Nikon D5000 preview

by Enche Tjin on April 21, 2009

Nikon will launch Nikon D5000 soon. This camera will challenge Canon 500D and Nikon D90. At the same time, Nikon also wide angle lens for DX cameras: AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED

Commentary:

Customers might be confused with Nikon D90, and yes, this camera is very much the same as D90 especially in price point, size, and other capabilities, but it has several key differences.

  • In Nikon D5000 live view mode, the Auto focus now can track moving object.=
  • The second big different is the swivel lcd screen. D5000 sports smaller lcd screen but you can swivel it 360 degree. While D90 has slightly bigger screen 3″ inch, and 3X higher resolution.
  • D5000 is more consumers friendly, there are more scenes recognition and image processing tools in camera.
  • Unfortunately D5000 does not compatible with AF-D lenses (which we often find in Nikon prime lenses or older zoom lenses. (Nikon D90 is compatible with AF-D lenses).
  • Nikon D90 have top lcd screen and 2 wheel dials which translate to better handling
  • Estimated Street Price USA $730

For whom this camera is for?
This camera is targeted for beginner and serious amateur photographer, especially people that keen on trying the movie mode. Generally, like Nikon D90, this camera is also quite capable for some serious amateur and professional work. But for pro works, I tend to recommend Nikon D90, because of a better and clearer lcd screen, and also the AF compatibility with Nikon AF-D prime lenses that you might have. Physically, D5000 is bigger and taller than consumer DSLR such as Nikon D60, but for some people, it might be easier to handle because it has a taller hand grip.

Nikon D5000 Main Specification:

  • 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with downward-opening mechanism makes it easy to capture images from any angle and still keep a steady grip on the camera. When not in use it can be closed with the LCD panel facing the camera for protection.
  • D-Movie lets you record beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips with sound. The camera’s large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offer exceptional image quality. A wide range of interchangeable NIKKOR lenses can be used to obtain cinematic effects and you can view your movie clips on the camera or an HDTV.
  • Live View with subject tracking: Live View mode lets you compose images using the LCD monitor. Four easily selectable AF modes assure sharp results: Face priority AF, Wide area AF, Normal area AF and Subject Tracking AF, which keeps the camera focused on a moving subject even if it leaves the frame for a moment.
  • 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor lets you capture outstandingly detailed images and produce stunningly sharp enlargements.
  • High ISO (200-3200) light sensitivity, extendable up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent). Enables faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the risk of blurred images when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light.
  • Integrated dust reduction system: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensors for clear, spot-free images.
  • Advanced autofocus performance with versatile Multi-CAM100 11-point AF system offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.
  • Scene Recognition System optimizes exposure, autofocus, and white balance immediately before the shutter is released, to deliver precise exposures and sharply-defined images.
  • EXPEED image processing system for optimum performance and maximum image quality.
  • Active D-Lighting automatically retains details in highlights and shadows for stunning images with natural contrast. It works at the moment you take the shot, features four levels of intensity and can be activated manually or automatically.
  • Scene Modes automatically adjust camera settings, including Picture Controls and active D-Lighting, to take the guesswork out of tricky photo situations and deliver optimal results. Simply turn the mode dial to SCENE to access the most commonly used modes. Sample photos appear on the display to help you select the right mode and there are 19 to choose from.
  • Extensive in-camera Retouch Menu lets you edit and enhance images in the camera. Offers a range of photo effects including Perspective Control, Soft Focus and Color Outline, which transforms your photo into a line drawing.
  • Picture Controls let you set the look and mood of your photos or D-Movie clips before you shoot. Choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape.
  • Highly durable 100,000-cycle shutter unit: provides exceptional reliability. Thoroughly tested on fully assembled cameras, it delivers precise shutter control.
  • Quiet shooting mode: perfect for photographing a sleeping baby, Quiet mode noticeably reduces the sound of the camera’s internal mechanisms when the shutter is pressed.
  • Extensive playback functions including a calendar view that organizes images according to the date and time they were shot, a 72-frame thumbnail display and histograms of magnified sections within an image. HDTV compatibility: the built-in High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector makes it easy to watch your photos and movie clips on an HDTV. Simply connect a compatible HDMI cable between your camera and the TV.
  • NIKKOR lenses: optimized for use with AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses, renowned for delivering outstanding sharpness, crisp contrast and precise color reproduction.
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) via an optional GP-1 unit that attaches to the camera and automatically records location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time as ‘geotags’ in the image data (EXIF) of each photo.

More Info: Nikon USA website

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