Nikon D5000 hands-on

We knew good and well Nikon's highly anticipated D5000 was supposed to start shipping today, and ship they did. Our own unit just arrived courtesy of an altogether suspicious unmarked white van, but rather than questioning the driver, we figured it prudent to just give you a closer look at what exactly comes in the box. Obviously, we got ahold of the D5000 Kit, which runs $849.95 and comes bundled with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Nikkor lens. Initial impressions are as follows: it's lightweight, it's sexy and the articulating display is downright spectacular. Sure, it lacks some resolution compared to the D90's fixed LCD, but it sure shines bright. Expect a more thorough rundown in the not-too-distant future; till then, enjoy the gallery below!

Gallery: Nikon D5000 hands-on

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[Samboini @ Apr 27th 2009 3:47PM]

The amount of packaging on everything nowadays upsets me. This one does fare ever so slightly better in that stake.

Related: do want.

[Kyle B @ Apr 27th 2009 4:00PM]

Yeah a tiny bit of paper and plastic in an $850 piece of photo equipment is horrible. I would much rather get broken electronics in the mail and save a tiny portion of a tree that will be grown back in a tree farm.

[Billy Fiul @ Apr 27th 2009 5:43PM]

Nikon is the camera brand for douche bags. Don't believe me? Just ask Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk).

[Steve @ Apr 27th 2009 3:48PM]

Looks good. I wonder how the video will look like.

[Plothole @ Apr 27th 2009 11:10PM]

By all accounts the video quality will be very similar to the D90. Rolling shutter et al.

[famousamos34 @ Apr 27th 2009 3:53PM]

Sexy...

[synn @ Apr 27th 2009 11:35PM]

@Billy: Did you forget the fact that Canon makes several other products such as office automation systems and have a wider (And more comprehensive) range of point and shoots, an important segment where Nikon has been a reluctant participants until very recently? (I'm a Nikonian and i can fully attest to the fact that if I'm in the market for a P&S, I'd much rather choose a Canon, a Panny or a Sony).

THAT'S pretty much reason why Canon is a much larger company than Nikon. And it has nothing to do with their SLRs and associated optics. Both companies make pro quality optics and supply quality glass for scientific and military applications. Also, if you ask any REAL photographer, they couldn't care less how much their brand of choice makes every year and all that. They go out and take pictures. End of story.

Ken Rockwell says that both marques make equally good glass and anyone who professes a distinct advantage for one over the other is unfortunately mislead. And I'd rather take his word over yours any day.

BTW, my boss's 5D Mk II takes better pictures with Leica R lenses than with L glass and my D70S astonished me with a Zeiss 50mm prime with detailing I never achieved with a Nikon equivalent. So there. :p

[synn @ Apr 28th 2009 12:00AM]

Good lord, Engadget, publish the comment in the right place for once!

[colin @ Apr 29th 2009 4:29PM]

clearly engadget put your second comment exactly where you wanted it...

[Jeff @ Apr 27th 2009 4:13PM]

I would love that my Canon EOS50D had an articulating display, but downwards? Doesn't do much good if you have the camera on a tripod or a table. Nice if you're shooting around corners, though. This covers maybe 1/3 of my use cases. It should flip out on the left side and put those 5 buttons just to the right of the display.

[Cassini @ Apr 27th 2009 5:02PM]

"It should flip out on the left side and put those 5 buttons just to the right of the display."

Yes, exactly.

[iKurt4 @ Apr 27th 2009 4:12PM]

Any advantage of this than the Canon Rebel T1i? I know that Canon makes pro lenses, but I have never seen any pros using Nikons in NBA games or Golf tourneys. I'm leaning towards the T1i, because Canon knows a thing or two about photography and HD video broadcast cameras.

[adam @ Apr 27th 2009 4:20PM]

Nikon is very well known for it's professional lenses (and cameras). For something like the last 50 years Nikon cameras have been the weapon of choice for professional journalists, combat photographers and many others (the Apollo moon mission used a modifed F series Nikon).

That being said, the choice of Nikon vs. Cannon really comes down to personal preference. They both make top notch professional products. and the question of which is better seems to be a question that can only be answered by the individual.

[Billy Fiul @ Apr 27th 2009 6:01PM]

Nikon = $7.6 billion revenue < Canon = $46.4 billion revenue


It's quite apparent after comparing the two MNCs' revenue amounts why Nikon can't make a camera better than Canon -- they simply don't have enough money to invest in R&D. Let's see Nikon release a camera that doesn't exhibit the 'jelly movement', for example. Nikon is a joke compared to Canon.

[Shaun @ Apr 27th 2009 7:04PM]

So Billy by that logic, Microsoft > Apple?

I'm not arguing who is better, but I don't think that by comparing the revenue of two companies you can conclude who makes the better product.

[Billy Fiul @ Apr 27th 2009 8:21PM]

@Shaun

No, MS and Apple make radically different products; one corporation's main business is software, while the others specializes in hardware (despite what Apple may say).

Nikon and Canon, on the other hand, share a very similar line of products, and therefore comparing their revenue is not inappropriate.

Do you understand why your comparison is invalid?

[kompulsive @ Apr 27th 2009 9:16PM]

I really would've liked to see a few more key upgrades than just a swiveling LCD screen to "wow" people. Personally, I don't think I'd even use it. I love both Canon and Nikon. I've been shooting a Nikon FM10 since I was about 7 years-old and they make wonderful products. Nikon also has some great DSLR offerings. However, as a consumer in the market for a DSLR, I would have to go with the Canon T1 if I were to buy today.

[Gr1zz @ Apr 27th 2009 4:16PM]

When I bought my consumer level Point & shoot all cameras had swivel screens. Now none of them have them and its a magical special feature?

What gives? Bring back swiveling screens across the board!

[ash @ Apr 27th 2009 4:17PM]

Everything but the Nikon logo is backwards. These days it's either backwards buttons or horizontal distortions.

[E @ Apr 27th 2009 4:33PM]

Or the screen is rotated and flipped (check) and the camera is shown upside down (check).

[beans @ Apr 27th 2009 4:34PM]

no matter how obvious the joke is, there's always that one guy...

[ash @ Apr 27th 2009 11:18PM]

Well at least I got to be that guy...

"Someone's got a case of the Mondays!"

[Sam Posten @ Apr 27th 2009 4:24PM]

Needs a cat pic to be official.

[jimusick @ Apr 27th 2009 4:21PM]

comment not working!?

[beans @ Apr 27th 2009 4:25PM]

I'm sorry, but what's the benefit of having an articulating display?

[Wolfticket @ Apr 27th 2009 4:37PM]

Ever try to shoot a photo from below, above or to the side of your eye line?

[Plothole @ Apr 27th 2009 4:38PM]

You can shoot over crowds, or close to the ground (without getting dirty). Some help you compose for self portraits as well... though in this case the tripod would probably get in the way.

[beans @ Apr 27th 2009 4:51PM]

other than doing a self portrait (like those queer myspace poses), this seems like a feature better suited for a point&shoot camera. I dunno, I guess it's just not for me. Shooting over a crowd and stuff seems kinda legit, but then you have lens barrel as reference...I guess actually knowing what is in frame reduces some trial and error, but meh, not something I normally do anyways. But whatever, as long as people find it useful.

[RoroCo @ Apr 27th 2009 5:05PM]

Beans... I have several friends that are SLR snobs and they all poo-poo LiveView and articulating LCD screens. They are being traditionalists and nothing more. I have had a Sony R1 for a while now and it has a brilliant screen with LiveView, and I can tell you that it has helped me get shot the eye viewer would never let me get. The reasons are...

1) You are not tied down to your eye-level. You can shoot from above or waist-level with ease
2) Using an LCD you can keep one eye on the subject and one on the screen. For motion photography it is very helpful seeing the subject before it moves into the frame.
3) A not so obvious one... When you are shooting using an eye-piece... everyone knows you are about to take a picture, which makes getting natural photos tough. You can be a bit more discrete with an LCD screen.

The bottom line is I am glad SLRs are moving to more flexible shooting options. It only helps people take better shots.

[Jeff @ Apr 27th 2009 6:11PM]

I have been amazed at how snobbish people are about new features. "I didn't have an articulating display when *I* grew up. And we walked barefoot in the snow and wore an onion on our belt!" I had a bad EOS50D- couldn't autofocus and had to replace it, and I posted to dpreview and the a-holes came out of the woodwork to tell me I sucked as a photographer, and looking at their posts, they told other people they were idiots for wanting some other feature or other. Geez folks, give them a break for making the products even more useful. New features aren't for everyone, but they are nice to have if they don't dramatically raise the price.

[beans @ Apr 27th 2009 7:44PM]

calm down man, it was a simple question. i wasn't trying to be snobbish, i just didn't see any benefit to me,

[dclamster @ Apr 28th 2009 12:09AM]

Not to be snobbish, but using the live view screen over the viewfinder does greatly increase camera shake, especially with a heavier camera that is more difficult to stabilize. Using the viewfinder to shoot helps to stabilize the camera, as your arms are closer and in a more stable position when up to your body, and your face can be used for stabilization. In addition, it is easier to detect camera shake through the viewfinder. Finally, live view screens eat up battery. There are some definite downsides to the live view screen.

That being said, it is always nice to have options, so I am all for it...and live view + an articulating display is even better. I bought a Canon A620 for my point-and-shoot/less expensive camera a few years ago. I love the articulating display on it...it has been incredibly useful on numerous occasions. And that camera is built like a tank. I once dropped it onto pavement from 5 feet up and I think the pictures became sharper after that.

[hjenkins @ Apr 27th 2009 4:41PM]

I wonder what camera was used to take pictures of that camera.

[Darren @ Apr 27th 2009 4:49PM]

Nikon D90 ;-)

[hjenkins @ Apr 27th 2009 4:52PM]

NC State, hell yeah.

[Darren @ Apr 27th 2009 5:02PM]

You know it! Go Pack!

[McD @ Apr 27th 2009 7:39PM]

Wolfpack PRIDE!

[MONKEY @ Apr 28th 2009 3:42AM]

A side-by-side with the D90 would be nice...

[Cassini @ Apr 27th 2009 5:00PM]

The screen is right side up, and the camera is upside down. Nice, LOL... Yeah, that will serve to be real practical. So I guess in that photo, the tripod threads are at the top of the camera (joking). May want to rethink that one, Nikon.

[beans @ Apr 27th 2009 5:05PM]

yeah, I though maybe if it swiveled to the left like a camcorder that that would be a bit more practical. Of course all the buttons on the left side would have to be moved...

[bugbot42 @ Apr 28th 2009 9:04AM]

Anyone know if Adobe Photoshop CS3 is compatible with the RAW files the D5000 can shoot in?

[synn @ Apr 28th 2009 10:39PM]

Yes, the NEF (Nikon RAW) File format is compatible with the CS3 RAW module, but you'd be better off with Lightroom, IMO.

[Arkenklo @ Apr 28th 2009 12:01AM]

Hey guys, I don't know if you've noticed, but the buttons are all upside down. You might want to check that out.

[appull60 @ Apr 28th 2009 12:19AM]

WANT.

[shannon yeh @ Apr 28th 2009 4:21AM]

this camera looks really nice. tho im afraid it might over heat due to the HD video i might as well sell my canon dv and get an HD one. i have a nikon d40 and it takes amazing pics but i may just really might upgrade to this or the d90. =)

[ABOMIBOT @ Apr 28th 2009 4:52AM]

I bought one of these on Sunday at a Manhattan BestBuy. I love it. The biggest surprise was how insanely TINY it is. It looks so hunky chunky but it basically will sit in the palm of my ham-fisted paw. Yet it has a great hand feel when I'm using it. And it feels very solid. My only gripe with build quality is the not-smooth-feeling-enough zoom of the kit lens. The zoom on my Sony PMW-EX1 HD video camera feels silky and smooth. The D5000's feels like it needs some lube or something. I think I already have an expensive lens in my future.

I am the target audience. I'm a tech head (professional video/animation, gadget freak, go Apple!), I've never owned a dSLR before but want to learn, have a significant other who wants point and click ease AND I'm leaving Wednesday for a photogenic vacation and don't have time to get up to speed 100% on the detailed vagaries of manual shooting before I'll want to snap some great shots. After a few hundred photos I've mostly given up the AF and the LCD for the viewfinder and manual focus, but expect to use both quite a bit. The LCD is great. Mostly use it flipped around and flattened onto the back of the camera like a point and shoot. But I have to say the best use is getting candid photos of people. Flip it out at ninety degrees to the body, hold the camera in your lap and set the thing to Quiet Shutter mode and no one -- NO ONE knows you're taking a photo of them. People are programmed to only be wary of these sorts of cameras when they're against your face.

Menus are a bit daunting and dense but they're getting easier to navigate already. I did some exposure bracketing and knitted together a few HDR shots on my first day, so they can't be that hard, right?

Finally I just want to mention video: I think it's best to think of the video on this (and any camera) as emergency back up. It's just not up to snuff. If I'm witness to a breaking news event or something it'll be great to have. But if I want to shoot decent HD I'll stick with my dedicated HD video cam, thanks very much.

After one day I give the camera 9/10. The kit lens? 7/10 because the AF is so dang slow.

[Spod @ Apr 28th 2009 6:40AM]

So what camera did they use to take the pictures of the Nikon D5000?

[shapey @ Apr 28th 2009 9:08AM]

why does it matter?

[supercool @ Apr 29th 2009 2:24PM]

It's time for a bat fight..

[NYer :[ @ Apr 30th 2009 6:41PM]

this camera is completely useless. we want lenses nikon... lenses!