Review: Nikon D5000 digital SLR
The most advanced entry Nikon DSLR yet with HD video as a bonus. (July 17th, 2009)
The Good
- Swiveling LCD.
- Compact design; a good beginner/travel camera.
- Good image quality and ISO levels.
- Relatively fast 4FPS burst shooting.
- Inexpensive for HD video.
The Bad
- A bit too small; buttons crowded and reduced.
- Dark viewfinder, no top-mounted LCD.
- HD video still exhibits "wobble."
- Reduced options for remote flashes.
wrapping up
Nikon’s D5000 is a good means to introduce former amateurs into the DSLR market. Easy enough for tyros to master, and capable enough to be thrown into backup duty by a serious hobbyist or professional, it is a well-built camera that can take almost any photo that someone likely to want this camera would want to take.
There are, of course, limits: while we wouldn't expect it to shoot at extremely high speeds or to capture clean shots at levels reserved for cameras three or four times its price, this isn't quite a D90 on the cheap. The slightly shrunken design, absence of a top settings LCD, feature-limited remote flashing and darker viewfinder will all likely steer more experienced photographers towards more expensive cameras in Nikon's line. It may be more comfortable to hold and more flexible than the Rebel T1i and the new batch of Micro Four Thirds thanks to its grip and its swivel LCD, but it won't win in terms of video quality. For that, Canon's camera or else the Panasonic GH1 will be a better choice.
Even so, given Nikon's mastery of still images, we'd still opt for the D5000 above the others. Just beware of your own experience. This near-entry Nikon is best if you're simply looking for a higher-quality alternative to a "prosumer" point-and-shoot or as a learning model. Prospective buyers who fully intend to graduate to more advanced shooting may want to consider paying the extra money for a camera with more familiar DSLR features.