D5000 is the newest offering from Nikon which is supposed to be a replacement from the D60 and the D40. This can be attributed to the growing popularity of DSLR and as manifested by the recent boom of manufacturers releasing either bulked-up or stripped-down products to make sure that they will not lose their market. However, this strategy has caused confusion among consumers. For instance, when Nikon released the D40 and D60 series (this is before the D5000 was released), many were surprised that the auto-focus motor feature was removed. This simplification of the models made them inexpensive but some customers were dissatisfied because their choices of lenses that can be auto-focused are now limited.

Fortunately, Nikon has now decided to create an upper-entry-level DSLR that sits below the likes of D90. It is then safe to assume that the D5000 is a crossbreed of the D60 and the D90. The D500 has the imaging assembly capabilities, AF module Live View and HD video recording features of the D90. It also has the info panel-based navigation of the D60. In a way, the D5000 is on a higher level than the D60 but not that cutting-edge as the D90.

As mentioned, the D5000 is a crossover between the two former models in terms of its features but it also has its own functions that are unique to this particular model. First of which is the LCD display that can be readjusted. All previous Nikon DSLRs do not have a positionable LCD display and this feature of the D5000 is definitely a plus. You can rotate the LCD display of the D5000 into a number of positions and it can also be flipped to protect the screen display when the D5000 is not in use.

Apart from a positionable LCD display, the D5000 also has an articulated rear LCD and a mirror feature that well fits the small size and inconspicuous appearance of the D5000. However, because of these features, one major setback of the D5000 is that it does not have the best anti-glare coating which is very important when the lenses are exposed to a very broad daylight.

The D5000 also has the capability to set your photos with more scene modes choices…… Read more

First off here’s why I like this camera so much and why it’s my favorite:

The D90 has a very solid tight feel that is well balanced with the included 10-105 VR lens. This camera once turned on is ready to go and shoots very fast. The direct access buttons are easy to press and provide very good feedback feel to the touch. This helps a lot as your not digging into the menus which means you can work much faster.

I kind of thought that the lens which came with it would be average at best, it actually turned out to be a nice surprise. Everything comes out very sharp and crisp looking.

The size of the camera is a perfect fit for me and I’ve heard from others the same comment. Ergonomically it fits really well in your hands and is very comfortable.

The LCD which is a hi resolution screen is pretty amazing. Everything is so bright and clear and easy to see all the details.

The AF is a little slow but very accurate.

One of the things which I don’t like about it, is the video quality is not that great. I didn’t buy the camera for video and hardly use that function anyway so it’s not that big of a negative in my opinion.

Having owned the camera for over a year now I can honestly say I have no regrets with my purchase. This wasn’t the case with my old camera (which is why I bought this one). I’ve seen other pro cameras that cost a lot more money and this camera has no problem keeping up with them. The pictures that it takes are just as good as the more expensive cameras too.

There are a couple small points that if you are a pro and looking at this camera that are a little irksome. If you’re going to shoot with studio lights there isn’t a sync port so you’ll have to shell out $20 for an AS-15 sync adapter. The other point is that flash sync speed is 1/200 not 1/250 like some of the more expensive models. This only really matters if you’re shooting in a studio and using studio lights to get rid of as much ambient light as possible….. Read more