Nikon D5000 Review
Posted on 01/22/2010
We know this review comes many months after the D5000's release, and it's been throughouly reviewed on many camera sites and in our comments sections. But it's a hugely popular product on Digital Camera HQ (top three as of late January 2010) and more importantly, many readers are curious to know how it stacks up to the Canon Digital Rebel T1i. Read on to find out. By Liam McCabe
Nikon 5000 Pros
- Great bang for the buck; can be $100 cheaper than T1i
- Crisp, noise-free images up to ISO 800
- Fast performance
- Articulating screen is very sturdy
- Crisp, noise-free images up to ISO 800
- Fast performance
- Articulating screen is very sturdy
Nikon D5000 Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Video mode is mediocre
- LiveView is sluggish
- A bunch of minute details don't quite stack up to the Canon T1i
- Video mode is mediocre
- LiveView is sluggish
- A bunch of minute details don't quite stack up to the Canon T1i
Who Should Buy A D5000?
- Amateurs and hobbyists stepping up to dSLRs
- Nikon enthusiasts with lots of lenses, no camera, and $600
- Nikon enthusiasts with lots of lenses, no camera, and $600
The D5000 is another hit for them. They took the sensor and video mode from the well-received pro-sumer D90 and fit them into a new, more affordable package. It's no pro camera, but for such a reasonable price, it's one of the better choices for amateurs ready to make the step up from fixed-lens cameras.
Design
The D5000 is relatively hefty. It's smaller than the D90, but larger than the D40X and similar models from competing brands, like the Canon Rebel T1i or Pentax K-x. My hands are pretty big, and the body felt just about right for my grip--maybe a little bit too bulky for somebody with small hands.The button layout, for the most part, is all peaches 'n' cream. My only gripe is that video mode isn't readily apparent (a quick scan through the manual reveals that you simply press the OK button at the center of the directional buttons).
This is the first Nikon dSLR (that I can find reference to, anyway) with an articulating LCD display. At 2.7 inches, it's smaller than the 3-incher on the lower-cost D3000, but that extra room goes to the D5000's superb tilt-and-swivel hinge. This feature has been on a number of Canon models for a few years now, including bridge models like the SX1.
The screen is marketed as a handy way to get a self-portrait or to take the guesswork out of a “point and pray” situation from around a corner or above a crowd. (Ashton Kutcher did all three while he crashed a fashion show in a TV spot around the holidays.) It's a nice touch and I found a few uses for it, but I had to look for them. It's worth noting that it's a bit too heavy to hold with just one hand at arms' length for an extended time, so get those awkward shots quickly.
Performance
Amateurs will find everything they need in the D5000. It's fast. Especially since a chunk of D5000 buyers will be first-time dSLR users, it'll seem really fast. Some measurements put the pre-focused shutter lag at 0.02 seconds and the burst mode can reach almost four frames per second for about six seconds.
The kit lens we tested (18-55mm) seemed pretty good for stock glass (though I'm not a big glass aficionado, so feel free to chime in with your own thoughts below). It bears the VR mark, so autofocus is a go. Picture quality is great as well--you'll get crisp, noise-free images with nice depth-of-field in fully automatic mode. The images are even passable at high ISO (1600 and 3200).
The viewfinder is OK, at 95 percent crop and 0.78x magnification, though it is pretty dim. The actual LCD display (disregarding the awesome hinge that we covered) is decent, though at 2.7-inches and 230k pixels, it's not quite as visually stunning as the T1i's 3-inch, 900k+ pixel display. As with any dSLR so far, LiveView hampers the autofocus tremendously, so I'd only recommend using it when the articulating hinge is a must.
Video mode isn't a highlight of the D5000--it's one of the main factors that puts it in a class below the D90, which has three HD video modes. Barrel distortion is an issue, but it'll get the job done. Just don't expect outstanding results.
Versus The Canon Rebel T1i
The D5000 competes most closely with the Canon 500D/Rebel T1i, that manufacturer's current-gen entry-level model. They're around the same price point, marketed toward the same segment of “serious amateur” enthusiasts, and have an HD video mode--a noteworthy feature that sets them apart form similar dSLRs by Sony and Olympus.While both the D5000 and T1i provide fast performance and high quality photos for the price, some of the D5000's features are a notch below the Rebel, mostly minor details that average users may or may not notice (and probably won't miss if they haven't tried the Rebel). For example, the diopter adjustment has a smaller range than the T1i--not a big deal if your eyesight is OK, but it's something to consider. In Sports mode, the D5000 doesn't automatically switch to burst shooting, whereas the T1i does. Again, not a big deal, presets can be changed, but the small details add up to create notable differences between these products (many more of which are addressed in the comment section below). The general consensus, however, is that the image quality is nearly the same.
Nikon D5000 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
The camera appears in the Price Range section between $150-$200 category. It also says that the starting price is $169.
When I enter in the D5000 review section, I find that for example in B&H the price is $729.99, in Dell electronics the same price and then ebay and Amazon post the price at $180. How can this be posible?
My question is: Is the D5000 really worth less than $200 or is it closer to $700?
Thanks,
Lucas Gordon
1) Movie recording
2) Auto focus
3) Suitable software with human interface
Unfortunately the latter two are not available in D5000. Nikon are you listening ???
If there is anything else you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Your intention is to upgrade. Hence I presume you are well versed with the D-SLR features & use. D100 is an old war horse and since the time of its launch in the year 2002, the D-SLR technology has really come many a mile. D5000 is for beginners (though it has all goodies of D90 packed in it). Few minuses are too much menu driven instead of direct buttons, which makes it a bit too cumbersome. D90 on other hand is an excellent piece and a proven design on platform of D300. Both D90 & D5000 include the movie recording. D90 offers better continous release as compared to D5000. The latest D300S outscores both D5000 & D90 in all features. It offers you 7 fps which is much higher than D90 + stereo recording in HD movies (both D90 & D5000 have mono sound recording).
In short, Nikon have added all that was missing in D90 (read D300) in the latest D300S. The result is a fabulous piece of marvel. If you can afford D300S nothing like it ! Do not forget D300 also, which may be available cheaper than D300S. But for you if nothing else works (due to the moolah) go in for D90 but not D5000.
Trust this answers your question.
Then again, 1080p HD video with 24 fps ... I can see your dilemma. Stick with the Nikon. You won't have a learning curve.
Price difference is one thing which you may weigh yourself. The availability of service in your area is another factor that you must consider. Finally, I agree with James DeRuvo that its a photo finish and if you are accustomed to Nikon, it will be more advisable for you to opt for D5000.
I am using D5000 and have no regrets what so ever. I too had gone through this dilemma. Come back to me if you need any further clarification.
Difficult to hold? Well, that's what steadicams are for, and the junior variety is ideal for on the move. Or a good ole tripod for those static shots. But would it be great for catching those Kodak moments? I think only if you're a serious hobbyist. The Flip is far better suited for the youtube crowd.
But the Net is filled with photographers who are making their first films and it's a viable option for budding filmmakers who are trying to get the most out of the money they have and the results are truly cinematic.
Hate to disagree with you, but the handwriting is on the wall.
Thanks,
Fatima Cofan
Thanks very much for replay to my question!. I was looking for another USB cable to transfer the Nikon photos to Mac, but no find in Phuket, Thailand, but I buy a SIM reader, and not problem, I been able to transfer my photos to de MAC. Resetting the SIM? how resetting the camera?.
Have you tried keeping the shutter button half-pressed? This auto-focuses the camera, so that when you do want to take a quick shot all you have to do is press the button the rest of the way down. If you just press the button without auto-focusing first, it does take quite a while to get the picture. So again, just keep your finger lightly pressed on the shutter button when you're almost ready to take a picture. Hope this helps.
1. Panning with the action. While you have the shutter prefocused, keep panning with the action. If the subject moves in an out of focus, refocus while you're following them. It'll also give you added coolness of capturing the still image of the subject and a blurry action background. Sweet.
2. Stick to 400 ISO-800 ISO. This is just fast enough to keep the writing to the action but limiting the noise level. You could go higher, the higher the ISO, the more likelihood of noise.
3. Shoot short bursts. Shooting two or three shots at a time with the camera's burst mode will enable you to pan and shoot at the same time, getting the image you want.
4. Shoot in shutter priority and set it for really fast - like 1/1000 or faster.
5. Use faster flash memory cards. The faster your card, the faster it writes. The quicker it gets to the next image.
6. Lastly ... practice. practice. practice. Shoot everything like an action shot. Practice on cars passing by. Shoot at a local ballpark.
The more you practice, the better you get.
Also, you can boost your ISO. I wouldn't go over 800, but if you're taking concert pictures at 100 or 200, it just won't be fast enough. ISO 400 should be ideal.
But if you really want a good entry level DSLR, the D5000 is a good choice, but also the Canon Xsi is a good option.
I'm considering this 2 cameras to be my first DSLR.
I know that D90 have more features than D5000, but Im looking for a user friendly camera, taht I can start understanding the process and details about the DSLR world. I like the D5000 menus and scenes modes (19) but also I like the D90 feature of built-in Auto Focus motor that support old lens (which I don't own any but I may find at better price than new ones). I have a friend who work at Nikon and the price differences between both is $180 (Body Only $487 vs $667) Its worth to upgrade to D90 or for me (as my first DSLR) will be D5000 a better option? What is your recommendation? Thanks!