Nikon D5000 officially unveiled

[David Rasnake]

With all of the rumors swirling around this one over the last few weeks, it's fair to say that we weren't exactly surprised when Nikon announced its latest consumer DSLR – the Nikon D5000 – right on schedule this evening.

As expected, the D5000 meshes technologies from the current prosumer D90 and consumer D60 models into an all new entry-level model that goes beyond a "parts bin" model: with D90-style HD video capture, a serious AF upgrade, and a unique swivel LCD, the D5000 brings much of the shooting hardware of Nikon's higher-end models to a price and a form factor that should appeal to casual shutterbugs.

D90-derived hardware
If the D5000 didn't quite live up to some of the more outlandish rumors surrounding its hardware (no, there's no full-frame 16 megapixel sensor...), the latest iterration in the D40/D40X/D60 series nonetheless gets a pretty substantial upgrade with the inclusion of what appears to be the same highly regarded 12.3 megapixel CMOS imager that powers the D90. Nikon EXPEED processing pulls prosumer-grade performance from this APS-C (DX format, in Nikon-speak) imager, with an expanded high-sensitivity limit of ISO 6400 and 4.0 fps continuous shooting.

Speaking of D90-grade tech, the D5000's auto focus system also makes a significant leap forward for Nikon's entry-level DSLR line, ditching the long-in-the-tooth three-point AF sensor in favor of an 11-point variant with auto 3D-tracking – just like you'll find on the D90. Likewise, the new model provides Nikon's advanced 3D Color Matrix II metering technology, and an optical viewfinder with better-than-average, 95-percent frame coverage.

Sticking with Nikon's usual approach to its entry-level models, though, what you won't find is an in-body focusing motor, meaning AF is (as with the D40/D40X/D60) limited to newer Nikon lenses with lens-integrated motors.

Live view and the HD experience
Nikon has opted to stick with the 720p/24fps HD video capture format that debuted in the D90 for its latest launch as well. Even without full 1080p video capture, however, the D5000 is still in a fairly exclusive club, and joins Canon's recently announced Rebel T1i as the only squarely consumer-oriented interchangeable lens cameras to allow video capture of any kind.

Video capture is made possible in part through the D5000's inclusion of live view – a technological first for Nikon's entry-level offering. Contrast-detection AF provides real-time, on-screen focusing while in live view mode, allowing users to take advantage of point-and-shoot style features like face detection and even a subject tracking mode while shooting stills.

Unfortunately, the D5000's four contrast-detection AF modes are limited to shooting stills only: you'll have to manually focus the camera when shooting movies.

While the D5000 may lack AF support for video, though, other now-standard video capture accessories – like an HDMI output, and a mono mic for capturing audio – have been included. The D5000 also allows shooters to take full advantage of the camera's Picture Control system in D-Movie mode as well as when shooting stills, meaning users can fine-tune the look and feel of their videos as well with processing presets like Vivid, Landscape, and Neutral.

Vari-angle LCD puts a new twist on swivel screens
The fact that the D5000 packs a 2.7 inch LCD isn't particularly noteworthy in itself, but the fact that the display is mounted for tilt/swivel operation is definitely worth checking out.

Unlike any other camera – DSLR or point-and-shoot – that we're aware of, the D5000's 2.7 inch display provides full, 180-degree tilt/swivel functionality, but swings down (rather than sideways) to do so.

The creative benefits of this arrangement when shooting video, or taking advantage of the D5000's aforementioned live view options, are obvious.

Beyond this novel display, the D5000's interface shares most of its key elements in common with previous entry-level Nikon DSLRs. Similar in styling and size to its D60 predecessor, the D5000 eschews prosumer touches like a top-deck status LCD and a front-side control wheel in favor of a single point of access using the main display and back-panel controls.

Of course, while the D5000 offers Nikon's Scene Recognition System, 19 scene presets, and a host of other auto-exposure technologies, conventional P/A/S/M manual exposure modes give the user the option to take the photographic reigns.

Pricing and availability
As anticipated, the D5000 will be available before the end of the month, priced at $849.95 for the kit with the 18-55mm VR lens, or $729.95 for the D5000 body only.

[Andy Stanton]

Verrry nice. I want one.

[Jerry Jackson]

That looks like a fantastic upgrade to the D60. I'll be eager to take a look at that bad boy.

[David Rasnake]

Verrry nice. I want one.

I was wondering if this might finally solve your next camera dilemma, Andy.

dr

[Farsad]

More information about D5000:

Nikon D5000 announcement

D5000 Complete features

D5000 Full specifications

D5000 PDF Cataloug

D5000 Sample Pictures

D5000 Images

D5000 ISO Test

[CalebSchmerge]

You know, it seems like they wanted to push some features that consumer look at, but they shot themselves it the foot at the same time. How many people that are using a consumer DSLR can really focus well enough to make use of HD video? I know personally I have one lens I could focus well enough with. Plus, in a 2.5" screen that would be really difficult. The screen feels like a complete novelty feature to me, no one else has it, so we do type of things.

I like Nikon cameras, but the D40x/D60/D5000 seem to be aimed at people that don't truly know what they are doing (mostly).

[Jerry Jackson]

You know, it seems like they wanted to push some features that consumer look at, but they shot themselves it the foot at the same time. How many people that are using a consumer DSLR can really focus well enough to make use of HD video? I know personally I have one lens I could focus well enough with. Plus, in a 2.5" screen that would be really difficult. The screen feels like a complete novelty feature to me, no one else has it, so we do type of things.

I like Nikon cameras, but the D40x/D60/D5000 seem to be aimed at people that don't truly know what they are doing (mostly).

Or for people who want a light travel DSLR/lower cost DSLR.

With a few exceptions, I've always been more interested in spending my money on good lenses than expensive bodies. That said, I also tend to buy (or otherwise acquire through trade) new bodies so that my DSLRs are "reasonably" current.

I'm sure that there are more than a couple of consumers out there who would rather have a D40X/D60 instead of a D70 simply because those cheaper bodies are newer and have better resolution. I know a couple of local wedding photographers who shoot with Canon DSLRs and who used to upgrade to new mid-range DSLRs as soon as they were announced (Canon D60, then 10D, then 20D, then 30D) and now they just shoot with the most current Canon Digital Rebel bodies and use good glass ... because entry level bodies offer the same resolution and ISO performance as mid-range bodies but at a fraction of the cost.

In my opinion, "if" Nikon shot themselves in the foot with the D5000 it's because of the price. The D5000 is just a little less expensive than the D90 ... and much more expensive than what the D60 has been selling for recently.

Heck, if you search around you can find factory refurbished Nikon D60 bodies (as good as new) for less than $300! That's an insanely good deal. The D60 with 18-55mm VR kit lens is only $550 brand new.

The fact that Nikon is selling the D5000 at $850 with kit lens and $730 body only makes the D5000 a little expensive in the current economy.

It's still a great looking camera, but I doubt it will fly off store shelves until the street price comes down closer to current D60 levels.

[CalebSchmerge]

I agree with the backup camera part - but honestly it seems the people that do that don't want many of the things that are "gimmicky". I could be completely off base here, this is just how I feel.

[mkarwin]

i'd say that "gimmicky" isn't that bad... have you tried taking macro photos of insects, flowers etc. from various rather hard to position oneself angles? you might have... perhaps you can even get yourself the lens prepared for that tilting moments :P but having that lcd is a good way to go. and other abilities on offer? it's insanely close to d90, which is good, and costs that high probably due to the "new product released" factor... suppose it gets lower, closer to d60 price... i could even forego the extra hardwired options and the status lcd if i could get just as good camera and allow myself to get a better glass with it