Nikon D5000 Review

Nikon D5000 is a bit of an enigma. First of all, where does the “D5000″ come from? It sounds like it might be the start of a whole new series of Nikon cameras, though the truth might be a little more prosaic than that. This camera slots in between the D60 and the D90 in the Nikon range, and since the D70 and the D80 have already been and gone, what else could Nikon do? The other thing is that this camera has the most sophisticated Live View system yet, complete with a fold-out LCD display.  Like Canon, Nikon’s finding itself in the position of rolling out its latest technological developments in mid-range cameras rather than its flagship models, leading to a range with a slightly unbalanced feel about it.

However, Nikon D5000 is aimed at a very different kind of market. Nikon’s pitching it at novice enthusiasts and family users who are perhaps upgrading from a compact and expect a DSLR to do everything their old camera did and mire.

Physically, Nikon D5000 is much closer to D60 than the D90. The swiveling LCD display has added a few millimeters to the depth of the body and made it feel a lot chunkier. Round the front there’s the same 18-55mm VR kit zoom offered with the D60. It’s the best low-end kit lens on the market, but probably the longest (and maybe ugliest?) too.

Once you adapt to the LCD screen’s unusual pivoting action (it’s hinged at the base rather than the top or side), it proves very effective. The resolution is only average (230,000 pixels) but the screen is bright and clear. In Live View mode, the camera switches automatically to contrast-based AF which uses the image on the sensor rather than the separate 11-point AF sensor used for optical viewing. It’s very versatile, offering face-detection and subject-tracking as well as highly maneuverable focusing points. The subject tracking is clever, and it’s quite fascinating to see the AF marker follow moving subjects around the frame.

The definition in JPEGs is first rate and noise at low to medium ISO is practically non-existent. The quality at ISO 1600 is remarkable, at ISO 3200 it’s still very good and even the ISO 6400 mode is quite usable.

First impressions with Nikon D5000 aren’t that good. It feels like an overblown and overpriced D60, which has been stuffed with gadgets, and the plodding interactive interface hasn’t improved with time. But however useful you find the Live View and movie modules, this camera’s pictures are just stunning.

Tagged with: 55mm • D60 • D70 • D80 • D90 • Dslr • Face Detection • Lcd Screen • Marker • Mid Range • Nikon Cameras • Novice

Filed under: Nikon

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