Nikon is carrying CMOS sensor instead of CCD used in previous entry-level line templates. The camera has a 12.3 Megapixel sensor, equivalent to the D90 – a more advanced camera appeared on the market before.
In addition, in the new DSLR camera, the company also introduced a rear LCD display that allows for flip rotation, better images with difficult viewing angles. In addition, some improvements such as autofocus system to 11 pixels, like the D90.
In particular, Nikon has brought the latest version of the Expeed image processor (with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF) and enhanced LiveView AF.
The machine is available in two options, one for the body and one for the 118-55 mm VR kit. It weighs 560 grams, a little lighter than the Nikon D60, which is equivalent to the Canon EOS 500D. Plastic frame, rubberized handle, rugged look, support for SD memory card.
The steering wheel on this model is typical of a camera. Nikon has saved maximum external shutdown buttons, instead the user can use the customizable through the screen.
Nikon does not have a dedicated video button, instead, when looking at the LiveView mode, users can select the OK button to stop and start recording.
With swiveling screen design, the test shows that the joints work very well, especially during the use of LiveView mode. Compared to other Olympic DSLRs, this model works much easier.
However, the screen is difficult to use in sunny weather, blurry display, which makes image viewing, as well as customizations when video recording is not what you like. Further away, other customizations on the camera such as focus, mode selector are also blurred, this is a downside.
Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD (Body Only): Buy it now
Nikon D5000 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR Lenses (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Ignoring these weaknesses, the D5000 is a powerful camera with good image quality. The camera allows fast shooting, the speed is on par with the D90, one of the points worth mentioning is the ability to autofocus in low light conditions.
Since launching, taking only 0.2 second, the delay to select a good image takes about 0.3 seconds in full light and 0.7 seconds when the light is low. Snapshot saved in fast JPEG format. The camera supports 4 frames per second, equivalent to the Nikon D90 – model has a higher level. The battery supports 510 shots.
Photos are beautiful, high quality and not dazzling, color harmony. The Nikon D5000 supports good ISO shooting at 1,600, and also supports ISO up to 6400 (Hi).
The kit comes with nothing to complain, the ability to focus fast. Like the D90, this model supports video recording, but the picture is not really good. The camera only allows 24 fps to shoot in 720p HD mode, not fast enough to sense images in high resolution environments.
Autofocus and Performance
Autofocus System
Autofocus and burst
11-point autofocus, one cross-type sensor at the center. It’s better than the stripped-down systems on cheaper bodies and fast enough day to day, though it won’t touch what higher-end cameras do.
4 fps burst. Slow by today’s standards, but enough to grab a short sequence if you’re not chasing serious sports action.
Shutter and viewfinder
1/4000 to 30 seconds on the shutter. The viewfinder covers about 95% of the frame, typical for entry-level, and it’s enough to compose a shot even without the full 100%.
Video
720p at 24 fps. Looks cinematic in a basic way, but it’s a generation behind what came after. Detail and color hold up fine for the era; the controls don’t. Treat the video here as a bonus, not a reason to buy.
Connectivity and usability
USB 2.0 and HDMI, nothing else. No Wi-Fi, so wireless transfer needs an external gadget. The menus are easy enough to navigate, the vari-angle LCD is genuinely handy for odd angles, and there are dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and shooting mode so you’re not always in the menu.
Lenses and accessories
Full compatibility with Nikon’s DX and FX lenses, wide to telephoto. Speedlite flashes work, and the MB-D80 grip helps on long days.
How it stacks up
The Rebel T1i beats it on spec sheet alone: 15.1MP, 1080p video. Sony’s A550 does too, 14.2MP, 5 fps. The Pentax K-x is the budget option, 12.4MP, 4.7 fps, cheaper than either. What’s left for the D5000 to lean on: the vari-angle screen, and whatever goodwill Nikon’s color science has built up.
It wins on the screen, on image quality, on being small enough not to notice, and on an AF system that overdelivers for what it costs. It loses on video, stuck at 720p with barely any manual control, no Wi-Fi, a viewfinder that crops the frame a little, and a burst rate that can’t keep up once things get fast.
Basically: it takes good pictures, the screen’s genuinely useful, autofocus won’t let you down. Don’t ask it for more than that.
Related Posts
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.