This Nikon D5000 review compares features and performance to other similar digital SLR cameras, such as the Nikon D90. The Nikon D5000 comes equipped with 12.9 megapixels, 11 point autofocus, 2.7 inch LCD display, and more. See how the Nikon D5000 compares.

The Nikon D5000 is essentially an entry-level digital SLR with a new high resolution sensor and video mode. The sensor and video mode actually come from the mid-priced D90. The D5000 also features the same 12.9 megapixels APS-C (or as Nikon calls it, DX format) sensor, Nikon’s latest EXPEED processor, the 11 point autofocus system with color and distance tracking as well as optional viewfinder gridlines.

You can purchase the D5000 body only for about $729, or with the F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm VR lens for roughly $849. Right out of the box with both kits you’ll have the 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon D5000 camera body, EN-EL9a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, battery charger with power cable, eyepiece cap, body cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, A/V cable, Nikon software suite CD-ROMs, and a hard copy manual.

One noteworthy feature of the D5000 its counterpart D90 does not have is the new 2.7 inch tilt and swivel LCD display which is used for standard status display in addition to live view and image/video playback. Another new feature is that the D5000 comes with the new higher capacity EN-EN9a battery and an optional remote cord. Overall, a very impressive package for a consumer camera at a decent price point.

The Nikon D5000 is on the smaller side and is built like the D60, though when compared to similar models from other brands, the D5000 is the heaviest. Also like the D60, the Nikon D5000’s mode dial is behind the shutter button and there is no mechanical connection between the lens and body, so older screw-type autofocus lenses won’t work with the D5000; only the more modern electronically coupled lenses will work, which is something to keep in mind.

From the display screen on the D5000 you can easily change camera settings. In fact, some of the options that are available when you press the “i” button aren’t available anywhere else, including Release mode (single shot, continuous, self-timer, 0 or 2 second remote control, quiet release), Focus mode (AF-A, AF-S, AF-C, manual), Metering (matrix, center-weighted, spot). We found that continuous shooting modes on the D5000 performed well.

The mode dial on the D5000 is packed. Your options include Auto mode (point-and-shoot with some menu options locked), Program mode (still auto, but with access to all menu options like several shutter speed/aperture combinations), Shutter priority mode (you choose shutter speed and the camera picks the aperture), Aperture priority mode (you choose the aperture, the camera picks the shutter speed), Full manual mode (you choose both the shutter speed and aperture), and flash off. But wait! There’s more! The D5000 also has almost 20 scene modes including night portrait, close-up, sports, child, landscape, portrait, sports, night landscape, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, pet portrait, autumn colors, candlelight and more. The D5000 has the same menus as the D90 and you can do pretty much everything from them, from settings to retouching.

Image quality produced by the D5000 is great overall. The colors are accurate and not overly saturated and there is no noise to be found in a macro shot and at the lower ISO settings. Noise begins to creep in very slightly at ISO 400 and you begin to lose a bit of detail at ISO 800, but even mid to perhaps large size prints would look fine. At the top range for the D5000, ISO 6400, noise is considerable to point that this setting is nearly unusable under average-low light conditions (if you want any decent looking images, anyway). Using RAW image format will improve image quality at all ISO settings.

Movie mode on the D5000 is exactly the same as the D90 and can be used to record 5 minute clips of high definition video. Sound can also be recorded, but you should be aware that it’s monaural and very low quality.

The performance of the D5000 is very good in nearly all respects. This camera is a very nice digital SLR that takes most of the positives from the higher-priced D90 and puts them into a more compact, less expensive body. If you have some older Nikkor lenses, however, you may want to consider stepping up to the D90 as the lenses won’t be compatible with the D5000.

Recommended: Yes.

Related Article: Nikon D90 SLR Camera Review >>