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When I saw a rumor about a potential D5000 D-SLR from Nikon last week, all I could do was chuckle and ignore it. I mean... D5000? As if Nikon would slap a name like that on one of their cameras. Well, joke's on me, because it's true. I won't get into the fact that seeing such a large number on the small badge is a little strange, because aside from that oddity (which happens to be my own opinion), this is actually a sweet camera.
At its $730 USD price-point, the D5000 (argh!) settles in ahead of the D60, but well behind the D90, and where competition is concerned, Canon's EOS 500D is targeted. For that $730, you'll receive a body equipped with a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and Nikon's much-touted EXPEED image processor. With the help of that sensor, the camera outputs images at the resolution of 4288x2848, and like the D90 and above, the D5000 can shoot in RAW+JPEG Fine - a definite plus.
Two other major features shared with the D90 are the live view and also the ability to capture video at 720p. A unique feature (on Nikon cameras) to the D5000 is the "vari-angle LCD", one that allows you to pull out the LCD screen on the back and swivel it around. One huge bonus of this is that you're able to turn the screen completely around to protect it when not in use. This feature is to be most useful in situations where you have to hold the camera above your head, because if you've ever shot pictures of a crowd while being in the crowd, you'll know how difficult it is to achieve the perfect angle.
All-in-all, this is a great camera for the money, and it impresses me just how many features are crammed into models nowadays at these price ranges. Taking a look back just a few years at what was available and then at the D5000 today, $730 almost seems like a relative steal. My D80 isn't looking near as fancy as it used do!
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.
Source: Digital Photography Review
At its $730 USD price-point, the D5000 (argh!) settles in ahead of the D60, but well behind the D90, and where competition is concerned, Canon's EOS 500D is targeted. For that $730, you'll receive a body equipped with a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and Nikon's much-touted EXPEED image processor. With the help of that sensor, the camera outputs images at the resolution of 4288x2848, and like the D90 and above, the D5000 can shoot in RAW+JPEG Fine - a definite plus.
Two other major features shared with the D90 are the live view and also the ability to capture video at 720p. A unique feature (on Nikon cameras) to the D5000 is the "vari-angle LCD", one that allows you to pull out the LCD screen on the back and swivel it around. One huge bonus of this is that you're able to turn the screen completely around to protect it when not in use. This feature is to be most useful in situations where you have to hold the camera above your head, because if you've ever shot pictures of a crowd while being in the crowd, you'll know how difficult it is to achieve the perfect angle.
All-in-all, this is a great camera for the money, and it impresses me just how many features are crammed into models nowadays at these price ranges. Taking a look back just a few years at what was available and then at the D5000 today, $730 almost seems like a relative steal. My D80 isn't looking near as fancy as it used do!
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.
Source: Digital Photography Review
