Atma Xplorer

Xploring Games, Computing, Photography

Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000

Nikon just unveiled the D5000, the latest update to it’s entry-level (that should read beginner level) dSLR at a price point that would give the Canon 500D a run for it’s money.  So what makes the new entry level dSLR so attractive?

The new D5000 incorporates a 12.3 megapixel with 720p HD video recording and a large part of the D90‘s feature set in a simpler, smaller and lighter body.  It’s also equipped with an articulated LCD 2.7″ 230,000 pixel LCD display commonly found in high-end digicams.  The D5000 also supports for Nikon’s GP-1 GPS unit for automatically geotagging images.

Combining most of the features of the prosumer-level D90 with a simpler, smaller and lighter weight body, the D5000 sits nicely between the D60 and D90.  As the lowest of the Nikon dSLR bracket however, I can honestly say I’m impressed with it.  Below is the spec list.

Nikon D5000 Specifications

  • 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
  • 2.7-inch 230,000 pixel TFT-LCD
  • Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
  • Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
  • Illuminated focus points
  • Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
  • IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
  • 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
  • Expeed image processing engine
  • 3D tracking AF (11 point)
  • 95% frame coverage viewfinder
  • Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening

Since it’s meant for non-pro users the D5000 has automatic features from some of Nikon’s high-end point-and-shoot cameras such as scene recognition and presets for monochrome or other shooting modes. It also has big brother’s Active D-Lighting to helps restore details to shadows as well as reduce the likelihood of blown-out highlights.

As with the D90 launch, the D5000 is getting a new lens built for it.  That’s the 10-24mm f/3.4-4.5 Nikkor AF-Slens. It’s built for very wide angle shots like macros.

Interested yet?

The D5000 is priced as follows:

  • D5000 body-only:  $730
  • D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens: $850
  • D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens: $900

The Nikon boat has swooned me back (I’m currently writing why) with superior quality on it’s products.  If you’re looking for an entry level DSLR, the D5000 is a great value.  Here’s a few shots of the D5000 and the new 10-24 lens.

The D5000 will be out for sale on April 27th and probably later for the Philippines.  The $730 price tag places the D5000 at around Php 35,000.

via {dpreview}

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Comments ( 5 )

Have Something To Say ?

  1. medic_paula twilight April 15, 2009 Reply

    Wow.. I like the flip screen.. Can I flip the screen at 180 degrees angle? Or just 90 degrees?

    • atmaxplorer sylv3rblade April 15, 2009 Reply

      You can rotate it 180 degrees on the joint and the joint goes 90 degrees

  2. ron.delrosario Ron April 15, 2009 Reply

    Whoa… $50 for the wide lens… or about $90 retail… Hmmmm… Just ordered an SB-400 though… will have to wait a while for a new lens.

    The D5000 is hot! Even my friend is getting second thoughts on whether to buy a mini Mac or the D5000. haha

    • atmaxplorer sylv3rblade April 16, 2009 Reply

      SB-400?
      eh?
      parang di ata fitting para sa yo yung low end na flash.

      Non-swivel un di ba? Un din balak ko dati kaso sabi ko SB-800 na lang or SB-900. Mataas yung guide number so workable under any condition.

      And yeah, the D5000 is really a treasure. Eat that 500D XD.

      Now if Nikon will only drop prices on the D90 XD

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