Shooting speed (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
 |
Time to first shot | |
Raw shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim light) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
Canon EOS 500D
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.3
Sony Alpha DSLR-A350
0.6
0.9
0.6
0.3
Nikon D5000
0.2
0.5
0.7
0.3
Olympus E-620
1.4
0.5
0.8
0.4
Nikon D90
0.2
0.6
0.9
0.4
Typical continuous-shooting speed (in fps)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Nikon D90
4
Nikon D5000
4
Canon EOS Rebel T1i
3.3
Olympus E-620
3.1
Sony Alpha DSLR-A350
2.5
Conclusion
As long as you don't get as hung up as we did on
its operational quirks or have high expectations of shooting video,
there's plenty to like about the Nikon D5000 -- especially if you're
most interested in its core aptitudes: a wealth of features, speedy
shooting and high-quality photographs for the money.
Edited by Nick Hide
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User reviews6
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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