Nikon unveils the D5000
Take that, Canon 500D
Just weeks after Canon launched its entry-level 500D Digital SLR, Nikon has responded with its latest entry-level DSLR shooter: the D5000.
Nikon's 12.3Mp D5000 DSLR
Although only fitted with a 12.3Mp sensor – Canon’s 500D has a 15.1Mp sensor – the D5000’s most notable feature is its 2.7in “Vari-angle” LCD screen, which can swing downwards by 90° and rotate by 180°. It also supports Live View.
The Vari-angle LCD can rotate by 180°
Able to capture stills at an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200, the D5000 is equipped with 11 auto focus points, 19 pre-set scene modes – including “Candlelight” and “Food” – and has a Face Detection System.
Switch over to movie mode and the Nikon D5000 will record 1280 x 720p footage at a maximum of 24f/s. Audio’s captured through an integrated microphone and the resulting movie can be displayed on your HD telly using the camera’s HDMI port.
Export 720p video onto your TV
A Dust Reduction feature will help keep specs away from the sensor, while all content is stored onto SD memory cards.
Nikon’s 127 x 104 x 80mm D5000 will be priced at £720 ($1070/€805), body only. It’s expected to be released in early May. ®
COMMENTS
I dont see the point of this tbh
the only major difference I can see between this and the D90 is the lcd screen - and it's the same price. so why is it being described as 'entry level'?
@Frank Bough
I often do change aperture (front wheel) and sensitivity or shutter (back wheel) on my Pentax K10D , almost simultaneously. Being able to do it without using any buttons is just more comfortable than on the camera with one wheel, e.g. my older Pentax *istDS.
Two wheels is often a sign of a digital camera for slightly more advanced photographers. From my experience beginners sometimes get confused by these.
SIMULTANEOUSLY
Frank Bough: "nobody ever changes two parameters on the camera SIMULTANEOUSLY"
You've been able to change the aperture and shutter speed on Rollei TLRs SIMULTANEOUSLY with one lever for at least seventy years. And users of manual aperture lenses on 35mm SLRs have been adjusting aperture and shutter speed SIMULTANEOUSLY for almost as long.
Have you tried patting your head and rubbing your stomach SIMULTANEOUSLY to improve your dexterity?
Matt
Firstly, the inability to use pre AF-S is a pretty minor drawback and, secondly, no-one ever changes two parameters on the camera SIMULTANEOUSLY. All single control wheel cams have a push-and-turn method of changing other functions, the second wheel is really just an ergonomic nicety. Comparing this sophisticated DSLR to a bridge camera is utterly ridiculous.
ooops
sorry, should have written £720, not £799.
Still if you look at the specs, the camera is missing some fundamental functions for this price point.
It doesn't have an inbuilt focus motor, so you'll need to use AF-S lenses, which is limiting.
It also doesn't have a second controller wheel, so manually changing aperture and shutter speed at the same time isn't possible.
It looks on paper very much like a bridge camera you can change lenses with.
