| The Good |
|---|
| 12.3 Megapixel, 2.7” Movable LCD, 24 FPS 720p Video Capable, 4 FPS Continuous Shooting, ISO Range of 100-6400 when Expanded, Expeed Image Processor. |
| The Bad |
| Complicated Controls, Lack of External Controls, Poor Audio Quality, Terrible AutoFocus with Live View, Strange Video Formatting. |
| Yay or Nay |
| While this is a good compromise between the D60 and the D90, it’s not as effective as the D90, and not as versatile as the D60. Nevertheless, this is still a good camera for an intermediate hobbyist that can offer solid quality. |
Overview
The D5000 is one of the in-between models that Nikon has put out to take up market space between the D60 and the D90. It’s obvious that it’s a space filler, and saving a little extra for the D90, or adding some additional accessories to the D60 may be a better choice for many people. However, the D5000 does offer the same image quality as the D90, and even gets the same quality as the pro D3 camera. For about $600-$650, this is still a solid buy, and there aren’t many reasons why someone would be disappointed in it.
Snapshots
Because it shares the same image processing system as the D90 and can produce the same normal light quality prints as the D3, it is an amazing compromise for the price. The Expeed image processor and the 12.3 megapixel CMOS combine to create amazing quality photographs that anyone would be proud of. D5000’s are excellent cameras for the mid-range, and fit nicely in the middle of the fast and slow continuous shooting cameras at four frames per second. This makes most moments possible to catch on film for someone with a little experience.
Video
While this camera isn’t very adept at taking moving pictures, it does offer a good way to keep up on the action if you can keep everything focused and in shot. This is a great deal for people who don’t have the extra money to spend on a camera and a camcorder, and don’t mind putting some effort into their video taking needs. With its 720p capabilities, the only pitfall of the video on this camera is the poor audio quality from the single mono-mic that can become filled with white noise very easily.
Photo Quality and Extras
With the combination of the Expeed image processor, 12.3 megapixels and the adjustable ISO speeds up to 6400, the D5000 produces very quality photographs. All of these components play into the reliability of the system, and with its redesigned, long-life shutter, you should have no problems using it for many years to come.
As far as midrange cameras go, this is one of the better ones available. It offers many manual options with fairly easy to follow menus, and almost complete control over the camera. If you prefer, there are also options that can make the process almost completely automatic. One of the most noticeable features of the D5000 is the movable LCD, which can be positioned in a manner that will allow you to still pictures from awkward angles.
Downside
While this is a great camera and you will surely be very happy with it if you purchase one, it is still not a top of the line camera. It offers many great functions, but it can’t compete with the low light sensitivity that is offered by others that are even slightly higher up on the scale. It also doesn’t offer much in the way of extras that can be found on other lower end cameras.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great camera that isn’t too expensive and can offer quality images, then this is probably one that you’re going to want to look into. The menus, though complicated to begin with, are easy enough to navigate once you get the hang of them. Additionally, the imaging system is just as good as the ones in Nikon’s professional line of cameras. However, if you don’t quite have enough to buy this particular camera, don’t be afraid to settle for something a little lower on the scale, such as a D40 or D60.
