Nikon D5000 articulates its way into reality
By Nilay Patel 
posted Apr 14th 2009 12:01AM
posted Apr 14th 2009 12:01AM
NIKON'S D5000 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA EXPANDS POSSIBILITIES FOR PHOTO AND HD VIDEO CREATIVITY WITH D-MOVIE MODE, VARI-ANGLE LCD MONITOR AND 19 AUTOMATIC SCENE MODES
MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 14, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon's expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.
Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000's robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon's revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design.
"The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon's D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user's ability and creativity to grow-with the camera," said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. "While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000's rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality."
Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.
The D5000's D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000's performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.
Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000's 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.
The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon's exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user's personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.
Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.
Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000's 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000's normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000's ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.
Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000's ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure-even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot metering for added personal control.
Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000's 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon's 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.
Paired with Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon's VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*
The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor's optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000's system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon's powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.
Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95**. For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008." according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests
**Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
weird screen?
i would have put the nikon logo on the side instead of the bottom.
so that when its flipped... its still sideways, rather than upside down.
The Nikon D5000 has a 230K pixel screen, the Canon Rebel T1i (500D) has a 920k pixel screen. Bummer.. I think the 920k screen is much nicer then a swiveling screen. I know there are a lot of other feature differences but I really dig the high resolution screen on the Canon for liveview manual focusing and post picture focus checking. I was really hoping Nikon would opt to do the same. To each their own, they both seem to be great cameras.
Also, here is a side by side spec comparison:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d5000%2Ccanon_eos500d&show=all
The T1 is a fine camera but once my Red Scarlet will finally be delivered I will not need any camera or videocams no more; and until then my beloved Casio EX- F1 never made me wish any other dSLR . I don't even think that I will sell it when the RED Scarlet arrives.
I'm not a pro photographer , but I often use photography as part of my profession and I'm convinced that there is no Canon, Nikon, or Olympus that can offer more than my EX-F1; and I could'nt care less if the Casio name does'nt carry the same cachet or mystique of other photo brands: for that price, or even for the double of its price, the EX-F1 is the best shooter money can buy.
Of course the Scarlet, with its HD prerogatives, will be something else, but if I should have payied VAT and did'nt have the possibility to detract from my taxes most of its price I doubt that I would have spent that kind of money, specially now that 1000 euros can get you an ass kicking EX-F1.
~~~~~~~~~~body-only price of ¥76,320 ($762)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
how come？ ¥76,320 ($762
Nice $729 for a body is a steep, considering you can get a D90 body for $890
Also couldn't they make the screen 3 inch and 920k, instead of 2.7 inchs and 230K
Going to be a cool battle, Nikon D90 vs Nikon D5000 vs Canon T1i :D
People talk about "this camera from brand X versus that camera from brand Y" but that is really only useful for new users or people with enough cash and need to keep multiple systems. Its interesting from a technical and fanboy perspective, but if you have a lens investment in any system, then you're pretty much stuck.
The exception to this investment issue is when Canon 5DMkII owners realized that it's an actual *advantage* to own Nikon lenses, since it's the best way to achieve manual aperture since Canon won't let you do it with actual Canon lenses. Doh!
Swivel screen? Who cares.
tripod users.
and pretty much everybody else who makes photos from unconventional angle.
11point auto focus? Nikon finally improved on the 3PT AF on D60.
No kidding. My 4 1/2 year old, entry-level, falling-apart Pentax has 11 points and a glass prism. It's been a race to the bottom with lower specs and more megapixels ever since.
The D50 had 5-point AF. The D40 was intentionally dumbed down to 3-point AF to provide a 'more simple DSLR', which was carried through to the D40x (10MP D40). The D60 was essentially a redux of the D40x with a few added features (sensor cleaner, stop-anim mode) so it also had the same 3-point AF.
The D5000 appears to be a different animal entirely - like a dumbed down D90, tweaked for video, and crammed in a D50 body with a swivel screen. It probably doesn't replace the D60, but rather the D60 might continue to drop in price and displace the D40 as the entry level DSLR.
Huh, it would seem that the "info" button has made its return. Which makes sense considering the absence of an eye sensor.
"just slightly less than the Canon T1i, which has a higher-res sensor and can shoot 1080p video"
Yes... at 20fps.
Pointless.
Who cares, it's 1080p full HD vs. D5000's 720p. The T1i is superior.
@Saad Rabis:
Wow, you've missed the point on several occasions.
20fps video is essentially useless, 24 is considered the minimum for smooth video, and even that is arguable.
Also, Neither of these cameras have had any tests done, so to say either one is superior is ridiculous.
>> "Who cares, it's 1080p full HD vs. D5000's 720p. The T1i is superior."
Um... no.
More pixels at a lower frame-rate does NOT equal better.
Besides... what do you need 1920x1080 for anyway? Are you gonna shoot movies to put on Blu-Ray? 720p at 24p is fine for the web... and even fine for your TV. The T1i will shoot 720p at 30 fps... but even that is a weird frame-rate.
It's funny... Canon keeps dancing around 24p but never gets it right... you can have either 20fps or 30fps with Canon.
And none of it matters because they both have CMOS sensors... jiggle city.
WHY swivel to the bottom??? Ridiculous. You can't put the thing down without adjusting it first.
I agree entirely. The Olympus method of swiveling the screen out to the side is much more practical.
The side is where the buttons go, and have gone for a very long time. Changing that would make this the only Nikon camera in years that doesn't have them there, and that kind of thing is important to people who shoot a lot with multiple bodies, or for getting people to upgrade to a d90/d300.
Actually, Oly's E-30 LCD flips to side and DPReview quite liked the overall layout of controls.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse30/page4.asp
Makes perfect sense. To the bottom is in a better position to look down when holding the camera chest high, down doesn't cover any buttons, and down means to can still easily look through the viewfinder.
Not sure why one would need a swivel view finder, especially to the bottom?
Swivel screens LCDs can be useful when you're trying to shoot over a crowd, or really close to the ground. This actually helps make Live View on dSLRs a pretty useful feature. I mean otherwise it really just cripples the camera.
I guess this is the best buy over the D60, good thing I waited before buying my camera :D
why cant slrs have screens like the canonn s5 is i currently use at my school?
I'm hoping that Nikon's decision to use 720p isn't going to carry over to the D400 (or however they choose to name the D300 replacement) when it arrives later this year (I hope). It would make sense that they kept the D5000 at 720p/24 fps as that would prevent cannibalization of the D90's sales and presumably the D400's sales.
The new swivel system is interesting, but still not as flexible as the side-mounted hinge.. Frankly I think even the Sony a350 implementation is better, as you could tilt the screen up or down even when the camera is on a flat surface (like on a table).
The D5000 uses the same sensor has the D90. And so presumable has the same limitations with its rolling shutter. Pushing the resolution higher would probably only make matters worse.
The eventual D400 will have a brand a new sensor. Which I suspect will have significant improvements in this area.
fly pass.....
So how does this thing compare to the D90? Better deal or what?
D90
+ slightly bigger, and much higher resolution LCD
+ Physical Controls for ISO, White Balance, Shooting Mode, Metering Mode, AF mode, and quality.
+ Bigger viewfinder
+ Secondary command dial on the front
+ Screw Drive motor for older AF lenses
+ DOF preview
+ Top mounted passive LCD
+ Slightly faster Continous shooting (4.5fps vs 4fps)
+ High Speed flash sync
+ Optional battery grip
D5000
+ Swivel out display
+ A bit smaller and lighter
+ Cheaper
That's it - Nikon's lost it - they have to stop making these gimmick cameras and go back to making rock solid proper cameras with the bells and whistles. We don't need these kinds of toy cameras that are half-arsed. Why do they keep doing this?
A flip out LCD is probably one of the most useful things they've come out with recently. As I said above, it can be extremely handy for shooting over crowds. And sure you could use a right angle finder for close to ground shots, but then that's something else you have to buy and then carry around.
DSLRs didn't remain stagnant in the past. So why is change so unwelcome now?
>> "Nikon's lost it - We don't need these kinds of toy cameras that are half-arsed. Why do they keep doing this?"
Doing what? They have a full line of nice cameras. This D5000 is a great camera too. If you don't like the flip-out screen or video recording... don't use those features. It's still a DSLR that takes regular pictures.
Or, you can get a D60, D90, D300, D700, D3, or D3X.
Choices, my friend... choices...
Just curious, but what is "half-arsed" with D5000?
I'm more confused with the naming convention. D5000 sounds like it should be above the D700 but instead it's between the D80 and D90.
Why didn't they just call it the D85 or the D80V etc?
@arkweld
Either of those names would make it sound like a successor to the D80, which is is not. Indeed the D80 still has numerous advantages over this body.
To someone not familiar with Nikon's naming convention, it does sound better. And perhaps that is the point. Anyone who is actually serious about their photography is bound to do a lot more research than just someone who wants it for casual shooting. Plus it has a "numerical advantage" over its main competition (eg. Canon 1000D).
Err, well maybe not the "main" completion. But you get the idea.
Cunthor,
It's half-arsed because:
- No built in lens motor
- Only 0.78x viewfinder magnification with only 95% coverage
- 2.7" LCD instead of the 3", with a very low 230k pixel count instead of the 900k (who cares about flip out? That's a Canon thing)
- Pop Up flash doesn't work with the "Creative Lighting" set up
- Only 720p with 24 fps and no choice to change it to any other ratio or 30fps (I wanted the choice)
Sticking with 720p is poor form but perhaps at this price point they weren't going to up the DMovie too much over the D90. At least it now adds VR stabilisation during DMovie shooting which should help a lot (as long as it works well). However while film makers love their 24fps, more video producers shoot for 25p and 30p to match TV broadcasting etc I can't imagine why I would shoot someones wedding in 24p etc For PAL countries, unless you are actually going to film, 24p is just not required...
That's it - I'm getting a Canon 5D Mark II. Better image quality and less whistles.
Really though - the D5000 and the Canon 5D Mark II are several classes (and several thousand dollars) apart. The D5000 isn't meant to compete with it at all ;)
Even though I'm a Canon fan the 30fps thing really bugs me, I'm glad Nikon got it right. Maybe Canon will give people what they want and flash 24p in both the 500D and the 5DMk2.
to be exact, canon 500D shoot 720p video at 30fps, better than nikon D5000's 24fps, yet canon offers 1080p at 20 fps, although it is crippled, but it is an extra.
@Jac
In video, 24fps is preferred over 30fps. In fact, the thing everyone was complaining about with the 5DmarkII was the lack of 24fps. 24fps gives a closer representation to film and movies.
While I would like 24p in my choices...
I bet half of the people who complain about it doesn't even know what advantages and Disadvantages come with that.
Another 12MP camera by Nikon? They need to catch up to Canon's 20+MP dSLRs- I know I know, everyone says Megapixel isn't the end-all, but it doesn't hurt that's for sure. And I've been a Nikon user since I was 11 (29 yrs & counting).
And let's make that 20-25 MP camera under 3 grand- not over 8 grand.
Remember folks, digital is an expensive- not an investment. I'm here all week. :)