Nikon D5000 Review

Nikon jumped on the consumer digital SLR/HD video bandwagon this morning but with a slight twist – not only does its new 12.3MP D5000 snap photos and capture high-def movies, it also sports a unique 2.7-inch flip-out LCD screen.
Along with the vari-angle screen, the new Nikon D5000 trumps the recently announced Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) in one other area – price. Retailing for $849 as a kit with a NIKKOR 18-55mm VR lens – $749, body only – the D5000 is about $50 cheaper than the 15.1MP Rebel T1i.

Otherwise though, the two cameras have some similar features and are targeted toward the same audiences – entry-level consumers – making the DSLR/HD combo-cam one of the hottest categories in photography right now. Up until recently, these types of two-in-one DSLRs were aimed mostly at advanced users and professionals.
Along with its similarities to the Canon Rebel T1i, the Nikon D5000 has a lot in common with the entry-level Nikon D60 which is staying in the line; and the aforementioned Nikon D90, which shares the same DX-format (aka non-full-frame) sensor.

(I'm told the Nikon D40, which was released way back in 2006, will also be staying in the line. If you're looking for a bargain, that 6.1MP, entry-entry-level camera is now selling for as low as $400 for the kit.)

The D5000's small black body has a lot in common with the D60 which, if you have small hands, might be appealing. Large-handed folks such as yours truly aren't so thrilled with these tiny DSLRs though.

While carrying the camera around yesterday, I almost felt like I was holding a dainty teacup. But that's just my own pet peeve. It's clear that Nikon is aiming the D5000 at entry-level females photographers, such as new moms, who will likely find the camera's petite profile easy to hold and inviting. (Though it's been about a month since I shot with the Canon Rebel T1i – which is also a small camera – the D5000 feels smaller.)

Despite its small size, the D5000 is a powerful, feature-rich camera. Along with all the previously mentioned specs, the D5000 can capture still images at a fairly fast speed of 4 frames per second, making this a solid choice for Soccer Moms and Soccer Dads wanting to capture their kids in action.

As for the D5000's 12.3MP CMOS imaging sensor, I'm told it's exactly the same as the one in the prosumer-level Nikon D90, which is Nikon's other DSLR/HD combo cam. So in many ways, the D5000 is a hybrid of a hybrid; blending entry-level and advanced digital SLR features while offering the ability to capture high-resolution photos and HD (720p) video at 24 frames per second.

And then, of course, there's that twist – the flip-out screen which can be turned below the camera for capturing low-angle photos via the D5000's Live View mode, and low-angle HD videos in D-Movie mode. The screen can't turn and twist to the side of the camera as on some of Olympus' digital SLRs which have vari-angle LCDs, but it can tilt from the back of the camera to help you compose photos when shooting overhead.

Since Olympus' DSLRs don't capture video, the Nikon D5000 now has the distinction of being the only DSLR with a vari-angle screen which can also shoot HD video. A bit of a small niche, perhaps, but it is a first.