Nikon's D5000 DSLR: Small and Feature-Packed

[Jason Dunn]

<p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/LD16TYWOCpg&amp;ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LD16TYWOCpg&amp;ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>This is my review video of the Nikon D5000 DSLR. The D5000 has a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, can record 720p videos at 24fps (MJPEG format). The 2.7 inch screen flips down and rotates around to face the front. It also has 19 auto-exposure scene modes, up to 4fps shooting, one-button Live View, ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200, built-in image sensor cleaning, 11-point autofocus system with 3D focus tracking, auto active D-Lighting, in-camera image retouching with special effects, and more. <MORE /></p><p>The video is kind of funny, because I discovered something about that the camera while I was complaining about something I didn't like - there's nothing like proving yourself wrong on video! My complaint was that when the camera was in full auto mode, I couldn't press the flash button to pop up the flash and force the camera to use it. Duh right? Of course I couldn't do that - the camera would only pop up the flash if it thought it was needed. I don't know why I didn't clue into that rather obvious fact sooner - at any rate, when the camera is set to any of the manual modes (including shutter priority, aperture priority, etc.) you can manually pop up the flash and it will be used.</p><p>All in all, I quite like the D5000 - though I find that I'm using my Panasonic GF1 more than any other camera I own right now.</p><p>Want to buy a D5000 and support this site? <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yfgst9m" target="_blank">Check here for Amazon's price</a>. [Affiliate]</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's still searching for the perfect netbook.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, <a class="iAs" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/93798/dell-s-inspiron-mini-10-reviewed.html" target="_blank">software</a> and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>

[John London]

Although these camera's are different to a certain degree(Panasonic GF1 or Nikon D5000), which one do you think does a better job of taking pictures? IQ is better on what camera? Video, I assume is probably better on the GF1?

[Jason Dunn]

Although these camera's are different to a certain degree(Panasonic GF1 or Nikon D5000), which one do you think does a better job of taking pictures? IQ is better on what camera? Video, I assume is probably better on the GF1?

Image quality is better on the D5000; it has a physically bigger sensor, which translates to better low-light performance. ISO 800 looks better on the D5000 than it does on the GF1...that said, the GF1 is so much better than any point and shoot, I don't have many complaints about the image quality until I get up to ISO 1600. My video review of the GF1 is coming up later this week - Wednesday I think. You can find it already live in my YouTube channel if you want to watch it today (thoughtsmedia).

Video is infinitely better on the GF1 in terms of practical usability. If I were to compare side by side video on a tripod with a non-moving subject, I suspect the D5000 might look technically better...but the lack of auto-focus and subject tracking on the D5000 makes it less useful for video. There's just nothing practical about having to manually refocus constantly if you have a moving subject (which, let's face it, much of life is moving!). So for me, the video experience on the D5000 is pretty sucky. :(

[Tony Rylow]

Enjoyed this review of the D5000, and comparing it to my current D3000. I'm enjoying the heck out of my camera, but find my self wishing for a few of the features of the D5000. Mostly the Liveview (although I prefer using the viewfinder), the better sensor, and bracketing mode.

Oh yeah, and that D300 is just monstrous - it appeared that the lens on it was bigger than the whole D5000 body.

[Jason Dunn]

Enjoyed this review of the D5000, and comparing it to my current D3000. I'm enjoying the heck out of my camera, but find my self wishing for a few of the features of the D5000.

That's a natural part of photography - using a camera for a while, bumping up against the limitations that it has, then eyeing the next camera that removes those limitations. :D

Oh yeah, and that D300 is just monstrous - it appeared that the lens on it was bigger than the whole D5000 body.

That's not far from the truth - the 24-70mm lens has more surface area and weight than the D5000 body.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Nikon's D-Movie can produce some really nice movies out of the camera. It's mostly down to the tone curve Nikon uses. Really very nice and soft imagery.


The GF1 uses the older G1's sensor, so it's going to be about 1-1.5 stops worse at ISO 800-1600 than the D300-derived sensor on the D5000.

[Jason Dunn]

Nikon's D-Movie can produce some really nice movies out of the camera. It's mostly down to the tone curve Nikon uses. Really very nice and soft imagery.

Yeah, for sure - I like the quality of the videos, without a doubt...but I find it so hard to use it in real-world situations involving movement that I hardly ever use it...which sucks. :(

The GF1 uses the older G1's sensor, so it's going to be about 1-1.5 stops worse at ISO 800-1600 than the D300-derived sensor on the D5000.

That's about what I'm seeing - thanks for putting it into numbers Lee. :)