Nikon D5000 articulates its way into reality
By Nilay Patel 
posted April 14th 2009 12:01AM
posted April 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.
Actually, it can hurt :P
As a 20-year pro well versed in the game, I beg to differ my friend. I know everyone is harping over MP not being a big factor, but that only applies if you add it to a small poor-quality image sensor.
Watch- these camera manufacturers won't sit at 10-12 MPs, they'll move up and up- because when you have more pixels, you retain more info and detail to print larger.
And yes, image sensor quality is key too, but 10,000 paint dots in a painting has more detail, as compared to 1,000 dots in a painting- simple fact.
Umm, the only 20+MP dSLRs on the market today are Full Frame. And Nikon makes one of those.
"Watch- these camera manufacturers won't sit at 10-12 MPs, they'll move up and up- because when you have more pixels, you retain more info and detail to print larger."
That isn't necessarily true. First off the lens has to be sharp enough. Especially since a crop frame sensor has a much higher pixel density. And the aperture you're shooting at has to be sharp enough. Wide open it probably won't be. And stopped down too much and you get into diffraction limitation territory. You have to shoot at a low enough ISO, since noise destroys detail.
Then there is one factor that is totally out of the photographer's hands: The low pass filter. Often manufacturers choose to incorporate a rather aggressive one for the pixel density.
BTW, diffraction limitation occurs sooner with higher pixel densities.
plus, frame rate means little to me- I'm producing images, not shooting like mad for mediocre shots I'll never use- I want quality- I want to produce gems- not 30 shots of a moment I could capture with 2 or 3 top-notch images. It's the difference between someone who works in the industry, and someone who gets caught up in technical mumbo-jumbo.
@Mr Chunky. Talk with some professionals who can explain you why things the way they are.
For the market camera is targeted, 12MP is more than enough. With the physical sensor size, per optics, one is limited to about 15MP. 12MP is not too far from limit of actual technology. More smaller pixels would only decrease quality.
Also, with higher pixel count you get much larger RAWs. Talk to folks who have to work with 30+MB RAWs on daily basis - and ask how much /fun/ it is. Unless somebody pressed hard to work with such huge files, there would be very very few volunteers. I hope that future cameras would be allowing to select the shooting resolution - and resulting RAW size - to opt for quality or quantity depending on shooting conditions.
As to shooting speed. Burst mode became quite important and shooting events or kids or sports is pretty much impossible without good RAW fps rate. Here, faster equals better. You do not need it for portraits or macro, but for the rest it is quite important.
BTW, my point & shoot is a 14.7 Megapixel camera, slightly bigger than a business card - sure the tiny image sensor doesn't compete with the Nikon & Canon dSLRs, but the LCD screen is the same size at 2.7".
DSLRs need to make 3"+ screens- bigger more expensive cameras for advanced shooters need to not compete in screen size with a camera you can fit into your tight 501 hole-ridden Levi jeans.
I think I just dated myself.
Okay, a camera that fits into your Members Only jacket as you get into your Chevy Chevette.
Flip out screens tend to invoke a size penalty.
Also your camera probably doesn't have a lot of controls on its back. Nor even an viewfinder.
Funny, I thought we were talking about cameras not PMP's ... sure a bigger screen is nice, but not at the expense of control access. I use my DSLR screen for reviewing images - as long as I can get to 100% to check focus, I'm happy. I'll watch movies and such on my TV thank you.
Beyond having a higher IQ due to a much larger sensor than your pocketable P&S, most DSLR's give you immediate access to camera controls. No flipping through menu's to get to Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, WB, AE/AF Lock, and EV stepping - it's all right there. This is critical to photographers. Your point and shoot gets by with most of this automated, and some of it buried in menus because of the target market.
The big screen on a compact = loss of control access is perfectly exemplified on Sigma's DP* cameras and Ricoh GRD's. The screens ate up real estate that was needed for controls. The designers had to do all sorts of tricks to get the controls quickly accessible through menus, which most find less than convenient.
I love the attacks, as if you work for Nikon.
I've owned many 35mm dSLRs dating back in '95, that's right, 1995 when Nikon came out with their first, called the E2s. But give me a break- all these 12MP cameras while Canon covers the range from 12 to 17 to 25MP, with a tight image sensor. Plus, I wrote the book on using your functions- literally- I authored a book on Exposure, and it's sellin' like hot cakes this year. No need to tell me how critical your functions are - I've shot a million commercial travel images around the world.
My point about my compact camera is that these companies are moving forward- I love Nikon, trust me, it's the only 35mm I've used, but they need to add the things the pros want. And I don't want or need HD movies- I need large archival RAW images with tons of info. Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO has been around for 150 years. I want more information than 35mm film.
In the day and age of touch screen, I say cover the back with a screen that you touch to get to your functions- only takes a second- we do it already, fumbling through clumsy menus. I don't want it to check exposure, I want to review my shot. I don't need it since I usually get the shot, I want it.
Nikon, get rid of 9-10 different models & cut it to 5 - simple to amateur, semi pro to pro, to the advanced pro - and get rid of the 8 grand beast - 4 grand is enough for a camera you'll dump in 3 years.
A touch screen would mean removing your hand from the grip or lens. And then putting your greasy fingers on the display.
Okay, admittedly I'm probably biased here. I despise devices that rely entirely on touch screen input. But why is it ever since the bloody iPhone that buttons have been viewed as Satan's own?
D5000 Complete features:
http://fototalk.net/photography-equipments/nikon-d5000-features/
D5000 Full specifications:
http://fototalk.net/photography-equipments/nikon-d5000-specifications/
Futureshop of Canada just posted this camera on their website and are accepting pre-order!
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10123047
I like it. This seems more like the D80 or D70s replacement. That price is going to be less than $700 online, I just know it.
Those bodies are both discontinued, and don't have a position in the current pricing lineup. And in terms of features they are both arguably better cameras than this.
Sound is going to suck bad with that PoS 3-hole microphone without external mic attachment. Panasonic got it right with the GH1, they offer an external mic. Canon doesn't, and now Nikon failed too. Mic input would have been _the_ reason too choose the D5000 over the 500D.
And even the dpreview crew couldn't stop how eyeballscorching ugly this thing is. It looks like someone put it in the microwave.
It's my impression that Nikon and Canon aren't, at this point, really interested in making quality "video camera" dSLRs. Just appeasing those looking for a minor video recording function, as well as those moving up from a point and shoot and don't wish to lose this functionality (which was probably pretty poor on their previous camera too). Perhaps it would conflict with their other interests?
I don't think you'll notice the quality of the mic with that (11KHz mono) audio quality.
If you have a seperate mic, you can also plug it into a minidisc or walkman.
It's the reason they still make them.
I would prefer decent audio but without compression this can add 10MB per minute to your file.
And that's just for CD quality audio.
It had better swivel past vertical otherwise you won't be able to shoot over stuff.
Actually all you'd have to do is swivel it around the y-axis. Silly me.
its so cool. i hav a slr of olympus, but this one seemz cooler, i am a photographer and i was looking for something which would be handy and will also give me ease of use.i think i have found my future camera well I moved in a new neighborhood, i was searching for property to let in central london for quite some time and i accidentally found this amazing website no agents 24 with loads and loads of information about tips for tenants.tips for moving. I really like my new house. i went out for some fresh air today early morning, although i am generally not the morning person type but i have to admit i really enjoyed it.
now i really wish i hadn't just bought a new D60
Is it too much to ask for a DSLR that lets me use my iPhone to control it?
Maybe iphone OS 3.0 will allow a tether to camera option. apple and canon are friends, after all.