 Fantastic Camera |
| Review Date: May 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: E. Sumner, CT USA |
Fantastic Camera. If you are new to the DSLR game (like myself) or you are upgrading and you can fork up the cash, it is certainly worth it. It has a very concise, simple, and simple to use interface, the buttons are very well placed, and the swivel LCD is very nice and useful in certain situations (I really like how it folds inwards to protect the screen). My main purpose for this camera is still photos so the video is a cool bonus and is surprisingly better than I thought (though if you are looking to do serious HD video, I'd go for an HD camcorder or something else instead).
The D5000 is essentially a D90 squeezed into a smaller lighter body (of course it lacks the internal AF motor, doesn't have as excellent a grip, and has a slightly smaller pentamirror viewfinder instead of the pentaprism in the D90 - all of this amongst a few other things, but hey it's cheaper for a reason - also it is mentionable that the D5000 has an additional live view mode, a few more in camera editing tools, and more scene modes compared to the D90 - all useful for someone new to the DSLR in the sense that you can learn from them or just use them to make your life simpler and your photos look fantastic).
So far I like it. It is simple to use and fantastic for those new to the DSLR realm, but it also packs enough punch for those looking to upgrade and will give newcomers much room to learn and grow with it. |
Brilliant for entry, mid-level, and prosumer users.
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| Review Date: November 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mark E, Las Vegas, NV USA |
This is my first DSLR camera, and I can say right off that it's very simple to use and takes incredible photos. I chose the D5000 because a friend who is a professional photographer recommended it saying I should invest my money in lenses not the body. I believe this is right, but there is a consideration to make when purchasing the D5000, or the other Nikon entry-level cameras such as the D40/D40x/D60/D3000, and that has to do with the auto-focus motor.
The D5000, which tops Nikon's entry-level line, does not include an auto-focus motor in the body, instead it relies on a "silent wave" auto-focus mechanism in the lens (AF-S). This is supposed to be very silent and quick, though I don't know if that's right compared to the screw-drive motors used in other camera bodies. It's also supposed to be more cost effective and allow for a smaller/lighter camera body, but again I'm not sure if that is quite right or exactly why Nikon chose this option for their entry level line (if anyone knows more about this please feel free to comment). But, this option will limit users who already have a collection of Nikon AF lenses (not AF-S), as well as those purchasing a Nikon for the first time. The AF lenses will work fine but have to be manually focused. That said, more experienced users would probably not be purchasing an entry-level model; a more appropriate starting point would be the D90.
So as far as lens compatibility? The first lens I sought to buy was a quick prime (FFL) unit for indoor/low-light and portraits. I looked at the low-priced 50mm f/1.8D AF, but the auto-focus is not compatible. Same with the quicker and more expensive 50mm f/1.4D AF, as well as the 35mm f/2D AF. Also, no luck with the Tamron or Sigma FFL units, though I did see some Tamron zoom lenses with AF-S compatibility. I became very concerned that my options would be severely restricted, and perhaps I would need to return the camera and upgrade to the D90 or go with the Canon T1i. But, I learned the 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW, which came out last year, and also the more moderately priced 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX which currently sells for about $200. That unit came out earlier this year (I haven't chosen yet). I also went to the Nikon homepage, and noted that 30 of the 50 current auto-focus lenses listed were AF-S, so while the options are limited, the average non-professional user shouldn't have a problem finding an appropriate lens for the occasion - including many professional level models. I also suspect that Nikon will include AF-S in more if not all future auto-focus lenses. Users will find the least options with Nikon's wide-angel, standard, and telephoto models. Most of the super telephoto, wide-angle zoom, standard zoom, high powered zoom and close up lenses include AF-S.
PROS of the D5000
1. Has virtually the same image sensor as the D90 and D300. This puts the D5000 in excellent company, and one could argue it's more of a prosumer or mid-level class camera than its entry-level predecessor, the D60. It's nearly a D90, but just lacking of a few options and the D90's ruggedness. The difference is about $300.
2. Flip LCD; I considered the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, and while both the Canon and Nikon have their advantages, both are very similar with the exception of Nikon's flip LCD. I consider this more than just a novelty. It not only protects the screen but is practical in some situations, such as shooting photos overhead. The D90 does not have this function either.
3. Simple to use; I got fantastic pictures right off using the auto mode as well as the pre-set scene selections. But, users are not restricted to these options and experienced photographers should delight in the camera alike. Just like the D90, the D5000 has scene modes on the dial, but it also has 13 additional modes from the menu which adds benefit to novice users. I tried the night landscape and sunset with brilliant results.
4. The lens is very excellent for a kit, and includes Vibration Reduction (VR). The lens by itself currently sells on Amazon for about $185 new, as appose to the model without VR which is currently priced at $110. Users may also want to pick up a fixed lens and/or higher power zoom, but the kit lens should be fine for most users. That said, I'm sure this camera could be taken to another level with the right lens.
5. Long Battery Life
6. Compact / Light weight
CONS
1. Price; the D5000 may be priced a small high for an "entry-level" camera, but again it's $300 less than the D90, and in many ways comparable. It's also slightly less than the Canon EOS Rebel T1i.
2. Ruggedness; some may say it's a small "toyish" with the plastic end, and being light (which isn't a terrible thing), but overall it looks sharp and is well built. I handled the D90 and some of the pro lines, they felt a small more rugged, but of course are designed for more abuse (and cost much more).
3. AF-S auto-focus (see above)
Bottom line, if you're looking for a fantastic camera with the ability to produce real quality photos, but you don't want to spend a small fortune, the D5000 is a fantastic choice.
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First DSLR and I Couldn't Be More pleased!
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| Review Date: June 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: B. A. Chaney, Baltimore, MD USA |
I chose to upgrade to a DSLR a few months ago because I wanted to learn to take the fabulous pictures that I had come to associate with DSLRs. After I made the choice, the next choice was Cannon or Nikon. My current point and shoot camera was a Cannon PowerShot, so I thought I would stick with Cannon until I saw the specs on the D5000. It had everything that I liked about my Cannon and was worried about giving up--video, a rotating screen with Live View--all in an affordable DSLR package, so I chose to take the plunge and go Nikon.
After a month of using the camera in different situations--a trip to New York, a wedding, a bridal shower, a kid's birthday party--I couldn't be more pleased. I'm very much a beginner when it comes to operating a DSLR, but all of the pictures I've taken with the D5000 have been brilliant. The camera was simple to pick up and start using, but it is also simple enough to learn to start customizing your shots for different situations. I'm impressed by the camera's ability to help a beginner by auto-selecting some settings while allowing the photographer to manually select other things. The kit lens is a excellent starter lens, and works for most of the situations I've shot in so far. I'm still learning what this camera can do, and I'm excited to know that the D5000, with its advanced features, can grow along with me as I develop as a photographer.
In terms of size, I have small hands and I feel like I can comfortably carry around the D5000. Yes it is larger and heavier than a point and shoot, but it's not so huge that its cumbersome for me to carry. Which is a excellent thing, because I've started carrying this camera everywhere because I always want to be able to capture that perfect shot!
If you're transitioning from a point and shoot to a DSLR and you want something with fantastic features that still is simple to use, this is the camera for you. I couldn't be more pleased with my D5000--when you get that crisp shot of a kid opening presents or a gorgeous bride coming down the aisle, it's so worth it to have made this investment! |
Hands on comparison with T1i
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| Review Date: February 16, 2010 |
| Reviewer: David Sarek, Florida, USA |
My research boiled down to a face-off between the D5000 and Canon T1i. Initially, I was leaning toward the T1i but when I went to the local electronics retailer and compared them side by side the D5000 won out. There were just a few features that were not obvious to me from the written reviews that tipped the balance in favor of the Nikon. Before we get into the details, just let me say that I'm not a pro - just an amateur, but have used a DSLR for a couple of years, and film SLRs prior to that.
Layout/Design: The D5000 seems to have a better grip and button/control layout. For example, the index finger can operate the on/off switch, and reach nearby buttons while resting on the shutter button. The thumb can manipulate the command dial to select desired values for factors such as ISO, Exposure Compensation, etc. - all while you keep the finger on the shutter button. On the T1i, you must remove your finger from the shutter button, select a setting button (e.g. ISO), and then go the command dial with your index finger. This just doesn't seem as excellent a design to me.
Shooting Info/Status Show LCD: On the Canon, I noticed a lot of "white" space where no information was showed and the values seemed to have random pattern. Indeed, if you compare the exposure info layout to the predecessor XSi you will see several differences. I also noticed that the T1i does not show several items on the main info show: Flash Mode (except in Creative Auto mode where it is ~apparently~ vital enough to be showed), Bracketing Mode, and Focus Points that are available on the Nikon. Exposure Compensation is shown, but is less than obvious (its a small hash mark under the exposure meter). To me, flash mode (on/off/red-eye, etc.) is pretty vital and should be always visible. On the Nikon, every key bit of exposure info is showed on the single shooting info show. The layout is very uniform - the key settings are in the main area, and the less often used info is on the right and bottom borders. The layout is nearly identical to other recent Nikon models.
Auto/Scene Mode Flexibility: I learned that the Nikon, unlike the Canon, allows one to modify many exposure settings even in the automated Scene (Digital Vari-Program) modes. These include ISO, white balance, Auto Focus Mode, AF Area, AF Point, etc. The only adjustment possible on most scene modes on the T1i is image size/quality (check the Function Availability Table). I reckon this is quite a limitation, I reckon the ability to tell the camera that I'm taking a portrait but also override ISO, or auto white balance if I choose offers much more flexility and control.
Auto Focus: Some reviews mentioned this but it may not be obvious to newbies. In low light the DSLR needs to use a help light to focus quickly and accurately. The T1i requires the flash to be deployed for this to happen, while the Nikon has an independent focus help lamp which is always available (unless manually disabled). Most find this lamp to be less annoying than the Canon's flash strobe.
Built-in Help: When you are attempting to change an exposure setting, or menu option and forget what the functions does, etc. the D5000 has a help button that provides a pop-up explanation on the LCD show. This is fantastic for new to SLR users and even seasoned photographers when facing a menu option you haven't used in a while. The Canon does not have anything like this.
So, there are a few features that sold me on the D5000. I've had it for about two months now and am very pleased with it. The simple of use, speed, and picture quality has been superb in my opinion. Hope this helps! |
Solid product and brilliant image quality despite awkward design
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| Review Date: December 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Enche Tjin, Philadelphia, PA |
The announcement of Nikon D5000 in April 2009 is quite unexpected for many people. D5000 is quite different than other Nikon beginner cameras (D40, D60), and it also does not resemble Nikon D90, a mid-range Nikon DSLR line.
Nikon D5000 is an unique camera in Nikon line. It has swivel LCD screen (None of other Nikon DSLR has this feature), and it has movie mode (the second camera that has this feature in Nikon line after D90). Along with Nikon D3000, Nikon hopes that D5000 will be a huge success in this holiday season. D5000 will compete against Canon T1i / 500D.
BODY & HANDLING
Nikon D5000 weights 588g (with card and battery). The dimension is 127 x 104 x 80 mm which is a bit larger and taller than D3000. From the top, Nikon D5000 looks exactly the same as Nikon D3000. It has info button, exposure compensation, shutter button and shooting mode ring.
Nikon D5000 has a thumb dial which you can use to change aperture or other settings. It also has AE-AF lock button, live view button, four-way controller button, playback button, menu button, trash bin button, magnifying buttons (+ and -) and info button. On the left side, you have self timer (function) button which could be customized. I usually customized it to ISO setting.
The layout and available buttons are very similar to Nikon D3000. If you are coming from higher end Nikon D80-D90 line, you might miss the image quality button, ISO button, AF release mode button, and White Balance button.
BUILT QUALITY & ERGONOMIC
D5000 like all other Nikon beginner camera up to Nikon D90 has rugged plastic interior with textured "rough" end. I like the textured end more than smooth end (like in Canon T1i camera).
Ergonomically, it is excellent to hold, but the space between lens mount and the grip is pretty tight. If you mount larger lens or if you have huge hands, then you might not feel comfortable. But, I feel D5000 has slightly better ergonomic because it has a taller grip than D3000 or D60, so all of my fingers can rest on the grip, instead of hanging loose.
LCD SCREEN
D5000 has unique vari-angle LCD screen. This swivel LCD is a small bit awkward because it swivel to the bottom not to the side like many other digital cameras. You can swivel the lcd screen down to 90 degree and then rotate it to left o right up to 270 degree. It is quite versatile for overhead or low angle shot. It is also very helpful when you are in live view mode or movie recording mode. But, I personally prefer if the lcd swivel to the side rather to the bottom, but I can know why Nikon design it that way. Nikon tries to keep the layout / body interface as similar as other Nikon beginner cameras.
Unfortunately, unlike D90, the LCD screen resolution is limited to 230k (the same as D3000). So you will be never able to check if your photos are in focus or not. Additionally, there is no top LCD screen like Nikon D90.
LENS COMPATIBILITY
Nikon D5000 comes with Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. This lens has a plastic mount, but the image quality and the light is recommendable. It never get super sharp like pro grade lens, but pro grade lens might costs more than ten times, so 18-55mm VR is one of the best value lens out in the market.
The lens has image stabilization feature which is called Vibration Reduction (VR). It works well and quietly up to 3 stops. If you hold the camera tight and still, you can shoot up to a quarter second without motion blur.
Unfortunately, D5000 does not have built in focus motor in the camera. Therefore, it can't auto focus older lenses such as the venerable Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or the legendary Nikon 85mm f/1.4D. If you need AF function, you need lens that has auto focus motor in it (AF-S lenses). If you are looking at third party lenses, look for HSM (Sigma lens) or motorized Tamron lenses.
IMAGE QUALITY & ISO
Nikon D5000 employs 12 megapixel sensor which is very similar to the one with Nikon D90. It produces better image quality than other Nikon beginner camera up to date.
In low light situation, D5000 delivers clean image up to ISO 1600, and usable image at ISO 3200 if you expose it correctly. Image quality in high ISO setting is very satisfactory.
Like other Nikon DSLR cameras, D5000 also has Auto ISO limiter. You can effectively limit the ISO and minimum shutter speed. The Auto ISO works very well and accurate most of the time. My favorite way to use this is to set the camera to Auto ISO, and then use Aperture mode and let the camera adjust the rest for me.
AUTO FOCUS AND RELEASE MODE
D5000 has the same AF system as D3000 and D90. This AF system are quite reliable for everyday use. It comes with dynamic tracking and 3D tracking which is fantastic for moving objects and sports. The auto focus is very quick and responsive. D3000 has 4 frame per second continuous shooting. It is neither quick or slow. For sports, dances or plays you might hope for quicker burst.
Silent release mode: This is a new release mode unique to Nikon D5000 and later D300s. When you shoot in Q mode, you can full press and hold the shutter button to keep the mirror up. Then, when you release the shutter button, the mirror will flip down. I don't reckon this feature is quite useful because it does not really make the shutter release quieter, it just divides the shutter release into two steps. The beep sound that indicate the auto focus lock will be automatically turn off when you use this mode.
INTERFACE
Despite the lack of dedicated buttons for many vital setting such as ISO, release mode, white balance etc, It is relatively simple and quick to change those setting. What you need to do is hit the INFO button twice and toggle to setting that you want to change and change it with the main thumb dial. It is not the most efficient interface around. (The best interface will be Olympus super control panel), but Nikon is showing some progress.
MOVIE RECORDING MODE
Movie recording in D5000 is quite basic and simple to activate but tough to handle. To activate, you need to press lv (live view) button once, and then after you focus (you can half press the shutter button or manual focus) then you pres OK button to start and end recording. Them, you can now record the movie up to 5 minutes. The countdown will be showed in the screen.
It is tough to handle because there is no built-in stabilization so in order to stabilized the video you need a tripod. You will need to focus manually too to keep track of moving object because live view contrast-based auto focus is very slow and unreliable.
But, compare to a regular camcorder, the movie mode are brilliant in low light condition and able to make a very shallow of depth of field. You can also switches lenses to make different effects.
COMPETITORS
Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon T1i is D5000's arch rival in 2009. It has high-res fixed LCD screen, 15 megapixel image resolution, compatible with all Canon EOS lenses, and larger viewfinder. It can record movie up to 18 minutes. For direct comparison, check out [Canon T1i vs Nikon D5000]
Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Black)
Pentax Kx is the best value camera in 2009. With only $550 this holiday season, you can get full featured beginner camera with movie recording mode, built-in image stabilization, and solid image quality. Check out our Pentax kx review and Pentax kx vs competitors.
Sony Alpha A380L 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm Lens
Sony A380 has a very excellent image quality especially in bright light situation, quick AF in live view mode, tilt-able LCD screen and built-in image stabilization but no movie recording mode.
Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses
Olympus E-620 is the smallest beginner camera that has built-in image stabilization, swivel LCD screen, back-lit buttons but no movie recording mode, smaller image sensor and has smaller viewfinder. Check out our own Olympus E-620 review.
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
If you are interested in Nikon camera, you might want to consider D3000 too. It is cheaper, lighter and smaller, more user-friendly but has inferior image sensor, no live view and no movie recording mode. Check out our own Nikon D3000 review.
CONCLUSION
Nikon D5000 is a feature-packed Nikon beginner camera that sits in the middle between beginner and advanced Nikon camera. It is a solid product with brilliant image quality. The swivel LCD screen could be helpful for many situations. From features and image quality stand point, it matches Nikon D90. What hold D5000 back is its body interface and lack of built-in AF motor. Overall it is a excellent camera for your money. But before you get one, you need to check out its limitations especially about its lens compatibility and movie mode.
Subjective Rating - Relative to entry level DSLR cameras 2009
Image Quality : 5/5
Features : 5/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 4/5
Value for Money : 4/5
For sample images, ISO comparison and camera body pictures, please visit my blog. You can find the link from my profile. Thanks for reading |
Nikon D5000 w/ 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR lens - what a nice DSLR for the money
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| Review Date: December 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Thomas Arceneaux, New Orleans, LA |
I was an avid 35mm SLR Nikon owner/amateur photographer who place the SLR away when the digital point-and-shoot cameras hit the market and I succumbed to the simplicity and download ability of the digital SLR. Besides, the small cameras took pretty excellent photos, at least that what I thought at first until more and more I found myself wanting to frame a photo a certain way, and it wouldn't do it. Its all "Auto" and you get what the camera gives you. Probably 75% of the time it was ok, but the other 25% were lousy photos and I finally got tired of it.
When I started looking at the DSLR top sellers I was surprised to see that they had come down in price. I looked at the Nikon 3000, then I looked at the Canon T1i, then I looked at the Nikon 5000. I really liked the price of the D3000 (around $500) but when I compared it to the D500 (around $600), I was convinced that the addition of "live-View" viewfinder, and video capability was worth the extra hundred dollars.
I ordered the camera in early December (Christmas gift to myself), I downloaded the owners manual, printed it (I delight in reading in bed) and started studying the manual before the camera was delivered. At first I was overwhelmed with all of the settings as described in the manual, but eventually, I realized that the camera was as automatic as you wish, or as manual as you wish, and any combination of the two. I like shutter speed priority if I'm dealing with moving objects (slow shutter speed reflects movement; quick shutter speed reflects "stop action". And I like aperture priority if I'm trying to control "depth of field".
When the camera arrived I started playing with it and referring to the manual and I found that I could make sense of the different settings. Fill flash had me puzzeled for a while, but I finally figured out how to turn that on and off. Tonight, the night after Christmas, we visited "Christmas in the Oaks" in City Park (New Orleans) and I took many photos of lights with and without the flash. Some of the photos are terrific. I would have never been able to take any decent night photos with my point and shoot.
Pros: Price was extremely reasonable for a DSLR with zoom lens. The live-view screen is large and simple to use. Viewfinder is simple to use also. Very versatile. When the focus is right, and the light level is right, this camera takes fantastic photos. For the experienced SLR photographer, this is a really nice camera. Feels fantastic in your hands.
Cons: This is not a camera for the novice point and shoot owner unless you want to take some time to learn the differences between adjusting speed, shutter, zoom, existing light, flash, etc. There are lots of dials, buttons, and viewing options. Nearly too many. The really manual mode is hard to use, especially if you want to manually focus. You must memorize what all the symbols mean when viewing through the range finder or the viewfinder. In low light situations, the auto focus is extremely slow. I read that its slower when using the live-view than when using the viewfinder. When situations change, and you need to change settings from "Scene mode" to Auto, or to Shutter/Aperture priority, you have to remember which buttons to push and/or which dials to rotate.
I reckon after I get more familiar with the camera, it will become simpler to use and I'll be quicker. I reckon the camera has the capability to do anything I want..... I just have to keep learning. |
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November 30th, 2009 | 
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