Nikon D5000: First Impressions
The Nikon D80 lasted a long time at the top of Nikon’s entry-level dSLR list, and the D5000 has been an eagerly awaited replacement. And there are plenty of significant changes in this model. Nikon switches to a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD it’s been using in its entry-level models, in this case, the same 12.3-megapixel version that’s in the D90. Plus there’s the new (to Nikon’s dSLRs) flip-down-and-swivel LCD, and an improved AF system–the same 11-point AF system as the D90–that distinguish it clearly from the cheaper D60. But, as frequently happens, this poses quite a bit of competition for the more expensive D90. Especially since it has a newer version of the Expeed image processor (with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF) and enhanced Live View AF, along with a connector for the optional GP-1 hot shoe GPS. It also supports direct wireless upload when you use an Eye-Fi card.
Constructed of polycarbonate over stainless steel, the 21.6-ounce D5000 weighs a few ounces more than the D60 but about 4 ounces less than the D90. It feels plasticky, but not cheap–pretty typical for its price segment–although the SD slot cover does seem a bit flimsier than usual.
There’s no dedicated mode for shooting video (that’s a good thing); instead, while in Live View mode, you use the OK button to stop and start recording. Though it doesn’t do continuous autofocus, you can initiate AF while recording. Like Canon’s, however, it’s very slow and a bit noisy. (For more on the design,click through the slideshow. For a complete list of features and their implementations, you can download a PDF copy of the D5000’s manual.)
The D5000 definitely comes through on performance and photo quality. It’s fast, and generally outshoots the D90, most notably in low-light autofocus. It powers on and shoots in about 0.2 second, with shot lag as good as 0.3 second under good light and a still-respectable 0.7 second in dim. It shoots and saves JPEG files slightly faster than raw, though they both round out to about 0.5 second; adding flash bumps that just slightly to 0.9 second. Burst shooting clocks about 4 frames per second–same as the D90–putting it at the head of this class. The AF system is pretty good, too, and the whole thing is certainly fast enough to keep up with the typical shooting material of kids, sports, and pets. The battery lasts a relatively long time as well; it’s CIPA rated at about 510 shots.
It also delivers excellent photo quality for the price, with solid exposure (though not as bright and straight-to-printer friendly as the T1i’s) and great color. Its noise profile is very good up through ISO 1,600 and, for a variety of scenes, usable through its extended ISO 6,400 (Hi). The kit lens is above average as well: very sharp and able to focus quite closely. As with the D90, though, the video is a bit disappointing. The camera only shoots 24fps 720p, which isn’t a fast enough frame rate to render quite as smoothly as we’ve come to expect and doesn’t scale very well to full-screen playback. It’s usable, and fine if you’re interested in experimenting, but it doesn’t look sharp or polished.
As long as you don’t get as hung up as I did on its operational quirks or have high expectations of shooting video, there’s plenty to like about the Nikon D5000–especially if you’re most interested in its core aptitudes of a wealth of features, speedy shooting, and high-quality photographs for the money.
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To see a Sample Video from a Nikon D5000 click here
November 26th, 2010 at 9:54 am
I have been using a cheap $200 camera for a long time and can’t believe the difference this camera has made. I like to take picture of triathlons and the 4 pictures per second allows me to shoot several photos almost ensuring that I get a great shot. Video is also very good but I haven’t worked with it much yet. Now I want a good telephoto to go with it!