Nikon D5000 review
Review Date : Fri, 8 May 2009
Author : Mat Gallagher
- Product Shots: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/galleries/productshots/nikon/11941/1/0/nikon-d5000-product-pictures.html
- Sample Photos: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/galleries/sample-images/nikon/11862/1/0/nikon-d5000-test-images_pg_Inspire.html
- Video: http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/videos/reviews/341291/nikon-d5000-video-review.html
Nikon D5000 is the latest mid-range consumer DSLR with high definition video and vari-angle screen.
| Pros: | Vari-angle screen, build and picture quality |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Screen resolution, lack of high ISO, price point |
The Nikon D5000 squeezes into the gap between the D60 and the D90, as their mid-range consumer model. The D5000 may not seem like a logical model number but it does offer a fitting feature set for its positioning, and brings HD video to the mix. More importantly for Nikon, this model squares up pretty closely to the new Canon EOS 500D. Last month’s Canon EOS 500D test proved it to be a worthy competitor but the Nikon D5000 comes in almost £150 cheaper at RRP and with a rather nifty vari-angle LCD.
Though articulating screens on DSLRs are not a new occurrence, this is the first Nikon model to feature one. As more and more functions filter up from bridge cameras to DSLRs this one seems one of the most useful, especially for when composing using the live view function.
It seems that video capture is the latest must-have feature for DSLRs; this is now Nikon’s second HD movie-shooting model and is unlikely to be its last.
So does this latest model offer anything more than a few fancy features, and can it take on the latest Canon offering? We take a closer look to see how the D5000 holds up.
Nikon D5000 review - Features
Nikon D5000 sensor
The D5000 uses the same 12.3 megapixel sensor that features in both the D90 and D300 models, so is working with proven technology. The APS-C sized CMOS device gives a focal magnification of 1.5x and produces images at 4288 x 2848 pixels, or just over 36 x 24cm in size at 300dpi. It also maintains the same low light capabilities as in the past, offering a standard range of ISO 200 to 3200, with a low-1 setting equivalent to ISO 100 and a high-1 equivalent to ISO 6400.
The ISO range provides adjustments at one-third stop intervals throughout the range for fine adjustment.
Nikon D5000 drive modes
The drive modes offer a range of options from self-timer and remote settings, to continuous shooting, which it does at four frames per second.
The D5000 also includes a quiet shooting mode, which reduces the noise made by the shutter by slowing the movement of the mirror, for occasions such as weddings or concerts.
Nikon D5000 autofocus system
The autofocus system is the Multi-CAM 1000 – as featured on the D90 – with 11 focus points, including one cross type sensor in the centre for improved detection. The diamond layout allows coverage for most eventualities in both horizontal and vertical shooting positions. Focusing can be set to either single-servo for stationary shots, continuous-servo to track moving subjects, or the auto selection, which can switch between the single and continuous modes as necessary.
Nikon D5000 metering modes
For metering there is a choice of three modes: full evaluative, known as 3D colour matrix II; Centre-weighted, with 75% biased towards the centre circle, and Spot.
Exposure compensation is offered at a generous five stops in each direction at third or half stop increments, and the same for exposure bracketing over three frames.
For improved levels of detail in your images the D-lighting system adapts the dynamic range, providing more detail in shadow areas and highlights. The D-lighting can be set in Auto mode or in various strengths of Low, Normal, High or Extra High, and alternatively been turned off all together.
White balance control is provided either in Auto or from a series of 12 manual presets. Each of these presets then offers fine adjustment by means of a four directional colour graph, while a further Manual preset allows you to take a measurement from an existing photo or from the current scene.
For run-down of the camera's key selling points, as well as a video of the main features check out Amateur Photographers' Advertisement feature of the Nikon D5000
Nikon D5000 review pages:
- Page 1: Nikon D5000 Review - Introduction
- Page 2: Nikon D5000 Review - Features page 2
- Page 3: Nikon D5000 Review - Design
- Page 4: Nikon D5000 Review - Performance and value
- Page 5: Nikon D5000 Review - Image quality
- Page 6: Canon 500D - Specifications / Spec
- Page 7: Nikon D5000 Review - Verdict
Nikon D5000 – other What Digital Camera links:
- Compare the Nikon D5000 to other DSLR cameras
- Nikon D5000 sample and test image gallery
- Nikon D5000 500D product shots gallery
Verdict
There's no doubting the abilities of this camera to produce stunning still images ? and moving images ? but it does sit against some tough competitors, including some of Nikon's own models. The vari-angle LCD screen is a hugely impressive feature that I'm sure will soon become a common sight amongst future models but currently gives this camera a unique selling point. In some areas, such as the movie mode and the LCD screen, I felt that it could have been a little more impressive but this would cause the D90 to immediately look out of date. I feel overall the D5000 is a victim of the price increases and had the camera been launched £150 cheaper, setting it halfway between the current D60 and D90 street prices, there would be no questioning of its merits. However, it is unfair to measure new model launch prices against street prices on established models, as prices within the first few months can change rapidly and this camera was never meant to be a competitor for the D90. Price issues aside this is a stunning piece of kit. It's worth scouring for a good price but you should definitely have this camera on your shortlist.
Have your say!
Latest comments
May 10 13:27
Mick W.
Have a few problems with the value here. Nikons traditionally seem to sell closer to list price than Canons. Both this and the 500D arrived in stores almost simultaneously, yet the Canon with lens is already at least £20 cheaper than the Nikon (£40 less at Amazon at the time of writing). Both models remain overpriced and should be streeting at closer to £500 in my opinion, but both reviews should bear in mind fully the actual prices the cameras are available at. In particular, the Canon looks better value and the D5000 a lousy value compared to the D90. The lack of a vertical grip for the D5000 also seems silly in light of the moveable LCD. Very strange that Nikon should price this the way they have. The D60 continues to look dated and there's now a huge gap between it and the D5000 covering t a very popular price-point. Spec-wise, what could Nikon now fill this gap with?
May 26 12:22
Mat Gallagher
Hi Mike, The Canon did go on sale at least a few weeks ahead of the Nikon, and as the higher priced model it was bound to fall faster. Looking at the latest prices you can now pick up the Nikon D5000 for just £570 and the Canon 500D for £600 so your wish has almost been answered, and as it is now £100 cheaper than the D90 it's better value too. As the D40 has now been discontinued I'd expect the D60 to take up the budget position for a while longer - and at a street price of just over £320 it's bound to still attract plenty of new DSLR users.
June 29 10:46
Bipin Gupta
On your review for Nikon D5000, on the page for specifications, it is mentioned that D5000 has DOF preview. From my research around, I think this data is wrong. It does not have DOF preview.
August 25 07:43
Brice Bragato
Hi Mat, These informations were very intesresting. I'm looking for a DSLR and I'm still questionning myself between the Canon 500D and the Nikon D5000. One thing I would like to ask you is the capacity of the battery. My feeling is that the LCD screen of the Canon will use a lot because high resolution (comparing the D5000). What do you think about this point ? Thanks.