Nikon D5000 user reviews

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

sixstringsgareth 17 May 2010

Good: Image quality, Rotating display, 720p Video for under £500 and looks great!

Bad: Not compatible with all Nikon lenses.

Comment: This is a summary of my experience with the Nikon D5000.

Same sensor as D90 so same excellent image quality but much more affordable.

Has a rotating Live View display which makes shooting at any angle very easy.

Records video in HD - 720p, which is great for a mid-range DSLR.

The body looks and feels great - very ergonomic.

Not all lenses are fully compatible with this camera - the auto-focus function doesn't work on some unless you go for the more expensive lenses with less features.

A great, easy to use camera with lots of cool features!

nictheartist 5 February 2010

Good: scope for creativity, image quality

Bad: video mode could be better, additional lenses very expensive

Comment: This is a great camera, with a very helpful manual to go with it, no searching through CDs or online, it's a solid paperback that you can take anywhere and look up anything you need to know. All the features are fully adjustable, including the flash (for photos that aren't overexposed or completely washed out).
Although the Nikon D5000 looks fairly chunky at first sight, I find it easy to use even though I am a small female.
At the right settings, the photos turn out great, the kit lens is good for general use, although sometimes I would appreciate more zoom.
So far, I am not overly impressed by the video mode, but then it's not a camcorder.
As long as your life doesn't depend on the ability to shoot quick and easy videos, you'll be ok.
I would highly recommend the Nikon D5000.

symonh2000 6 January 2010

Good: Price, performance, image quality

Bad: Nothing

Comment: I bought this camera a while back as I was moving up from a compact.
I looked at several camera's before settling for this one and I think it is the best camera currently available for around £500.
It uses the same sensor and processor as the far more expensive D300 and D90 models, so gives identical image quality but at considerably less expense.
I cannot fault this camera, it does exactly as I expect from it.