Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc. Part number: D5000KIT
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- Bottom Line:
- Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a nice feature set, speedy performance, and great photo quality for the money.
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CNET editors' review
Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens) price range: $689.00 - $849.99
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 05/08/2009
- Updated on:12/07/2009
- Released on: 04/29/2009
The good: Very good photo quality; fast; video capture; articulated LCD; nice kit lens.
The bad: Small, dim viewfinder; middling video quality; too easy to accidentally change focus points.
The bottom line: Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a nice feature set, speedy performance, and great photo quality for the money.
Editor's note: We mistakenly wrote that the D5000 included a wireless flash controller in this review's summary. We have removed this information.
The Nikon D80 lasted a long time at the top of our entry-level dSLR list, and the D5000 has been an eagerly awaited replacement for that just-under-$1,000 kit segment. 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 Especially since it has a newer version of the Expeed image processor (with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF) and enhanced Live View AF, along with a connector for the optional GP-1 hot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.
The D5000 is available in two configurations, at least from Nikon: body only and a kit with the 18-55mm VR lens. I wouldn't be surprised if a dual-lens kit with the additional 55-200mm lens eventually showed up as well.
Constructed of polycarbonate over stainless steel, the 21.6-ounce D5000 weighs a few ounces more than the D60 and competing Canon EOS Rebel T1i 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.
The control layout is pretty typical, although Nikon seems to have eliminated more direct-access buttons than most products in its class and replaced them entirely with the interactive display. Through it, in combination with the back dial and multi selector, you adjust shutter speed, aperture, image size and quality, white balance, ISO sensitivity, focus mode, AF area (single, multi, wide area, and 3D tracking), metering, D-Lighting, exposure bracketing (three shots in up to two stop increments), Picture Control, exposure and flash compensation, and flash mode. I generally like the interactive displays, but the D5000's LCD is a bit difficult to see in sunlight, which made changing settings somewhat problematic. There's also a programmable function button that falls under your left thumb--I like that location--to which you can assign direct access to drive modes, image size and quality, ISO sensitivity, white balance, Active D-Lighting, raw override, and bracketing.
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.)
I do feel somewhat ambivalent about the D5000's design. Articulated LCDs are great, and definitely enhance the usability of Live View. But ultimately I find the flip-down version on the D5000 less useful than the flip-out versions on Olympus' SLRs: it's good for overhead and hip-level shooting, but not as comfortable for sideways. Of course, from that perspective it's far more flexible than Canon's fixed LCDs. But the D5000's LCD isn't very good. In addition to the aforementioned visibility problem in direct sunlight, it just seemed soft; I couldn't tell if my photos were sharp, and manual focus in Live View (and video recording) was nearly impossible. Furthermore, there's no way to keep the multi selector switch from accidentally moving the selected AF points, which I did, repeatedly. Finally, the viewfinder is small and dim, and the AF lock light is way down in the lower left corner where you have to strain to see it. On the upside, it has an optional grid display.
But 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.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Raw shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim light) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
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A Great Time
by tvslater on May 21, 2009
Pros: Quality Quality Quality
Speedy
Ease of UseCons: The look of it, I suppose. I think I just like Canon's look a little more.
Summary: I was nervous about this camera when I got it. Though everything I'd heard about the image quality turns out to be true, the articulated LCD is nice but ...
Summary: I was nervous about this camera when I got it. Though everything I'd heard about the image quality turns out to be true, the articulated LCD is nice but I wasn't sold on the flip DOWN, versus to-the-side that I'm used to on the point and click that I use. As it turns out, when you hold the camera as you should, with left hand supporting the lens from underneath, the flip-down is much much better than the side-flip. Additionally, how often do you shoot from the side, versus top or bottom? For the times in which an articulated screen helps, I say the flip-down is a better configuration than the side-flip.
Honestly, though, what really sells me, though, is the combination of speed and quality. D90 quality in a smaller form for less money? AND it's faster? Done.
What many reviewers don't talk about much is low-light shooting. The d5000 EXCELS in darkness; I do an odd combination of architectural and party photography (not professional yet). Both require shooting in low-light, or even near-dark settings, one with quality, the other with speed. For the architecture, I wanted shadows to be rich, gradients to be subtle, and highlights to be dramatic without blowing out. It's great for all that. And for the party photos, they're great quality, low noise, get a good amount of the surroundings without having to use a flash and still capture speed and energy of the setting.
I'm very happy with this camera and am excited to see how far I can push it.13 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Watch where you purchase
by gmogoody on November 9, 2009
Pros: With correct lenses great entry to intermediate DSLR
Cons: Where you buy the kit may alter perception of product
Summary: This is a great camera. Just do your research before purchase. Some retailers are selling the Kit with just the 18 - 55 mm DX lens and not the better ...
Summary: This is a great camera. Just do your research before purchase. Some retailers are selling the Kit with just the 18 - 55 mm DX lens and not the better 18 - 55 mm VR DX Lens that is reviewed here. I ran into this and ended up purchasing the 18 - 105 mm VR Lens instead
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great mid-level entry dSLR
by dipalbhagde on September 22, 2009
Pros: Excellent quality images, Less noise at high ISO, Ease of use for beginners, Great color reproduction, stable, fits well into my hands, Live View
Cons: View finder isn't that great. But Liveview more than compensates
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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D(isppointing) 5000
by bmoag on August 28, 2009
Pros: Low sensor noise, video option.
Cons: Soft images, unreliable autofocus, systematic underexposure, execrable pentamirror viewing system
Summary: I have had this camera supposedly repaired by Nikon. I find it nearly unusable because focus is so unreliable from exposure to exposure regardless of lens, f-stop, auto or manual ...
Summary: I have had this camera supposedly repaired by Nikon. I find it nearly unusable because focus is so unreliable from exposure to exposure regardless of lens, f-stop, auto or manual focus, electronic rangefinder and all. I suspect that the dust removal mode may not be returning the image sensor to a proper position. It is nearly impossible to get a tack sharp image on the first try. I fear this camera will sit on a shelf unused but I will make another pass at Nikon warranty repair.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very informative & useful.
by robertoguzman on September 12, 2009
Pros: Vari-angle LCD monitor. I have neither to lie down or kneel while shooting from below nor go to a higher place to shoot down from above. Sharp photos. Handy and light, ideal for traveling.
Cons: Less grip. AF point-settings prone to accidental switch. LCD image not as sharp as that from a Canon EOS. Less choice of Image-sharpness (I wish it had a 10 megapixel choice)
Summary: Overall, I like the product mainly because of its vari-angle monitor and really sharp pictures. It's handy and light, ideal for travelling. My dislikes include:
1. less grip
2. ...Summary: Overall, I like the product mainly because of its vari-angle monitor and really sharp pictures. It's handy and light, ideal for travelling. My dislikes include:
1. less grip
2. selected AF-point settings prone to accidental switch
3. LCD image not as sharp as I expected it should be
4. less choice for image sharpness (I wished it had a 10 Megapixel choice; 12.2 Mp is too large to store and tramsmit by email, while 6.8 Mp is too small and not sharp enough for larger prints)
5. very slow AF during Live View mode2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DIWA and DXO Lab test helped me a lot
by dr_ratansinghdeo on September 8, 2009
Pros: Excellent image quality at any ISO without chromatic or peripheral distortin.Easy user interface.Good for beginer as well enthusiast.Creative Options are quite good.In camera editing is just awsome,no need to PC editing.
Cons: Low resolution LCD monitor.But it helps to increase battery life to very good extent.Otherwise with high resolution LCD drain battery like monster
Summary: 1.Picture quality excellent
2.Absolutely no noise at high ISO.Great for all type of photography.
3.Fast performance.Altough live view mode is slow,but for me its ...Summary: 1.Picture quality excellent
2.Absolutely no noise at high ISO.Great for all type of photography.
3.Fast performance.Altough live view mode is slow,but for me its effective with this price[3-D tracking and 11-point focus like high end DSLR]
4.Easy user interface and all executions are perfect.
5.Scene modes can be used as examples for manual ,A,S,P mode for beginers.Scene modes show the specifications for different situations which helped me a lot to know advanced creativity and settings
6.Picture creative mode is present for advanced user.So this camera can be used by a beginer as well as enthusiast.
7.No chromatic aberations or peripheral distortion.Optic quality of kit lens is quite good.
8.Incamera image processing,in my view its complete,no need for recomposition or editing by PC
9.D-light is quite effective
10.Colours are perfect
11.Last word--If you really need awsome image quality at this price just go for Nikon D5000.I have gone through DIWA test and other good test lab report which proved to be correct.Regarding service issue my suggestion is just you check the body number through the NIKON service advisory online before purchase.But this issue has been handled quite nicely by NIKON[rather honestly].Easy to start a DSLR,but still option packed for enthusiast.Just buy it,love to use.Picture quality in real life and lab test are both excellent.Look to DXO Lab test and DIWA test helped a lot.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Beginner SLR. Great picture quality.
by macguy411 on September 2, 2009
Pros: 4 frames per second, Tilt-an-swivel LCD, HD movie, great image quality, Easy to use.
Cons: No in body focus motor, no top LCD, Can't act as a commander for Nikons creative lighting system (CLS).
Summary: THis is a great camera for someone new to SLR's, like my self. I plan to go further into photography, but this is great for my current needs.
Summary: THis is a great camera for someone new to SLR's, like my self. I plan to go further into photography, but this is great for my current needs.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best SLR camera ever!
by santiagolarte on August 19, 2009
Pros: It has a great screen, awesome pictures (especially in manual mode) all in all an amazing camera.
Cons: its not really a con, but if you buy this camera its a must to buy another lens, probably with more DF and a bigger zoom.
Summary: I bought it a couple of months ago and since then I've been loving this camera. the screen is great, I dont agree with the women on the video ...
Summary: I bought it a couple of months ago and since then I've been loving this camera. the screen is great, I dont agree with the women on the video because the screen is amazing and on sunlight your able to read everything. it comes with great ISO and on manual mode your able to take amaizing pictures
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quite possibly the best Nikon for the money
by Gianni_Simplicio on October 8, 2009
Pros: Swivel LCD is crucial, and there's no other camera in Nikon's DSLR lineup with the capability. As far as sub-$1000 cameras goes, this is the cream of the crop.
Cons: I remember a time when I would have been amazed at a 12.3 megapixel camera, but these days it's just lacking that wow-factor. Also, large prints look pretty weak. Please make a 20+ megapixel version for the D6000.
Summary: With a wide ISO range and a sensor capable of handling most everyday photographic situations, the D5000 is pretty much the best camera you can get in its class. If ...
Summary: With a wide ISO range and a sensor capable of handling most everyday photographic situations, the D5000 is pretty much the best camera you can get in its class. If you're on the fence between a D5000 and a D90, get the 5000 and spend the money you save on an extra lens (though the 18-55mm it comes with is great if you would rather do something else with the cash). I just wish it had a higher megapixel rating.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great entry level DSLR with limitations for expansion
by raychenc on August 20, 2009
Pros: The main comparison is choosing between the D40/D3000 vs. D90, which the D5000 sits right between. It has the same chip as the D90 and D300, and great low ISO capabilities. It is lighter than the D90.
Cons: Two HUGE deficits, which makes me want to upgrade: no in-body motor, no commander mode to activate Nikon wireless flash. No motor means you cannot use excellent and less expensive lenses.
Summary: Great for beginners who are upgrading from point and shoot, but severe limitations (no in-body motor and lack of commander flash built in) make the D90 a better choice if ...
Summary: Great for beginners who are upgrading from point and shoot, but severe limitations (no in-body motor and lack of commander flash built in) make the D90 a better choice if you have an inkling of taking on photography as a hobby and if you can afford the extra cost. For instance if you want a 50 mm lens that autofocuses, it will cost about $400 compared to a $130 version, which works on the D5000, but you'll have to manually focus. Still, there are many flashes (dozens) that work perfectly on the D5000.
For the wireless flash, a Speedlight SB-900 allows the D5000 to control other slave flashes, but the SB-900 costs $450, and you would still have to buy a slave flash like the SB-600 which costs $220.
In contrast if you had a D90, you can buy the slave flash alone for $220, and the built in flash acts like a commander.
Essentially, the D5000 doesn't allow you to take advantage of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) without considerable cost.
The extra cost of one autofocus lens and the upgraded flashes would more than pay for the cost of upgrading to the D90.
However, if you are new to D-SLR, it will take you some time to maximize your skills, and when you are ready to upgrade, a new camera body will be available, and you can carry all of your lenses and flashes.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
- Part number: D5000KIT
- Description: Meet the D5000, a breed of Nikon digital SLR camera. A wonderful blend of fun, simplicity, and beautiful image quality, the D5000 features an innovative Vari-angle monitor for an exciting new take on photographic expression. Combined with Live View shooting, this monitor gives you the ability to shoot from nearly any angle. And your creativity is not limited to still images - Nikon's D-Movie function lets you record richly detailed HD movie clips, too. There's also a dazzling array of shooting features to help you get great pictures, shot-after-shot.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - SLR with Live View mode, with Movie recording
- Width 5 in
- Depth 3.1 in
- Height 4.1 in
- Weight 1.2 lbs
Main Features
- Resolution 12.3 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Total Pixels 12,900,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 12,300,000 pixels
- Field of View Crop Factor 1.5
- Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
- Light Sensitivity ISO 200-3200
- Shooting Programs Close-up, Landscape, Sports mode, Portrait mode
- Special Effects Vivid, Fisheye, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Monochrome
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
- X-sync Speed 1/250 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Center-weighted, 3D color matrix II
- Exposure Modes Bulb, Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, I-TTL program flash
- Exposure Range EV 0-20 ( ISO 100 )
- Exposure Compensation ±5 EV range, in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Flash, Shade, Sunlight, Fluorescent, Incandescent
- White Balance Bracketing Yes
- Digital Video Format AVI, MJPEG
- Still Image Format JPEG, NEF (RAW)
- Video Capture AVI - 1280 x 720, AVI - 640 x 424, AVI - 320 x 216
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card
- Image Storage 4288 x 2848, 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Rear curtain sync, Auto mode with red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR
- Focal Length 18 mm - 55 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL phase detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 11
- Min Focus Range 11 in
- Max View Angle 76 degrees
- Lens Aperture F/3.5-5.6
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Manual
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 11 element(s)
- Filter Size 52 mm
- Lens System Mounting Nikon F
- Features Aspherical lens, Silent Wave Motor (SWM), VR (Vibration Reduction)
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 - 20 sec
- Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Additional Features AE lock, AF lock, DPOF support, Histogram display, Exif Print support, LCD live view mode, PictBridge support, In-camera red-eye removal
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level mirror pentaprism
- Field Coverage 95%
- Magnification 0.78x
- Dioptric Correction Range -2 to +1
- Viewfinder Frames Autofocus frame
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x System accessory terminal
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SDHC Memory Card
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows Vista, MS Windows XP Home Edition, MS Windows XP Professional, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Strap, Eyecup, Body cap, Shoe cap, Eyepiece cover
- Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Nikon EN-EL9a
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Product series
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Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR, 12.3 megapixels, 2.7 in LCD display
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Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR, 12.3 megapixels, 3 x, 2.7 in LCD display
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Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens and 55-200mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR, 12.3 megapixels, 3 x, 2.7 in LCD display
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Nikon Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nikon Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.nikonusa.com/
- Address:
1300 Walt Whitman Rd.
Melville, NY 11747 - Phone: 516/547-4200
- Fax: 631-547-4025
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