Nikon D5000

Nikon D5000 Review

The Nikon D5000 is a particularly well crafted small camera that has been positioned in Nikon's new 2009 product line right in between D40 and the D90. If you compare all three of these cameras, the D5000 stacks up right in the middle. The D5000 provides for its users an image quality similar to that of the D300 or the D90, but with a size and weight more close to the D40. The D5000 comes equipped with a 2.7” screen that can be swiveled in order for you to use it in various positions and a live view mode, which allows you to preview your image before you actually take it. While this feature is very convenient, the D5000's live view has one small flaw. When using this camera is live view, the auto focus can be hard to use. While this is far from a huge issue, it may cause some problems for relatively inexperienced users.

One of the downsides of the D5000 is the compact controls, which are similar to that of the D40 model . With no ISO,WB or QUAL buttons provided on the D5000, the only way you can access them is through the cameras internal menu system.

The D5000 makes up for these limited controls by providing its users with a particularly exceptional image quality, one that has much more detail than that of the D40. Something that I was particularly blown away with was the lack of sound when operating the D5000. It is quieter than most SLR cameras and this is with the D5000's quiet mode turned off.

The D5000's quiet mode is a feature which limits the overall sound that your camera produces. By slowing down the rate in which the mirror and mechanical pieces within your camera move, Nikon has succeeded in producing a exceedingly quiet camera. The only downside with this feature is that there is a slight delay in actually capturing an image. This is hardly an issue, if keep this delay in mind.

The D5000 also comes equipped with the D90's sensors and the inspired second-generation image processing engine. With a 12 megapixel resolution ,ABR and magic lateral color fringe correction and a host of other features, the D5000's second-generation image processing engine makes it a best buy.

To sum up, the Nikon D5000 is well suited to compete with all other entry-level SLR. And this is an expert camera priced so reasonably that any novice can afford it. It offers more than enough features to entice users of the D40x and D60 to upgrade and is an excellent camera for those interested in acquiring a compact digital SLR. A word of warning though, in order for you to use this camera to its maximum potential you're going to have to learn just how this camera works.

Pros

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• 2.7" tilt and swivel LCD monitor
• Second-generation image processing engine

Cons

• Compact controls
• Auto focus hard to use, while in live mode
• Slight delay when using quiet mode