The Nikon D5000 creates a new sector in the Nikon line-up, slotting in between the ageing D60 and enthusiast D90. The Nikon D5000 uses the same 12.3Mp sensor that was first seen on the high-end D300 just over two years ago, and more recently on the D90. Though it may be getting a bit long in the tooth, the chip’s been tinkered with and improved. The standard ISO range is from 200-3200, but can be expanded to cover an equivalent of 100-6400. With Nikon’s EXPEED image processor, the D5000 can achieve 4fps, while it also uses a version of Nikon’s Scene Recognition system to aid subject tracking across its 11 AF points – the central point is the only cross-type sensor.
Live View on the D5000 uses contrast AF to focus and works a treat and, like the EOS 500D, the D5000 can also record HD video, though at a slightly lower resolution of 1280x720p at 24fps. At 2.7in, the screen isn’t as large as some, but it’s the first Nikon D-SLR to have a vari-angle screen that can be pulled outwards and rotated. It’s a handy feature to have when shooting at awkward angles, but when mounted on some tripods, its movement can get blocked by the quick-release mechanism.
The Nikon D5000’s anti-shake system is lens-based, with the 18-55mm kit lens well equipped with Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, and the D5000 also features a dual anti-dust system.
It’s very easy to toggle through the D5000’s AF points via the D-Pad at the rear, while the performance of the AF is consistent, locking on without any problems, only struggling with scenes that have very low contrast. The D5000’s user interface is one of its strongest points. Though there are minimal shooting controls on the body itself, these can be changed quickly via the main shooting display on the rear screen. If you’re a beginner, the graphical display, which can even show what your aperture looks like, is handy to help learn the basics, along with the ‘?’ button that can be used to help explain the various settings you’re using.
SpecificationStreet price (with kit lens): £599
Resolution: 12.3Mp (4288x2848 pixels)
Lens mount: Nikon F
Focal length multiplication: 1.5x
Focusing: 11-point selectable
Burst rate: 4fps (11 RAW & Unlimited JPEG)
Write times: 2secs (RAW), 1.5sec (JPEG)
ISO range: 200-3200, expandable to 100(L1.0)-6400 (H1.0)
Shutter range: 30secs-1/4000sec, Bulb
Monitor: 2.7in, 230K dot VGA
Live View: Yes
Video: Yes: 1280x720 @ 24fps
Storage: SD/SDHC
Weight: 560g
Dimensions: 127x104x80mm
Visit: www.nikon.co.uk
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