Nikon D5000 Review

November 20, 2009

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Nikon D5000 Review

Article rating: 9.71

It’s amazing—the new Nikon D5000 digital SLR combines high-end features that serious photographers thoroughly enjoy plus the latest in multimedia performance—and all the while retains an intuitive ease-of-use that appeals to first-time buyers.

Priced between the popular entry-level Nikon D60 and the more serious D90, the Nikon D5000 happily possesses feature advantages over both. Compared to the D60, the D5000 uses a 12.3-megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor whereas the D60 has a 10.2-megapixel CCD. The D5000 also offers Live View, which includes face priority AF and subject tracking, plus a 1280x720 (720p) 24-fps movie mode. There are other feature differences, like an 11-point autofocus system (the D60 uses three points), 2.7-inch LCD (compared to 2.5) and more control over Active D-lighting.

Neither camera contains the AF focus motor (which that means certain older lenses must be focused manually) but that’s a small matter. Nearly all popular lenses work perfectly.

Despite the fact that the D5000 body costs approximately $250 to $300 less than a D90 body, the D5000 has many features in common with the stalwart Nikon D90. In fact, the D5000 even has a couple niceties that the D90 lacks. Let’s make it clear that the D5000 is by no means a replacement for the D90. The D90 has a number of significant advantages that go along with that slightly higher price tag. But it’s important to understand that the D5000 has so many compelling features that even a D90 owner would be happy owning one as a second body or for shooting around corners. Around corners? Yes—read on.

At the core of the D5000 is the articulated tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor. Nikon calls it a Vari-angle monitor and it swings down approximately 90° and rotates 180°. Like me, you may at first wonder why it’s useful. But anyone who shoots close-ups will appreciate the ability to easily see the LCD when the subject is at ground level. Shooting overhead, over crowds and even around corners becomes possible, too. And if you ever use a copystand or light tent, having an articulated LCD monitor is a real timesaver.

And don’t forget that the LCD can be rotated fully around so that it faces the camera back and becomes safely tucked away where it cannot be bumped or scratched.

The Nikon D5000 is a true multimedia camera. In addition to one-touch access to Live View it offers leading edge movie function: D-Movie, selectable from 320x216 pixels, 640x424 pixels or 1,280x720 pixels in AVI format. It’s compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output, so playback—even in the most sophisticated home theater environment—is a snap. Multimedia professionals—and others—will enjoy the rich assortment and expanded palette of in-camera Retouching options, including a couple (Soft Filter and Color Outline) that even the feature-rich D90 doesn’t have.

Like having a professional photographer packaged inside your camera, the Nikon D5000 offers 19 Scene Modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and other settings for optimal results. The advanced Scene Recognition System uses a 420-pixel RGB sensor and improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance. It’s also integrated with the Face Detection System. The specially designed EXPEED digital image signal processor assures high speed performance and professional quality output. If that weren’t enough, the Picture Control System offers Portrait and Landscape options for more vibrant colors.

The Nikon D5000 we tested came with a Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX zoom lens. The VR indicates Vibration Reduction, a feature that—once you’ve tried it—you’ll never want to be without. Every picture in this review was shot with this lens. We found it to be surprisingly sharp and fast-focusing. While many so-called “kit lenses” barely get by, this lens performed remarkably well.

Sharpness, however, is only part of the story. Digital SLR cameras in this price range must deliver silky smooth images that are not riddled with grainy noise blotches. The Nikon D5000 delivers outstanding low-light, low-noise images at high ISO settings. The sensitivity range is from ISO 200 to 3200 and you can also select ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalents.

The camera is also available in other configurations, including packaged with a wideangle zoom and a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S VR DX normal-to-telephoto zoom lens. If you’re a first-time DSLR buyer or stepping up from a first generation digital camera, you’d do well to consider buying the two-zoom kit and saving a few bucks.

In field use, the Nikon D5000 felt comfortable and well made. The articulated LCD snapped in and out of position with authority and the zoom ring on the lens was firm and sure. Overall, camera performance was speedy and efficient with no discernable lag or wasted effort. Autofocus action was fast and accurate and exposure was right on the money. The rechargeable lithium ion battery (EN-EL9a) is reported to deliver more that 500 images on a single charge but in my tests (mostly without flash) managed to yield about 750.

Whether you’re looking for your first serious camera—or your last one—the Nikon D5000 is a great overall choice. It’s intelligently designed and easy to use, and delivers exceptionally good results right out of the box. Because it’s part of Nikon’s extensive DSLR system there’s a nearly endless of variety of lenses, flash units and other accessories you can add when you think you need them.

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