Compare Prices : Nikon D5000 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Nikon D5000 ($850 with an 18mm-to-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens, as of 5/15/09) strikes a great balance between price and features. It deviates from the nomenclature of its closest siblings, the Nikon D60 and Nikon D90, but no matter: It combines many of ...

Pros: Tilt and swivel screen Compact size

Cons: Video doesn't autofocus Battery life unimpressive

Verdict: The 12.3-megapixel D5000 uses an APS-C (DX)-size sensor, same as the D60 and the D90. It has 19 automatic-exposure scene modes, and a maximum burst mode of 4 frames per second, half a frame shy of the D90's maximum. Like the D90, this model can take ...

Review summary: The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D5000 is a terrific buy, offering the image quality of a more expensive D-SLR for a price of just $729.99 (direct, body only). Not only does this camera shoot beautiful images under any lighting conditions, but it can also ...

Pros: Excellent value. Stellar image quality. HD video capture. LCD screen rotates and swivels. HDMI out

Cons: Can't automatically refocus when shooting video. No microphone input. Low-res screen compared with competition. Proprietary USB port ; Watch the Nikon D5000 in action

Verdict: Nikon's HD-capable D5000 D-SLR offers outstanding image quality and robust features for its under-$1,000 price.

Review summary: A long-awaited replacement for the D80, the D5000 brings significant new features to the entry-level dSLR. With a CMOS sensor, a flip-down-and-swivel LCD, an improved AF system and a fancy interactive display, there's plenty to like about it, ...

Pros: Very good photo quality ; fast ; video capture ; articulated LCD ; good kit lens ; built-in wireless flash controller

Cons: Small, dim viewfinder ; middling video quality ; too easy to accidentally change focus points

Verdict: Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a useful set of features, speedy performance and great photo quality for the money

Review summary: As you can see, the D5000 is essentially a D90 that's been stripped down just a little. One important difference between the two is that the D5000 only supports autofocus on AF-S and AF-I lenses, just like the D60.

Verdict: As you can see, the D5000 is essentially a D90 that's been stripped down just a little. One important difference between the two is that the D5000 only supports autofocus on AF-S and AF-I lenses, just like the D60

Review summary: Nikon D5000 is the latest mid-range consumer DSLR with high definition video and vari-angle screen.

Pros: Vari-angle screen, build and picture quality

Cons: Screen resolution, lack of high ISO, price point

Verdict: There's no doubting the abilities of this camera to produce stunning still images ? and moving images ? but it does sit against some tough competitors, including some of Nikon's own models. The vari-angle LCD screen is a hugely impressive feature that ...