  Built-in Flash
• Yes
  External Flash Shoe
• 56 at ISO 200 ft.17 at ISO 200m
  Built-in Flash Distance
• Yes
  Dust-Off Reference Photo
• No
  Save/Load Camera settings
• Yes
  Built-in Commander mode not available
  Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility
• up to 1/200
  Flash Sync Speed
• up to 1/4000
  FP High Speed Sync
• Front-curtain sync (normal)
  Slow sync
  Rear-curtain sync
  Red-eye reduction
  Flash Sync Modes
• 1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
  2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-900 and SB-800 used with CPU lens
  3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
  4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-900 and SB-800
  Flash Control
• No
  Flash Sync Terminal
• Yes
  Accessory Shoe
• 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration
  Self-timer
• Yes
  World Time Setting
• Yes
  Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
• Rechargeable
  Battery Type
• EN-EL9 Lithium-ion Battery
  EN-EL9a Lithium-ion Battery
  Battery / Batteries
• EH-5a AC Adapter
  AC Adaptor
• MH-18a Quick Charger
  Battery Charger
• Yes
  Image Comment
• 510 shots (CIPA)
  Battery Life (shots per charge)
• ¼-20
  Tripod Socket
• Width 5.0 in. (127mm)
  Height 4.1 in. (104mm)
  Depth 3.1 in. (80mm)
  Approx. Dimensions
• 19.8 oz. (560g)
  Approx. Weight
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
  Supported Languages
• Software Suite CD-ROM
  Supplied Software
• Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
  Other
• • EN-EL9a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • MH-23 Quick Charger
  • DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
  • DK-24 Rubber Eyecup
  • UC-E6 USB Cable
  • EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable
  • AN-DC3 Camera Strap
  • Body Cap
  • BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
  • Software Suite CD-ROM

  *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.