Nikon D5000 Review

Just over six months after launching the D90 - the first DSLR to offer video capture - Nikon has released a second video-enabled model, the D5000. Positioned between the D60 and D90 models, this new DSLR combines features of them both. It's priced $200 below the D90 and has the same 12.3-megapixel (effective) resolution but lacks many of the refinements of the higher-priced model. Click here for a table showing the main differences between the three models.

In almost every way, the D5000 is an 'in-betweener' model. The main factor that distinguishes the D5000 from Nikon's the entry-level models is that its shutter unit is rated for 100,000 cycles. Entry-level models' shutter units aren't rated and professional shutters are usually rated for at least 150,000 cycles so the D5000's rating serves as a positioning statement as much as any other feature.

Nikon has introduced a new Quiet Shooting mode which subdues the sound of the shutter release and other internal mechanisms when a shot is taken. Designed for use in situations like wedding ceremonies, concerts and for photographing sleeping children, it is also ideal for candid photography when you don't wish to attract attention.

Physically the D5000 could be classed as a small-sized DSLR. Although it's larger and 65 grams heavier than the D60, it's marginally smaller and 60 grams lighter than the D90. Build quality is similar to the D60 - and pretty good for its target market - although much of the camera is made from polycarbonate. However, like the D60, the D5000's body lacks a built-in autofocusing motor, which won't suit owners of older Nikkor lenses who would like to use them on the new body.

Margaret Brown

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