Nikon D5000 12 3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 2 7 inch Vari angle LCD Body Only
A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly advanced D-SLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon’s EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Took my time looking for my first real DSLR
I’d been thinking about moving up to a DSLR for over a year, and actively researching brands and models for about four months. I started out looking at the Canon offerings including the Rebel XSi, T1i and D50 then extended my search to the Nikon D5000 and D90 and also the Sony 4/3rds Alpha offerings. After reading a lot of reviews and comparing full-sized sample photos from each camera I concluded a number of things:
1. I probably couldn’t afford the lenses that would do justice to more than about 12 megapixels
2. Nikon and Sony sample photos were the best. The Canon photos showed more aberration, possibly from the kit lens but it was hard to say
3. The entry-level Sony models were just a bit too small for my hands and the range of lenses (I could afford) was somewhat limited
That left the two Nikons. I liked the “hand feel” of the D90, and the much higher resolution of its LCD was really nice as was the top information LCD screen. Its only real drawbacks were weight and whether the high-res LCD was worth the extra money (which I could otherwise apply toward a lens). Then, too, the D5000 had a few features the D90 lacked – features I actually thought I could use. (Interval timer, in-camera image corrections, etc.) Since I didn’t have any old Nikon lenses the internal focus motor in the D90 was not useful. And, while obviously lower-res, the D5000′s LCD is quite adequate.
So, I went with the D5000. Since I didn’t want the usual kit lens I bought the body only and bought a Nikkor 35mm f1.8G prime lens initially. (My previous film camera was used mostly with a 50mm f1.4 Zeiss lens so the Nikkor was a reasonable replacement.) I then bought a refurbished Nikkor AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens (the kit lens for the D90, and a much better “walking around” lens than the D5000′s kit lens in my opinion). I ended up spending a bit more, but I got the lenses I wanted (the 35mm is really sharp and is great for low-light work).
So far, it has produced terrific photos. My previous digital cameras were various point-and-shoot compact models (some of them work very well, but the small sensors have their limits) and a Fuji S9000 (also a small sensor, but is rather DSLR-like otherwise and I did some good work with it). The first few photos I took (with the 35mm lens) really knocked my socks off – the sharpness was astonishing (and without tweaking the default settings). The out-of-the box settings aren’t bad at all, and there is a selection of “scene” settings (some on the mode dial, some available through menus) to fine tune things. (You can modify or design your own scene settings as well.)
To really get the full benefit of this camera be prepared to put in some time with at least the manual. I found the menus easy to navigate after a little exploring, but there are a lot of options you can adjust especially if you want the camera to do some of the kinds of processing you might otherwise do with after-the-fact software.
Cons: Not many. I wish it had the LCD of the D90 (or Canon’s T1i). I also wish Nikon included more software – you pay extra for the computer control software on the Nikon while Canon provides it for free (not a dealbreaker for me, I don’t expect to really need it for the foreseeable future, but …)
Summary: It’s a lot of bang for the buck, lots of features to play with, and it makes great pictures. Can’t really ask for a lot more than that.
5 Stars Nikon D5000 vs Canon Rebel, keeping it short …
If you’re looking at this camera, my guess is you’ve done your home work and figured out that if you want a good DSLR on a budget, your choice is pretty much down to D5000 or Rebel. I came to that conclusion fairly quickly but making that decision was not easy. On paper Canon had better specs for the price but both cameras looked close …
There are numerous reviews comparing those cameras. Most of them are long, detailed and come to the same conclusion – both cameras are good – not really helping much at the end. So here I’ll try to keep it focused and tell about the key differences which helped me to set my mind.
1. Low light shooting. Recently I went to a party and a friend of mine gave me his Rebel. What I didn’t realize before is in order to autofocus the Rebel needs to pop up flash and fire it a few times. Of course, it’s not at full power, but still it ruins everything because you can’t take a picture without distracting people. You catch some interesting face, point, shoot and those few flashes totally distract the person. Nikon has a white lamp, it’s enough to focus but most people won’t get distracted. So if you plan to take pictures of people in party like set up – Nikon gives you an advantage. (well, to be fair you can get an external flash which has a lamp for autofocus assist, but we are talking about the cameras here)
2. Tilting LCD. Rebel has bigger and better LCD. However, I’m not a paparazzi, but time to time i need to shoot over a line of people in front of me (parades, street performance, small crowded room etc). With the tilting LCD you can raise the camera above your head and still be able to frame the picture. I found that very useful and Nikon has an advantage.
3. Extra preset modes. Probably like the most people I used to keep the dial on “Auto” most of the time. And it worked ok most of the time. But I never could quickly figure out how to take a picture of my daughter blowing birthday candles or perfect sunset or something white on white etc. So when I tried the extra “Scene” preset modes on Nikon, I was really surprised how much better can those pictures be comparing to the “Auto”. Try them out and keep in mind Rebel doesn’t have many of those modes.
4. Feel. Nikon has very solid feel in your hands. Maybe it’s subjective, but I do like this feeling.
So overall, Rebel does have a lot of specs slightly better than Nikon. It’s smaller, lighter, the screen is bigger and has better resolution, it has more megapixels. Yes, it’s all nice to have but this is a choice between good and even better. However Nikon offers some things Rebel just doesn’t have (see above). So I bought Nikon and feel happy about it.
A few side notes. The cameras are getting better and better and in a couple years you’ll be able to buy a much better camera for the same price. The lenses and flashes on the other side are not changing much and hold value really well. So if you have a choice, try to buy the best lense (and for an expensive lense don’t forget to buy a protective filter) and flash you can afford and maybe save some money on the body and upgrade it in a couple years if some new cool technology pops up.
Hopefully my review will help you to decide one way or another.
5 Stars first serious SLR digital camera
I am a serious amateur photographer new to digital equipment and processing. Find the camera very easy to use, am amazed at the menu options available “in camera”. Once one becomes familiar with the menu options available and learns how to access them quickly, the camera is a joy to use. I am currently trying a free trial of Apple’s Aperture photo processing software and find it very easy to use. Expect that I will buy (think it is about $200) it when free trial is over. I am truly amazed at the features incorporated into the camera. Believe that I will soon be buying a quality photo printer to take advantage of the capabilities of the camera.
4 Stars D5000
i ve just got this camera about 3 days ago , i really like it so much but one thing that i feel depress is i didnt get the waranty form in the box.how should i do? if i dont have the warranty form , Will I be able to send my camera to the Nikon comoany if my camera have a problem?
5 Stars Best DSLR for the money!
I purchased this camera about 4 months ago and it is an excellent choice! I would recommend the body only, then add the Nikon 18-105mm and 70-300mm. It works extremely well in all lighting conditions and is as fast as the lens you mount on it. The only other thing I would add is an SB600 speedlight. If your thinking about this camera, just buy it, you won’t regret it!
