Nikon D5000

"The D5000 is a powerful and versatile SLR camera that delivers superb still images and high-definition D-movie clips with sound. Incredibly easy to use, it boasts a range of automatic features that help capture the shots you want and an impressive 12.3 megapixel DX format image sensor that ensures exceptionally detailed results. The innovative vari-angle LCD monitor makes it easy to shoot from any angle, bringing an exciting new twist to using Live View. Whether you shoot still or moving images, you can flip, tilt or turn the monitor to take shots from above, below, to the side, or to create self-portraits. An array of automatic scene modes make it simple to capture clear images in a variety of situations and a range of retouch functions let you enhance photos in-camera. With so many powerful features packed into its compact, lightweight body, the D5000 offers people on the go a fantastic way to capture stunning shots from any angle."

- Nikon -

Broadened Creativity and Adaptability

Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.

The D5000's D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000's performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.

Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000's 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.

The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon's exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user's personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.

Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.

Proven Image Excellence

Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000's 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000's normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000's ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.

Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000's ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.

Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation

The D5000's 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon's 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.

Paired with Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon's VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*

The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor's optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.

System Expandability

Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000's system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.

The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon's powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.

Key features

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured
• D-Movie Mode with sound
  Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor
  Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping
• 19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
  Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more
• One-button Live View
  Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second
  Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
  Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
  Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free
• 11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking
  Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness
• Auto Active D-Lighting
  Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures—Selectable and Auto modes available
• In-camera Retouch image editing
  Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more—all without a computer
• Picture Control Settings for personal image control
  Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Nikon's renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy
• Durable, high precision shutter
  Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life
• GPS geo-tagging
  GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image's latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day

More external Nikon D5000 reviews!

Effective pixels	12.3 million
Image sensor	CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 12.9 million; Nikon DX-format
Image size (pixels)	4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
Sensitivity	ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Storage media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
Monitor	Vari-angle type, 2.7-in., approx. 230k-dot TFT LCD, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Exposure metering	3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering
Exposure modes	Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait, Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, and Low key), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a, AC Adapter EH-5a
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)
Weight	Approx. 560 g (1 lb. 4 oz.) without battery, memory card, or body cap

 

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