Nikon D5000

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Nikon D5000 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D5000 12.3MP DSLR Camera

 

 
Description

APS-C DX-format SensorNikon D5000 DX DSLR for the hobbyist and for family fun. The D5000 is essentially a D90 squeezed into a smaller lighter body (of course it lacks the internal AF motor, has an inferior grip, and a slightly smaller pentamirror viewfinder instead of the pentaprism in the D90 - along with a few other things, but hey it's not as expensive for a reason - also I should mention that the D5000 has an additional live view mode, a few more in camera editing tools, and more scene modes than the D90 - all useful for someone new to the DSLR. They are there so you can learn from them or just employ them to make your life less complicated and your photos look impressive). Bundled with features that make taking pictures easy and fun, this camera stands out above the competition with its unique vari-angleLCD monitor, which allows you to shoot with less effort from any angle. 

The D5000 has inherited the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function. Coupled with extensive in-camera editing features, a wide choice of scene modes, 12.3MP sensor and high-sensitivity between ISO 200 and 3200 (which can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent) for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions, this camera makes it easier than ever to take great quality pictures. Lenses must have a built-in motor to autofocus with this camera.

View life from a different angle
The D5000’s 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD monitor offers a whole new perspective on photography, allowing you to take pictures easily from any angle. Its flexible, moving screen allows you to position the camera perfectly to suit the angle or shot you’re trying to take - so whether you’re at a concert and you want to get a clear view above the crowd for your shot or you want to take a picture from ground level, you can adjust the vari-angle monitor to give you the best view of your subject. Close it to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. Thanks to Nikon’s ergonomic design values and the downward opening direction of the screen, it will never get in your way, and you’ll be able to maintain a steady grip on the body which will prevent camera shake. The choice is limitless.

D-Movie and Live View
Shooting movie clips with a DSLR will allow you to get really creative. For example, you can change the lens for a new perspective and enhance the emotional impact of your movies using the Picture Control settings before you even start shooting. The D5000 offers D-Movie (with audio) - high-definition movie capture perfectly compatible with the latest television screens and an HDMI output for easy connection. The single button access to the Live View function allows you to view and compose your shot or movie on the vari-angle LCD monitor for optimal framing. When taking still shots, the camera offers four types of contrast AF (wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking) to make capture as easy as possible. In subject tracking AF mode, the camera will even restart tracking the subject once it leaves the frame and then returns, so your target will always be in focus. 

Nikon D5000 showing swivel LCD

Setting the Scene
With a total of 19 scene modes, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of digital photography to take great pictures. Simply turn the dial to ‘scene’, choose the appropriate scene mode setting and the camera will do the rest for you. The camera will even display a sample scene to make the scene selection easier for you. Another easy-to-use feature is the camera’s extensive range of built-in editing function, with which you can edit your pictures and create visual effects in-camera, before you even get to a computer.

There’s more
In addition to all these features, the D5000 is a high quality camera in its own right. With its high-sensitivity 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, Nikon’s innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, it is also perfectly suited to those with a higher level of photographic knowledge. Image quality is guaranteed further by the image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. The different playback options of the D5000 are as enjoyable as they are practical. You can view photos in batches of up to 72, and there is also a calendar view that organizes images by date and time. And for serious photo enAs a resultiasts, the D5000 can display a histogram on magnifies areas of the image to facilitate exposure control. It feels good to handle, too, with Nikon’s typically ergonomic design in a compact, light-weight body. Those who shoot pictures in quieter settings will appreciate the new Quiet shooting mode and, the built-in pop-up flash which will automatically detect when the flash is needed. For those on the move, GPS-compatibility with Nikon’s GP-1 unit will come in handy when pinpointing shooting locations as will the HDMI output when you finally want to present your great shots to your family and friends. The Nikon D5000 is compatible with a wide variety of AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses. The D5000 works with Nikkor AF, AF-I, AF-D and AF-S lenses in fact it works with all AF lenses made since 1986, But they need to to be AF to autofocus with the D5000.

The camera lacks a built in autofocus motor, which means that only Nikon lenses designated with AF-I and AF-S can be used in autofocus mode with the D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100 and D5000), and the lenses designated AF, AF-D, AF-G, or AF-N can only be used in manual focus mode. Many recent third-party lenses now support compatible integrated focusing motors.

Features

  • 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
    Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured
  • D-Movie Mode with sound
    Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility
  • Vari-angle color LCD monitor
    Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping
  • 19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
    Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more
  • One-button Live View
    Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF
  • Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second
    Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag
  • Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
    Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting
  • Built-in image sensor cleaning
    Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free
  • 11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking
    Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness
  • Auto Active D-Lighting
    Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures—Selectable and Auto modes available
  • In-camera Retouch image editing
    Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more—all without a computer
  • Picture Control Settings for personal image control
    Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings
  • Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
    Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy
  • Durable, high precision shutter
    Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life
  • GPS geo-tagging
    GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day

Specifications

Type of Camera Single-lens reflex digital camera
Image Sensor Format DX (APS-C)
Image Sensor Type CMOS
Sensor Size 15.8 x 23.6mm
Total Pixels 12.9 million
Effective Pixels 12.3 million
Image Area (pixels) DX-format
(L) 4288x2848
(M)3216x2136
(S)2144x1424
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution 4 frames per second
Continuous Shooting Options DX-format
CH: Up to 4 frames per second
CL: Up to 4 frames per second
LCD Monitor Size 2.7 in. diagonal
LCD Monitor Type Vari-angle color LCD monitor
LCD Monitor Resolution  230,000 Dots
LCD Monitor Angle of View 170-degree wide-viewing angle
LCD Monitor Adjustments  Brightness,7 levels
Shutter type Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Slowest Shutter Speed 30 sec. in steps of 1/3
1/2
1 EV
Fastest Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3
1/2
1 EV
Bulb Shutter Setting Yes
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity 200 in steps of 1/3
1 EV
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity 3200 in steps of 1/3
1 EV
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitvity Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV

Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV

Storage Media SD
SDHC
Storage System JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality
AVI
Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
File System Compliant with DCF 2.0
DPOF
EXIF 2.21
Exposure Modes Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Auto
Auto (flash off) Advanced Scene Modes
Advanced Scene Modes Portrait
Landscape
Close-up
Sports
Night Portrait
Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Automn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, Low key
Exposure Metering System 420 pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Center-weighted
Spot
Metering Range 1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)
Exposure Meter Coupling CPU
Exposure Compensation ±5EV in increments of 1/3
1/2
1
Exposure Lock Yes
Exposure Bracketing Yes
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Shutter Release Modes Live View [LV] mode
Self-timer mode
Continuous [C] mode: 4 Quiet mode
Movie Modes Movie with sound
Stop motion movie
D-Movie
HD 1280 x 720/24 fps VGA 640 x 424/24 fps QVGA 320 x 216/24 fps
White Balance Sun
Shade
Fluorescent
Incandescent
Flash
Preset
Auto
Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor) Seven manual modes with fine-tuning; Sun Shade Fluorescent Incandescent Flash Preset Fine Tune by Kelvin Color temperature setting
White Balance Bracketing Yes
D-Lighting Bracketing 2 exposures
Live View Shooting Yes
Playback Functions Full frame
Thumbnail (4, 9, 16 or 72 segments)
Zoom
Slideshow
Histogram
Shooting data
Highlight point display
Auto image rotation
Sound playback
D-Movie playback
Calendar
D-Movie playback Thumbnail (4, 9, 72 segments) Calendar
Interface Hi-speed USB
NTSC
HDMI
Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autofocus supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
• Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
• Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
Picture Angle 1.5
Viewfinder -2.0 to +1.0 m-1
Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 95%
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
Viewfinder Eyepoint 17.9
Reflex Mirror Quick-return type
Focusing Screen  Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark V screen with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
Interchangeable Focusing Screens No
Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.78
Depth-of-field Control No
Autofocus System  Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9ft.10 in.)
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points 11
Autofocus Sensitivity -1 - +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F
Focus Modes Single-servo AF (S)
Continuous-servo (C)
Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder
Live View autofocus; Face-priority, wide area, normal area and Subject tracking
Single-point AF Mode Yes
Dynamic AF Mode Yes
Auto-area AF Mode Yes
Focus Lock AE-L/AF-L button
Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
Picture Control Standard
Neutral
Vivid
Monochrome
Nine User-customizable settings
Portrait
Landscape
In-Camera Image Editing Trim
D-Lighting
Color Balance
Image Overlay
Filter Effects
Distortion Control
Monochrome
Stop Motion
Color Balance
NEF (RAW) processing
Quick retouch
Straighten
Distortion Control
Fisheye
Small picture
Red-eye correction
Perspective control Color outline
Built-in Flash Yes
External Flash Shoe  Yes
Built-in Flash Distance 56 at ISO 200 ft.17 at ISO 200m
Dust-Off Reference Photo Yes
Save/Load Camera settings No
Nikon Creative Lighting System Compatibility Yes
Built-in Commander mode not available
Flash Sync Speed  up to 1/200
FP High Speed Sync up to 1/4000
Flash Sync Modes Front-curtain sync (normal)
Slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Flash Control 1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-900 and SB-800 used with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash Sync Terminal  No
Accessory Shoe Yes
Self-timer 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration
World Time Setting Yes
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings Yes
Battery Type Rechargeable
Battery / Batteries EN-EL9 Lithium-ion Battery
EN-EL9a Lithium-ion Battery
AC Adaptor  EH-5a AC Adapter
Battery Charger MH-18a Quick Charger
Image Comment  Yes 
Battery Life (shots per charge) 510 shots (CIPA)
Tripod Socket ¼-20  
Approx. Dimensions Width 5.0 in. (127mm)
Height 4.1 in. (104mm)
Depth 3.1 in. (80mm)
Approx. Weight 19.8 oz. (560g)
Supported Languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Supplied Software Software Suite CD-ROM

Item Includes

 

  • EN-EL9a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • MH-23 Quick Charger
  • DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
  • DK-24 Rubber Eyecup
  • UC-E6 USB Cable
  • EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable
  • AN-DC3 Camera Strap
  • Body Cap
  • BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
  • Software Suite CD-ROM
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area


Reviews

Your mileage may vary, August 22, 2009

By bmoag "ae" (California)

I have been using Nikons for over thirty years. I am a great fan of Nikon although the price point of some of their products does not alway reflect actual quality compared to other vendors and Nikon has the same problems with production quality control as everyone else.

I knew this camera had a tiny, dim pentamirror viewing system but based on its size and sterling reviews of its D90-like auto-focus I purchased it anyway assuming I could rely on the autofocus.

The D90 is a nice size compared to larger body dSLRs and once you get used to the controls handles well. The video function is quite useful; I have never been a fan of live view. The low noise of the sensor is very impressive compared to just the prior generation of Nikon/Sony image capture devices. Nikon now has the camera only in part because of the recall based on potential early failure of the on-off switch. I commend Nikon for taking pre-emptive action. However potential buyers of this camera should be aware of reports that virtually every D5000 currently in the reatil chain is subject to a recall for this problem.

I hope it is only my particular specimen but this camera could not reliably autofocus and systematically underexposes. Exposure issues are partly a matter of taste and can be easily compensated. However the execrable viewing system forces one to rely on autofocus and this particular unit needs bifocals. As I said, your mileage may vary.


My first DSLR and I love it!!, August 21, 2009

By Leandro Biondo (São Paulo, Brasil)

I got this camera on the 25th of july and will try to tell my experience with it so far. Actually trying to pass the happiness I am having for getting such and amazing product in hands, after so many good options I looked over!!

Got it with 18-55mm lenses, a small tripod and a 16GB class 4 SDHC card. Was in doubt between nikon's D5000, D90 or D60, Canon's EOS Xsi and T1i, Sony's A200 or A350 and Olympus E520 or E620.

First, I have had some diferent digital cameras (and also a couple analogic before that), the better ones being sony's DSC W7, H9 and H50 (not mine, but I used for some days), so I don't know how the D5000 compares to other DSLR, but I can feel the great lap between this amazing camera and those other simpler ones I am used to...

My first impression was that it really can take good color, bright and lively pictures from the box, on auto mode... maybe the one I am least using by now, but good to know it will work when you can't or don't want to set anything before the shot. So the camera goes great on full AUTO. Same for video, easy to focus with the kit lenses and pretty professional looking movie results.

My dad was with the camera for 2 weeks before I put my hands on it, and he shot amazing pics from simple places and situations, even at night... and he was on AUTO all time, so this nikon can be used as a point-and-shoot, actually the best I've ever seen... it is funny to see that any picture taken with it looks like it would be very hard or impossible to be taken with the cameras we used before.

I havent posted any video so far, but I had put some pics here [...]

I've done a lot of research on the DSLR world and the most useful site was [...] where I found the info that made me decide between the Canon EOS 500 (or T1i) and this Nikon D5000 that I got here on amazon.com .

So, knowing some previous things about aperture, shutter speed, focus, depth of field an ISO from the previous cameras and some books I've read in the past fell weeks I tried the Nikon on the other modes, A,M,S and P...

Ok, P is also as good as the AUTO, but it is almost just AUTO, I found it hard to change to the type of exposure I wanted while rolling the control. So between this and AUTO I stay with AUTO.

"A" mode (aperture prior)works great for me... the control with the DOF is good and the kit lenses on auto focus are great.

The "S" mode is normal, but I have not used it too much, havent had action scenes so far.

The "M" mode is easy to use as all controls are at reach, the only change I did was to make the Fn button control the ISO, so I have the shutter on the main wheel with my right thumb, click with a finger on the button behind the shutter and have the wheel to control aperture, with my left thumb I make it control the ISO or flash (2 buttons well placed close to the lenses) and if I use manual focus the left hand is already in place and stays there, zooming and focusing.

About the kit lenses (18-55mm nikkor lenses), the focus has a really short turn (about 30 degrees, but fells like 5) from 28cm to infinity, it is handleable on manual focus but a bit too sensitive... the zooming is perfect though.

I already bought a used nikkor 28mm 2.8 AF-D lenses, that goes well with the D5000 (with manual focus only, cause it is not DX) and have a much better focus ring, with about 160 degree turn from 25mm to infinity that fells like 360... this made me fell good for not buying an olympus because the nikon DX format has a 1.5 relation for lenses and the four third had a 2.0 relation, at this point I realise that finding good old used lenses that can work well on the D5000 is easy, and this 28mm lense made me remember using my father's yashica 45mm focus when I was 6... very good felling.

For the manual focus the camera helps with the green light that goes on when on focus, and changing the menu to show distance info on the viewfinder I got it to show arrows that indicate to witch side to change the focus.

Live view... I did not mention, but my father took all his picures on this mode and liked it, so again can be used as p-a-s, but I have not used it too much, just loved the viewfinder and the 11point AF.

The picture reviewing is also nice on the LCD panel and it being articulated is good for awkward shots, but even greater to protect it and to maintain the screen off when using the viewfinder (when I don't want more info than that on the small window).

I did record some movies and they all look great, only did on 720p and no complains, all them look better than any other camera I used, only inconvenience is the focus but it is easy to learn... and zooming during video looks nicer than on video cameras that have digital controls for zooming.

Battery lasts long, about 6 days traveling on my father's hands and 1 or 2 full shooting days on my hands... you notice that the camera is all the time saving power and even turning the LCD off when you are looking is not annoying because it comes back nicely.

Flash is powerful and have a good range, also very tunable for adding light to a scene or to freezing someone or something on a shot... helped with some exposures...

The retouching options are fast, easy to understand and vastly usable, I did some shots on a cloudy day and with some NEF processing on camera and one or two other adjustments (also in the camera) I got images that seemed taken at noon!!

In conclusion on this messy review, the D5000 is a great camera and I would recommend to anybody who wants good pictures and movies... take that from a DSLR newbie and a nature, travel, sports and technology lover.

And also, on my personal experience, it fells amazing to handle this camera, hear it shooting, bursting at 4fps (the sound is lovely), doing everything well and much more than I would expect. (I am not a brand person, but the nikon name helped on my choice and I am pleased it did).

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