Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90
By Darren Murph 
posted April 28th 2009 11:41AM
posted April 28th 2009 11:41AM
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Design
When compared to Nikon's mid-range D90 (just so you know, we'll be comparing these two throughout), the D5000 feels decidedly less solid. There's a little less rigidity, a little less heft and an overall feel that is best described as "plasticky." Not that we'd expect a so-called low(er)-end DSLR to be built like a tank (or the D700), but if you were hoping for something that could take a serious bruising, the D5000 ain't it. Also of note, the body feels smaller in the hand, and the limited placement of rubberized grips lets you know that you're playing with a piece designed for novices and amateurs.
That said, we're still duly impressed with the overall feel of the D5000 considering its price. For a "low-end" shooter, it sure feels good to hold, and those brand new to the DSLR realm will definitely be happy about wrapping their paws around it. Those familiar with the Dxx line will immediately notice the similarities here, and by and large, it maintains the same "feel" that most Nikon fanatics swear by. One other change that was glaringly apparent was the relocation of the mode dial from relatively empty left side to the cluttered right side just above the on / off switch. To be totally fair, we did notice a few areas where corners were cut in order to keep costs down. For starters, the viewfinder was a bit awkward to see in, and the internal view itself just felt cramped compared to the D90. Also, we were initially bothered by the lack of a top-mounted display, but it's something we adjusted to with time -- after all, it's hard to not enjoy peering at the admittedly detailed rear screen for glances at ISO, image quality, white balance, etc.
Display
Generally, we wouldn't bother dedicating an entire section to a camera's display, but Nikon's D5000 doesn't boast your typical screen. As the company's first DSLR with an articulating display, we felt it prudent to break out our opinions on this in order to make clear whether this addition is useful or just uselessly pretty. The 2.7-inch Vari-angle display (230,000-dot color LCD) definitely pales in comparison (in terms of resolution, anyway) when placed beside the D90's 3-inch, 920,000-dot color monitor. But what it lacks in pixels, it makes up for in versatility, brightness and utility. Without question, the D5000's monitor is stunning. Colors are remarkably sharp, brightness is superb and visibility in broad daylight is absolutely outstanding. Which is good, considering that the whole point here is to eye this bad boy while out and about and in awkward positions.
Nikon even thought to provide a remedy for the missing top-mounted LCD by implementing a highly detailed, wonderfully laid out GUI on the Vari-angle screen that shows off a smorgasbord of statistics. To name a few, it'll alert you if no SD card is present, tell you if the subject is too dark to adequately shoot and provide selectable options for viewing / changing the flash status, ISO, image quality, white balance, image size, release mode, focus mode, AF-area mode, exposure and F-stop. Seriously, this screen was a true joy to use, and while it took a moment to learn how to navigate to everything (a common issue with any new DSLR), everything made perfect sense and worked well. Also of note, Nikon actually chose to take advantage of the built-in accelerometer by enabling the objects on the display to rotate around as the camera is flipped. A nice touch, for sure.
So, the question you're here to have answered: does an articulating display really make DSLR ownership that much more amazing? In a pair of words, not really. Being totally candid, the only time a movable display is really beneficial is if you're relying on Live View or if you're shooting video -- two things that we don't really envision most folks doing except on occasion. For starters, Nikon's Live View implementation leaves a lot to be desired. The noticeable shutter lag when snapping a shot via Live View is unacceptable in most situations, though we suppose less serious shutterbugs may not mind. For the sake of testing, we flipped out the display and lined up awkward shots via Live View, and as expected, we were able to more accurately frame things with the Vari-angle there to help.
The movement of the hinge was just about perfect -- the gliding motion from one position to another was superb, and it held in place when we'd found the perfect spot. While shooting video -- which is still limited to 720p clips lasting five minutes or less -- we found it easier to shoot around bends and over obstacles, but we must caution you that it's darn near impossible to move the lens, readjust the Vari-angle LCD and manually adjust the focus ring in order to keep the blur from taking over your shot. In other words, this articulating display would be way, way more useful if the D5000 could continually auto focus while shooting video. Are you getting this Nikon (and Canon, while we're at it)? Continually auto focus while shooting video. As it stands, both Live View and video mode on the D5000 are lacking, and unfortunately for this amazing display, those two features are the best two (or only two, really) for taking advantage of a non-fixed rear monitor.
Image and video quality
In many ways, the internals of the D5000 mirror those found in the D90. 12.3 megapixel sensor in both? Check. 11 area TTL autofocus on both? Check. ISO 200 - 6,400 on both? Check. 'Course, you will find some differences, with the most notable being the lack of an in-body focus motor on the D5000 and the pentamirror viewfinder compared to the D90's pentaprism. That said, it shouldn't be too shocking to hear that the image quality from the D5000 isn't too dissimilar from that of the D90. In most situations, particularly for novices sticking with the stock lens, the D5000's image quality will be more than adequate. In the comparison shots below -- which used the D5000's 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens on both cameras -- the majority of the differences seen are from changes in lighting. From strictly an image quality standpoint, the D5000 holds its own for $850 (with a lens), and considering that you get the same sensor that's in the D90, it's tough to justify the extra cost if focusing solely on output. Don't take our word for it, though -- just have a look below to reach your own conclusion.
Read - Unedited 720p clip, leisurely walk (with jelly effect)
Read - Unedited 720p clip, zooming / blur / focus example
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Now, onto something we weren't so satisfied with: the video mode. As we stressed earlier, it's downright aggravating to think how awesome this 720p video mode would be if the camera could continually autofocus. As it stands, you'll need lots of practice (and lots of coordination) to pull off a video that's devoid of blur. Furthermore, there's still a five minute cap per clip; in case that's not sinking in, you can't shoot movie clips on the D5000 that are longer than five minutes each. Finally, the all-too-familiar "jelly effect" is out in full force here. When taking the camera for a leisurely stroll, our gait alone introduced an unmistakable amount of "wobble," making the video practically useless. Have a look at the clips below to see exactly what we mean.
Wrap-up
So, the bottom line. The final say. The wrap-up. Is the D5000 worth its weight in gold? Unfortunately, it's not really a cut and dry answer. For the DSLR newcomer, we view the D5000 as a perfect device for those willing to pony up the $850 (kit) / $729 (body only), but only if you're honestly not planning on utilizing the video mode extensively. We're exceptionally anxious to see what kind of performance Canon's rivaling T1i has in store, but alas, there's no way to compare those two just yet.
Would we recommend this over the D60? Without question. Essentially, you're getting a D90 sensor wrapped in a less sturdy / professional body for a few Benjamins less than Nikon's first DSLR to shoot HD video -- a fair compromise, if you ask us. Would we recommend this instead of the D90? Depends on your needs. If you're just looking to snap a few good shots of your kid playing baseball, the D5000 will do your memories proud enough; if you're hoping to make a few bones from shooting portraits and the like, you'll appreciate the D90's rigidity, top-mounted LCD, higher resolution LCD monitor and far superior kit lens (if you go the kit route). Either way, the D5000s a runaway winner for the price; indeed, the tough part won't be deciding on whether you should buy this, but if you should spend a bit more on the D90.
Forget I Really Saw This in real life, but no peephole?
You guys couldn't like, um, "lose" one of those cameras into my mailbox could you?
I see a nice write up on Nikon D5000 Camera kit at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/615725-REG/Nikon_25454_D5000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html read on and comment about camera i think it is the Nikon D80 camera replacement.
That Samsung I7500 story has weirdly disappeared
Here's a link to a mirror I found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDwur5-T_YE
It's up again; thanks Engadget!
It's difficult to tell, but the sensor should be the same, although the colors appear to be muted in the D5000 pictures; and the images aren't that sharp as well with the D5000, maybe due to the cheap lens? I might have to drag my own lens in to the store and do some test shots.
exposure is def. off.
Would have been nice to hand meter to get a duplicate exposure. Also distortion is way off, or the focal length because the cup of tea looks way different. Swapping lenses could help. Even putting some pro glass on it for test will let it perform at optimum.
This could be a function of the software on the camera.
Also I think the article has the cameras backwards as to which one has the pentamirror and which has the pentaprism.
The pentaprism, though heavier is generally the prefered technology when it comes to large bright viewfinders.
Gotta agree with the above. "the majority of the differences seen are from changes in lighting". Then how is that at all conclusive. You can't even get the exposure right, let alone the FoV. If you're using the same lens, the side-by-sides should be identical. Try testing with a prime and a better tripod if you can't manage with the kit.
Seriously Murph, come back in a fortnight when you know wtf you're doing and talking about.
D90 is slightly more expensive but comes w/ bigger&better LCD as well as slightly faster FPS.
D5000 almost the same on paper as D90, also lighter (more than 100g lighter than D90)
so it depends how ppl use their camera. if they use the swivel often and likes lighter cameras D5000 is a good step-up from anyone who wants upgrade from a DSLR-like camera
personally, i'll take D90 over 5000 any day... but the MRS would probably say otherwise :\
for me the clincher is the in-body focus motor. My wife has a d70 and she is going to get the d90 over this, because of that motor. Prism was a close second. a few frames here and there is not too big of a deal, but focus speed is huge.
"personally, i'll take D90 over 5000 any day... but the MRS would probably say otherwise :\"
Tell her that the D90 is cheaper... it's got a lower number, right? In fact, maybe you should go for the D3. That's really small number!
The D90 also has far superior controls. Trying to adjust anything other than shutter speed and aperture is slow and cumbersome on Nikon's heavily menu driven entry levels.
I think if you're already spending something that much, 850 and 1150 aint that much of a difference..
someone i know used to say, If you're gonna use it yourself, don't cheap out.. might as well wait til you get the money for the D90
i really wish engadget would stop pretending it knows what its talking about when it comes to cameras.
They know more than a lot of the site visitors who aren't professional photographers but are interested in it as a hobby. And if you're going to complain, you should really articulate your specific issues, and maybe include a link to your own in-depth reviews and insights.
If you need the in-depth review from an expert, you know where to go. I'm sure Engadget will refund you for the cost of reading this review.
@ jayconverge
+1
The comparison is pretty shallow, but this is engadget, not cameralabs.
the above message was +1ing joe, not jayconverge.
my fail
yeah they're writing reviews for techies, not for photographers, if you want the pro reviews head to dpreview.com
Body looks like Nikon with canon texture(i've seen one) really does feel plasticky Oh well can't have everything for a price between a D40x/D80(when they came out)
Very nice short take.
I'm very eager to see how the Olympus E-620 compares. It has the contrast-detect AF with many of its lenses, which makes Live View (and thus its articulating screen, which Oly has had for generations) much more useful. A few fewer AF points, but more cross-type, I believe. Price is about the same, but Olympus kit lenses are probably better than the 18-55. Plus, the Oly kit lenses give you 28-300mm (35mm EFL), which is a nice range. Finally, the 620 is smaller and lighter.
Still, the Nikon surely has the Olympus beat on noise at higher ISOs. I wouldn't shoot above 1600 on a current-gen Oly, and even that may be pushing it. I hope Engadget does a review like this of the E-620 so we can compare notes.
I agree ISO3200 is a make or break here. I'm sure both the T1i/500D/X3 and the D5000 have it beat here, given their respective sensors - its quite usable. Size-wise, the E620 isn't small enough to make a huge difference, but it does have that 25mm pancake
With no AF available in video mode, I'd rather pick the E-620. Focus adjustment and the better screen tilt/twist may be better for me. The D5000's flip towards the bottom seems less practical in use. Better kit lens, too.
I like the thought process behind the D5000, but the implementation seems kinda lacking. But I'll definitely pick this one over the Canon. Live view really is best served with a tilt/twist screen.
Disclaimer: I use Pentax, but I'm not brand-biased.
Small error in "Image and video quality" - the D90 has the penta-prism, the 5000 the penta-mirror.
what's the point of having pop out display?
Shooting video, camcorder style or shooting macro on a tripod (when it's not always possible or convenient to get your eye to the viewfinder.
or holding the camera really close to the ground, or around a corner, etc.
Way back I had the swiveling CoolPix 990... it was awesome to be able to for example take pictures from the hip without people knowing. Came in handy in quite a number of other situations, too.
It's one of those features you really appreciate once you have it.
Why even opt for the D5000? The Canon T1i is loads better. Don't be fooled by the swiveling screen.... you aren't going to be any better of a photographer with that capability.
SOME Apple vs PC arguments I understand (different personalities that run the companies, different company structures, different business models, different effects on the rest of the related industries, etc.).
Nikon vs Canon argument, on the other hand, is PLAIN RETARDED
So the question is: D5000 or T1i?
'Course, you will find some differences, with the most notable being the lack of an in-body focus motor on the D5000 and the pentaprism viewfinder compared to the D90's pentamirror.
I think you got them the other way around. The D90 has a pentaprism...
Maybe it is just the UK, but here the current discounted D90 is coming in at the same or slightly less than the initial price offers on the D5000. Maybe D5000 prices will come down in time, they need to. Maybe Nikon would like D90 prices to rise, but in the current competitive market that seems a pipe dream.
What the hell lame ass comment is: "Also of note, the body feels smaller in the hand, and the limited placement of rubberized grips lets you know that you're playing with a piece designed for novices and amateurs"???
What does the size and placement of the grips have to with novice, amateur, or even pro cameras? I find more large camera's completely useless; unless on a tripod. A 'smaller in the hand' camera allow me, a semi-profession with a few international magazine cover shot, the freedom to be creative and more around to get the best shot possible.
After reading your first design paragraph I stopped. After all it is clearly a tech column not a real photographic review. Next time if you wanted to indicate that you think that this is a novice camera than give a real reason like the bundled lens would appear that Nikon's intent is toward the entry level user with this DSLR.
A lot of people - pros and non-pros alike - think that you need a giant camera that weighs a ton if you want to take Pro photographs. There's something to be said for some heft, but part of is is simply perception. Probably from back when the good cameras actually needed to be huge and weigh a ton....
Personally, I think it's BS. Use what you like best.
"... considering that the whole point here is to eye this bad boy while out and about and in awkward positions."
...
hmmm.
Put the lens back on!! Don't you know how expensive it is to get a decent sensor cleaning these days!?
I don't know - what does an Olympus cost? That's how you avoid dust on the sensor (SSWF cleaning). Ok, no more Oly fanboyism from me. Cheers!
You buy sensor cleaning swabs and fluid and do it yourself?
Otherwise, you're paying too much.
I got my Nikon D60 nikon demo (90 day warranty from Nikon, 1 year from Cameta Camera who I checked out before buying) for $400 with 18-55 VR kit. For less than the Nikon D5000 I can buy the two lenses I most likely will buy anyway, the 35mm F1.8 and the 55-200 VR. Shoot someone is selling a barely used 55-200 on craigslist for $120.
Or I can buy a dedicated HD camcorder (I have no idea how much those cost yet though, that's my next purchase).
Is the D5000 that much better?
What most reviews fail to mention is the spread of the CMOS sensor through the Nikon's product lineup. It is the cheapest camera with a CMOS sensor from Nikon. CMOS has been the reason why Canons have been superior in high-iso performance for ages now (and the difference was/is night&day). An advantage that is clearly dissappearing as soon as everyone else started shifting from CCD's to CMOS. d40's and d60's are ancient, and clearly need the replacement. D60, when it first came out, retailed for 800 bucks as well, so this is clearly a pretty much direct replacement (not an in-between as most reviews state this, obviously an older model is going to be selling for less than the replacement).
Oddly, the prices I have seen for the D5000 make it more expensive than the D90, which rather makes the decision on which to buy a no-brainer. Perhaps the retailer is either a) mad or, b) selling it for a higher price because it is new.
As noted in other posts, I'm not really interested in the D5000 but do hope that the display is added onto the successors to the D90 and D300.
I dunno: I think a good rule of thumb is that autofocus is for snapshots, while manual focus is for photographs. The biggest reason I bought a DSLR was that my P&S took beautiful photos, but too often got the autofocus wrong. And I found I can focus correctly as fast as, or faster than, my DSLR's attempts anyway.
Also, if people want to shoot video, they should buy camcorders. This is one slice of convergence that marketers love but that makes little sense in the real world.
Well, a nice clean ISO3200, if you need it. The D60 has fairly nasty colors right out of the box too, way too bright - I guess there's a way to adjust that though.
It's all relative isn't it. I have a 5 year old D50 which takes great photos. The D60 is surely much better than that.... "nasty" colors? I don't think so... ;)
How many cameras out there have an awesome LCD screen like this one? I was shooting this past weekend and realized how awesome it would be when I shot a picture about 3 inches from the ground. But then my problem is that I'm not willing to pay this much...I'm looking more in the $300 range (DSLR like cameras). But still, I would like to know how many cameras have LCDs like this, regardless of the price.
The gushing over the info on the back screen just makes my head hurt. This is not the first dSLR to do that and it doesn't really give you any more information then every other dSLR's back screen gives you. It's like you've never used a digital camera before.
the comparison of the two cameras was fair enough - but those pictures of the two cameras side by side unbelievable. what did you use - a phone camera?! no wonder most people are happy with anything that produces an image. certainly not the best pics for someone that's making an opinion promoting camera image quality. i would think that someone there would know how to take a sharp picture or can see the difference.
Brilliant conclusion, it answered the major questions I had about the 5000 vs the D90. I'll be ordering my D90 now :D
I love this camera!
Sig Solares