The Nikon D80 lasted a long time at the top of our entry-level dSLR list, and the D5000 has been an eagerly awaited replacement in that just-under-£700 kit segment. And there are plenty of significant changes in this model. Nikon switches to a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD it's been using in its entry-level models, in this case, the same 12.3-megapixel version that's in the D90.
Plus there's the new (to Nikon's dSLRs) flip-down-and-swivel LCD, and an improved AF system -- the same 11-point AF system as the D90 -- that distinguish it clearly from the cheaper D60. But, as frequently happens, this threatens to cannibalise the market for the more expensive D90. Especially since it has a newer version of the Expeed image processor (with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF) and enhanced Live View AF, along with a connector for the optional GP-1 hot shoe GPS.
The D5000 is available in two configurations, at least from Nikon: body only and a kit with the 18-55mm VR lens, which is the more common offering online, for around £650. We wouldn't be surprised if a dual-lens kit with the additional 55-200mm lens eventually became official, as retailers are already offering it.
Design
Constructed of polycarbonate over stainless steel, the 610g D5000 weighs 100g or so more than the D60 and competing Canon EOS 500D, but slightly less than the D90. It feels plasticky, but not cheap -- pretty typical for its price segment -- although the SD slot cover does seem rather flimsier than usual.
The control layout is pretty typical, although Nikon seems to have eliminated more direct-access buttons than most products in its class and replaced them entirely with the interactive display. Through it, in combination with the back dial and multi selector, you can adjust shutter speed, aperture, image size and quality, white balance, ISO sensitivity, focus mode, AF area (single, multi, wide area and 3D tracking), metering, D-Lighting, exposure bracketing (three shots in up to two stop increments), Picture Control, exposure and flash compensation, and flash mode.
We like the interactive displays, but the D5000's LCD is rather difficult to see in sunlight, which made changing settings somewhat problematic. There's also a programmable function button that falls under your left thumb -- which we found handy -- to which you can assign direct access to drive modes, image size and quality, ISO sensitivity, white balance, Active D-Lighting, raw override and bracketing.
There's no dedicated mode for shooting video -- a good thing -- instead, while in Live View mode, you use the OK button to stop and start recording. Though it doesn't do continuous autofocus, you can initiate AF while recording. Like Canon's, however, it's very slow and rather noisy.
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RyanKelly 23 April 2011
Good: Many great features with its high ISO range, Excellently in low light conditions, Easy to use
Bad: Live view mode is slow with Autofocus
Comment: The Nikon D5000 seems to be everything I wanted. Although having the same size 12.3MP sensor as in the D90 and D300, the APS-C CMOS upgrade with 1.5x focal magnification seems an ample improvement over its predecessors. As with all the Nikons I have used, the D5000 presents to the user a robust, compact and light-weight feel, whilst still offering some features you would expect to find in professional level cameras.
The D5000 has many great features with its high ISO range (100 to 6400), 11 area auto focus system and good tonal range. The anti dust system offers three stages of protection: CCD shake, 'airflow' (which pushes air out of the mirror box) and anti dust software for post editing. The camera also has live view as well as a tilting screen, however I question the practical applications of the screen as I have taken some 500 images with the camera so far and have yet to use the tilt function (admittedly I prefer the optical view finder over alternative means). All said and done, the crown jewel of the D5000 is without a doubt the HD movie capture feature, allowing not only for 24fps capturing but interval shooting which produces stop-motion action. However the AF system is disabled during filming, resulting in the need to use the focus wheel manually which the clumsy-handed like myself find quite tricky!
One of the things I have always loved about Nikons is their ability to perform excellently in low light conditions. Although not a criticism, my Sony Alpha A350 has always given me a fair bit of grief when taking evening shots at ISO 400 or above, resulting in the need for an extra pass of colour noise reduction after uploading. The dynamic range optimiser as ever is very effective in bringing out detail in the lower tones.
I feel that the D5000 is in a tight spot being that it is the 'middle child', making it harder to favour over similar models. Moreover it is difficult to say where it excels and falls short compared to the D90 and the D300. I should say however that, overall, the camera comes trumps in all areas except the price, which is slightly higher than I would have bargained for. Ultimately though I am very fond of this camera and would give it my highest of recommendations. Well worth buying!
*** P.S. If you will buy this Camera I suggest at: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0025KV8Y0/?tag=reviews.cnet.co.uk-21
grindboy 4 November 2010
Comment: Looking at buying either this or the d3100. At the moment I'm leaning towards the d3100 as it has 1080p (24fps) and 720p (30fps), as opposed to just 720p (24fps) on the d5000. This would make the d3100 a good compliment to my Kodak Playsport HD pocket camcorder.
I'd use the latter for quick and dirty shots on the run and the DSLR for more controlled shots like unboxing videos.
The price difference is a consideration but it would only mean waiting a few more months before going with the d3100 if that came out on top.
What are your thoughts CNETians?
Monkeyspam 5 July 2010
Good: Picture Quality & Price.
Bad: Can't use all of nikon's lenses
See all 6 user reviews