Description

A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly advanced D-SLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon's EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly.

Customer Reviews

 Great for Stills, Average for Videos - Aug 27, 2010

Pros:
1-Awesome picture quality.
2-Ability to magnify parts of the LCD screen before taking the picture and also for photos already taken.
3-Image stabilization (they call it VR-Vibration Reduction)

Cons:
1-Poor viewfinder forward swivel position. To see the LCD viewfinder while shooting yourself you can't swivel the LCD up or to the side. You can only swivel it down, which makes it blocked by the tripod. And there doesn't seem to be an accessory that allows you to mount the tripod off to the side.
2-There's no inexpensive AC adaptor. You have to buy a dummy battery for $30 and then you have to buy a $70 AC adaptor which connects the dummy battery to the wall outlet. It's cheaper just to buy 2 more batteries. But for time lapse photography you probably need the AC adaptor.
3-No automatic lens cleaner. I was somehow lead to believe that Nikon invented an automatic lens cleaner. But their auto cleaner just cleans the image sensor. But when does that ever get dirty? It's the outer lens that needs the automatic cleaning.
4-Poor manual focus. The focusing ring on the lens only allows course focus (1/8 turn from min to max focus). And the viewfinder doesn't have split spot focus. So you have to magnify the LCD to the area that needs focus and then turn the focus ring very gingerly until it looks sharpest. The course focusing ring makes the slightest twist an over correction.
5-Cheap lens cap. The lens cap is not automatic (like in compact cameras) and you have to put it somewhere when you remove it. It doesn't hang down on a string or open up while remaining on the lens front. Having to deal with the lens cap takes away from the awesomeness of the rest of the camera.
6-Did not come with a memory card. I wanted to play with the camera right when I received it. But I had to order a memory card and wait two days for it to arrive. There is no internal memory to do temporary storage. If you don't have a memory card you can't take pictures.

Making Videos:
It does not have 1080 resolution.
At it's highest resolution (1280x720) you can only record up to 5 min.
The 2nd higest res gives you 20min, but it's a weird resolution (640x424).
The optional remote control does not work for movies.
No follow focus. And manual focus is very course.

I was hoping to be able to use this as both my still camera and my video camera. But I ended up keeping the D5000 for stills and buying a Canon HF S20 to make videos.

 Wow! Nice job Nikon! - Aug 15, 2010

Wow! I'm impressed. First foray into DSLR photography and I can say this is a big leap from point-and-shoot. Haven't had a chance to use all the various settings available (there are so many, it's going to take a while!). Right out of the box, though, the pictures are amazing! 18-35mm lens does the job well for all-around shooting. Purchased the 55-200mm lens with this camera and it also does as advertised. Looking forward to see how the speed on the zoom lens works out shooting some Friday Night football and also shooting some wildlife photos, which I've not gotten to do either of yet . . . but I will be doing both. Will check back in later after I've had chance to explore the almost unlimited custom settings on this camera. Job well done, Nikon. I'd recommend this camera to anyone looking to get into DSLR without breaking the bank.

 Awesome starter DSLR camera! - Aug 14, 2010

I am purely an amature photographer, but I do have an eye for a great photo, so I wanted an easy to use camera that could "do it all." If truth be known, I bought this camera to take photos of my new GSP puppy as the point and shoot Nikon just didn't cut it with respect to the action shots, and neither did the expensive HD camcorder, so I was getting frustrated missing those perfect shots.

Right out of the box the D5000 couldn't have been easier to use, within minutes I was shooting away and getting awesome shots of the puppy. He's quick, so the shutter speed was important and it performed flawlessly in all light levels. I don't know who complained about the video function, but I thought it was exceptional for playing on my computer or uploading to YouTube or Facebook. It didn't look too bad on my 46" flatscreen either. The coloring of my puppy tends to pixilate most digital cameras but this didn't happen with the D5000, his ticking came out crisp and clear in either still or video mode. I just returned from a cruise to the Bahamas and took some incredible sunsets and beach shots with the aid of a polarizing filter. The VBR was invaluable for steading the shots especialy when taking photos of the evening stars, and you would never know they were taken from a ship during twilight.

I have small hands and the weight and grip of the D5000 was perfect. The only downside was I bought the kit with two lenses and a Nikon bag, unfortunately the bag was too small for both lenses to fit comfortably along with the filters and books. I ended up purchasing a Lowepro backback from Amazon which was very secure as it opened on the inside. Battery life was also amazing shooting over 1200 frames (including some with flash), but I didn't use the live view feature except for the video. I found the viewfinder to be large enough that I didn't need the live view for stills.

Overall I adore this camera. I was nervous about spending so much money on a DSLR, but I couldn't be happier with it's performance. Definitely buy te filters though, they make the end product all that more "professional" looking.

 Nikon D-5000 - Aug 13, 2010

I am retired from 45 years in the commercial mortgage banking business. All of our submissions to investors required a good deal of photography to tell the story well. I only wish we had been able to use a camera like the D-5000. I started out on the digital path with a Nikon D-100. Then upgraded to a D-80 and have added the D-5000 as a supplemental camera. It allows me to take video, do wierd positioning with the flex live view monitor, allows me to have two set ups with different lens ability and the D-5000 has other advanced features that are benefical such as self cleaning. I am obviously partial to Nikon for several reasons, not the least of which is the metal case as opposed to the competitions plastic. For the price and the features the D-5000 is hard to beat.

 excellent picture quality - good buy - Aug 07, 2010

I am novice user for the SLR world. D5000 was very easy to use and I really liked the picture quality.
There are loads of features, which I am still learning. And the features were well thought of and nicely designed.
Colors in the picture came excellent. I never knew that my backyard is so beautiful!

Coming to video part of it, it is not so great I should say. I have taken video using my canon powershot and it gave better video quality than D5000 video.
I have an iMac at home and D5000 video was little grainy.

Basically dont buy this D5000 for video purpose. See D3000 closely if you are not a video user.

 Step-up model offers convenience & power - Aug 04, 2010

First off, a little history. We owned a Nikon D40 for some time and absolutely loved it. 6 megapixels is more than enough and it took some outstanding photos. Now, as guy who feels the need to have the latest tech and get the best deals, I found a Canon Xsi for an outstanding price and jumped in headfirst. I quickly sold the D40 and we went through a few months of pain with the Canon. Photos were blurry, the color was off, and even after warranty service, it still had its issues. So when the Nikon D5000 came out, I upgraded again...and couldn't be happier!

The D5000 is a natural upgrade for the D40/D60 as it offers more power, more megapixels (not important), video recording, and best of all, excellent low-light shots. You'll still need to buy those AF-S lenses as this camera doesn't have autofocus built in, but there are so many of those available at this point, it's not a big deal.
The vari-angle lcd screen in the back is also very useful for taking awkward shots...trust me, you'll use it. It also gives the added bonus of protecting the screen as you can flip it around when the camera is not be used.

The menus also received a big update in this generation and are much user-friendly imho. Less confusion=better!

The only con with this camera, is the same con that all dslrs have; it's big. A little bit larger than the D40, but smaller than the D90. Honestly, I can't wait for the Micro Four Thirds cameras to come down in price, but until then, I'll be happily using the D5000 and enjoying the excellent quality wherever I go.

 poor quality - Aug 04, 2010

Loved the camera for the first 30 days. On about day 35 it would just stop taking pictures. Turning it off and on again would restart it for a few pictures. At times it will shoot 50 pictures and just shut off. The camera symptoms are identical to the subject of the August 2009 D 5000 recall. Called Amazon and it is just outside of their 30 day return policy so it is not their problem. Called Nikon and we can ship it back for diagnostics and repair and we will get it back at some time. Nikon would not guarantee how long it would take to repair and return the camera. We love the camera but not the support we are getting from Amazon for a defective product. We would recommend doing a lot more research before purchasing this camera and would probably purchase from a local camera dealer that offers more product and customer service support.

 Good camera - Aug 02, 2010

We purchased this camera for my 15 year old son who has an interest in photography. The camera has done and excellent job of taking pictures as well as video. As many know, it is a photo camera first and video camera second. The only thing to watch is that if you buy it online you purchase it from a authorized dealer (which Amazon is) but many of the third party resellers are not.

 Love my new Nikon - Jul 30, 2010

I'm loving the bright colors, the automatic settings on this Nikon are fabulous! I'm learning how to use all the great things this camera can perform! The DVD is also very helpful to get the most out of your camera for a novice.

 Great Camera - Jul 29, 2010

Let me start off by saying this is my first DSLR. I wanted to be able to take great pictures of my newborn + I wanted get into amature photography. DSLR have always seemed a bit intimidating but once you take the time to check out the features and read some of the manual (I'd be lying if I said I read the whole thing) it all comes together and the results are great pictures.

Mine came with the 18-55mm and its definitely does a great job. I eventually added a 55-200mm and a fixed 35mm lens to my bag. The one thing to know about this camera when it comes to upgrading your lens is that the D5000 does not have an auto-focus motor IN the camera. You'll need to get a lens that has the AF-S motor built into the lens. This is a very important detail. If you're buying a lens, make sure it says DX and AF-S.

The HD video capabilities have been a great and useful feature of this camera. I've taken tons of video of my newborn in 740p. Be sure to go into your video menu and actually select 740p. For a while I was wondering why my videos weren't looking so great. It helps to read the manual :)
Another thing about recording video. You won't be able to auto focus while recording. You'll have to focus first, then record. Otherwise you'll have to set it to manual focus and adjust on the fly. I just record from a fixed position.

For a beginner like me, the camera has a wide range of preset options from standard portrait, to pet portrait, food setting, sports setting and many more. It also has manual settings that you can customize. I'm glad to say I've moved from preset to manual in just a couple months.

Overall, I have been completely satisfied with this purchase. Its probably the first time I've bought something and didn't have buyer's remorse. If you purchase this camera, take the time to learn about its nifty features.

 Great Camera!!! - Jul 27, 2010

Its a great camera and specially if you are a beginner then this is the camera to start with. Awesome features and performance. Yeah don't go with the kit lens though.

 Great Purchase - Jul 26, 2010

I bought this for myself as a birthday present. I'd used a Nikon CoolPix for many years, and decided to upgrade to a DSLR. I've always liked Nikons, but I have used my mom's Olympus DSLR and really liked the extra features and manual capabilities. I'd researched the D5000, D3000 and comparable Cannon cameras. In the end, I liked the quality of the Nikon's photos based on side-by-side comparisons. I've only had it for a little over a month, but my shots are so much better. I've got a good eye as far as my subject is concerned, but I was frustrated with the quality of my older camera. Now I see things I never saw before! The shutter speed is incredible. I haven't had a chance to use all of the features, but even on the automatic setting, the image quality is so much better. I will update this review after I've had a chance to use it more.

I received my camera earlier than forecasted and was very happy. I didn't have to wait the 10 days to receive my camera. Overall, I'm a pretty happy customer.

 My First Nikon - Jul 24, 2010

i have been using this camera for little while now and all i can say is i couldn't be more happy its great camera it takes beautiful pictures and its so easy to use a child can do it if you are new to digital camera i would highly recommend this camera i also have canon rebel XSI they are about same price and they both take great pictures as consumer i would like this because its very easy to use and if you don't know what this button dose press help and it tells you what it dose its so cool its best camera i have ever owned and i am sold on Nikon Live View is OK its very slow to focus and in movie mode it doesn't auto focus but i didn't but this camera for video i bought to take a great pictures and it does that remarkably i would recommend this camera if you are looking to buy one

 great! - Jul 19, 2010

I bought this camera as a gift, and used it very little myself, but it is incredibly easy to use, and understand in the little time i had it in my hands, it is obviously a camera not for point and shoot, but for professional picture taking, however i would have to add to this I suppose when i hear from the owner of this camera!

 oustanding nikon camera - Jul 19, 2010

this camera is outstanding! The quality of the images are pretty good.. excelent. Being able to move the display, in some situations where you can't use the viewfinder, is very good.

I definitly prefer this camera over the D90. They have almost the same features and the D5000 is cheaper.

 Great camera - Jul 14, 2010

I've had this camera for over a month and love it. Picture quality is awesome and get nothing but compliments. I wish the video was a little longer but love the fact it has HD quality. Can't wait till I have mastered all the features.

 Great Value for non pro - Jul 12, 2010

I write this few weeks into ownership of the D5000 coming from a non SLR with lenses kit (in other words, some experience above point and shoot). IMHO this camera is a good value, the image quality is was it should be given the cost, the manufacturing is up to par and the overall performance is possibly more than an amateur photographer needs. It will likely take me months to really appreciate all this camera can do while still taking great pictures using the predefined (auto, portrait, sport etc.) settings. I am using a high speed (6x) Lexmark memory card and the fast shooting capability are pretty good, the only thing slowing you down is the AF. Turn that off and go wild (if you know what you are doing). I definitely think the next buy is going to be filters, the 55mm "beginner" lens that come with it can benefit from them when shooting outdoors. After that, a more powerful (and expensive) tele. Overall, I am pretty happy with the purchase but I cannot give it a 5 star yet only because I am not convinced 100% that it is worth the price tag. A little less ($100 less?) may have been a more fair price but again I have not discovered all that it can do so maybe I am just being too harsh. If you always wanted a dSLR and have been sitting on the fence waiting, I recommend you stop waiting and you get the D5000 with the lens kit. BTW I considered saving $200 and go for the D3000 but I am happy I did not, I would probably be disappointed by the D3000. Go for the D5000 so that you have a true entry level SLR.

NOTE: I had the same problem someone else reported with some speckle of dust showing up on the view finder. Obviously Nikon should do a better job during assembly. With that said, this is easily resolved by removing the lens (do that in a clean indoor room!) and gently blowing some clear air (low pressure) inside the camera. This will simply blow off whatever manufacturing material may be left and the view finder is clear again. Again, not a big deal but kind of silly on Nikon part not to clean up the inside during assembly.

 What a Camera!! - Jul 05, 2010

We're talking about one of the greatest cameras of all time.
The image quality is awesome, very easy to use, I can take it wherever I go, whenever I want because is compact and doesn't require much space.. and it looks like I've been taking photos my whole life because of the great pics you can do with the Nikon D5000.
I also got the Nikon case and the Nikon School DVD for this camera and it was a very helpful purchase. It only takes one hour to see de video and learn a lot of the camera. It has a long list of useful tips for every automatic mode, and some for the manual and advanced modes, so you can understand the functions and all the things you can do the Nikon D5000.
I'm really happy with my camera.. Now I'm looking forward to get the 55-200 mm Nikkor Lens and some other accesories..

 what a surprise - Jul 02, 2010

I was looking to purchase Canon T2I but due to tight budget, I ended up purchasing Nikon D5000. No regrets at all...what a surprise.
Beautiful photos & video, very easy to use and endless potential depending on my future budget =)
stock lens that came with this camera is very fast and good. I just added Nikkor 70mm-300mm as second lens... couldn't be happier.
Also battery life is very good... without live view mode, i was able to shoot over 400~500 photos with few full 5min videos. so i don't think i'll purchase second battery. Speaking of video, this camera takes very good quality video (720) ... sure 1080p sounds good but do you really need it to shoot that high quality video?
For the price, I think this is one of the best buy for people who's just entering DSLR world.
as usual amazon was quick with shipping and price was just amazing.

 First step back to a "real" camera - Jul 02, 2010

For the last few years I have been using a smallcam - Canon Elph in one of its many formats. On that camera, I like the Li-ion batteries that are mostly interchangeable with each other and the ease of use. (This camera has a Li-ion battery) However, I've been missing the clarity that I had with my film camera - a Canon Ftb SLR that I bought at the PX in Pleiku VietNam in 1970.

This Nikon takes me back to the excitement that I had when I purchased that first wonderful SLR. Sap that I am, I even like having the sound of the mirror as I click the shutter. The lenses are pleasing and easy to use. I'm having a blast with macro and the ability to bypass the flash in some situations. My photos are sharp and clear. I'd say this camera will challenge me to improve my level of photography and it will give me years of enjoyment. Only negative is the screen that shows all the nose & cheek grease and it looks a bit gross. Of course I miss the portability of the Canon Elph, but I'll just have to get over that now, won't I? If you choose this camera and have a good background in photography, but no with pretensions of being Ansel Adams, you will be pleased. Enjoy!

 You cant be wrong if you chose this camera - Jul 02, 2010

I had canon IS-S3 and it was a decent camera for the price. But had to junk it because of the dreaded "lens error".
This gave me a reason to move up a little and get a DSLR. I was not looking for a vey high end SLR but wanted something that perform well in low light conditions. After some research decided to buy D5000 because among all the entry level SLRS only his one had what I love o have in a digi camera, vari angle screen. This is most important to shoot below or above eye level.

I waited for a couple of days constantly looking for a good deal and finally got one here on Amazon. Giving a 4 start only because some of the features are hard to find, like continuous or timer mode. It has all the features I wanted but just a little difficult to get there.

There's no need to write anything specific about Amazon's service. They are simply the best, always had an amazon experience.

 Great Camera - I was a hero for a day! - Jun 30, 2010

Bought this camera for my wifes 35th birthday and she is ON CLOUD 9...It has awoken a passion for photography that she had forgotten about since college - The pictures are AMAZING and it is just an awe inspiring piece of technology - Holding this camera in your hands is thrilling...You know you have go top of the line

I cant see saving a few bucks to go for the D3000 - Between the LiveView, Megapixels and movable LCD - There is no comparison between the two cameras - Well worth the extra 100 bucks - If you are serious enough about your camera to spend 500...You will not regret the extra 150 to get the D5000

My wife said this is easily the BEST GIFT she has ever gotten!

 Nikon D5000 the amateur's cure. - Jun 27, 2010

I recently purchased (June 6,2010) the Nikon D5000 and have already taken about 500 plus pictures with it. I have for years(the last two) used a Canon Rebel XTi, all with severe disappointment.

Not that Canon makes a bad product, it's just that this model didn't hold up to the Canon standard and was loaded with exposure problems. Those problems were verified on numerous forums.

Now enter the Nikon D5000 and Ashton Kutcher in the Nikon fashion runway ad. I was immediately impressed with the drop down monitor and was curious as to how well it worked. Nikon is synonymous with quality on all fronts, how could you go wrong? That's what I thought about the Canon. So this time it was going to be research, research. Long story short, this is a great camera. Easy to use, a tad bulky to hold, but you get used to it, and great photos. I also ordered the 55mm-200mm telephoto lens. This camera is all they say it is and more. While I understand the Nikon D90 is a little more high end, this D5000 has a few more options than its D90 cousin.

If you are looking for your first serious Digital SLR camera, this is it. The monitor display is true in color, and the picture quality is phenomenal. The multiple settings are an amateur photographer's dream. Talk about taking the guess work out of a photo shoot. So if you are in the market, and can't make up your mind, give the D5000 a trial run at your local photo shop reseller, or wherever you physically shop, that's what I did, and that clinched the deal. Seeing is really believing when it comes to making such an investment. The end result....shear pleasure.Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

 Could be Nikon's new cash cow - Jun 14, 2010

I was saving for the D90, when I saw what this gem could do. Well, alright, it cannot match up to the D90 in many aspects, but hey, its IQ is exactly the same as the more expensive camera's. I've given up the idea of getting a D90; instead, I'll purchase a 70-300mm lens with the money saved from buying the D5000. The sample images shown here from owners of this camera just go to show what a superb camera this is. Almost everyone will be wanting to own this camera soon. Just a little tinkering here and there by Nikon has produced a camera that wipes the whole Canon stable of the 1000D, 450D, 500D and 550D clean off the table. Canon wasted a lot of time increasing the pixel count of their cameras, and did not bother to address the perennial complaint about their cameras, viz: soft edged images. Nikon wins - yet again.

 Loving My D5000 Nikon - Jun 10, 2010

What a great camera. This is my first DSLR camera, from a long time point and shoot person. I got tired of missing the action I was trying to get from my point and shoot. The D5000 in "sports" mode will take care of all that plus more.(4 frames per sec.) What quality. Easy to use too, not to hard to figure out. Very easy in auto mode and all the scene modes are great. I love this camera. I am so glad I made the switch to a DSLR and the Nikon D5000. You get the same quality as the D90 minus a few futures. Big deal. I'm more concerned about the picture quality. Which I must say is awesome. So bottom line is buy this camera if you are looking for a great DSLR with great quality. Not as easy to carry around as a point and shoot, but thats not saying much. Point and shoot camera are just that and you will never get that good quality unless you get a DSLR. I am so glad I did.