Nikon D5000 Digital Camera

I've Used Several Nikons, Love the D5000

By Larry H  Sep 28, 2009 | 3 out of 4 found this Nikon D5000 review helpful

Pros: Lots of features, D300-like images in affordable package

Cons: Lack of autofocus with non AF-S lenses, few hard buttons.

What attracted me to the D5000 was more features than my D60 had, many of these features I had enjoyed in the D200 I had owned earlier in the year but the D5000, unlike the D200 or D60, would feature the newer 12mp CMOS sensor. (For the record since ...Sept 2005 I've shot with the D50, D40, D40x, D80, D200 and D60, so I've used quite a few Nikon d-SLRs.) Also as the reviews suggested the D5000 exposed darker than the D90 (which I prefer), and even the D5000 would still be an upgrade over a D60, I decided to try one out. It's only been 2 weeks that I've owned one (got it 9-14-2009), but I like it very much. I really appreciate having 11 autofocus points (like my D200 & D80 had) rather than only 3 vs my D60, it really helps a lot. I also like having auto-bracketing again, as well as 1/3 ISO steps, JPEG size-quality options in Raw + Basic JPEG shooting, plus the viewfinder gridlines. As mentioned, it uses the newer 12mp CMOS sensor like is used in the D300 and D90 as well. I like how the D5000, D90 and D300 all have similar "neutral" image processing and the same picture controls for a uniform "look" amongst the three (such wasn't the case so much with the D60 vs D200) this lets enthusiasts like me get D300-like image quality-characteristics in a less expensive body. One rarely mentioned D5000 feature that is very useful--ability to display ISO in the viewfinder. Very handy, keeps you from shooting at ISO 1600 by accident. The main disadvantage of the D5000 is the lack of autofocus compatibility with older non AF-S lenses, but the collection of AF-S lenses (including Sigma HSM and updated Tamron/Tokina versions as well) continues to grow. Also would like more "hot buttons" for image qualty-size and white balance etc, plus the viewfinder is a little small, but after mounting the DK-21m eyepiece magnifier it's now pretty good. Live view is of little/no importance to me, although it's handy if you're using an older manual-focus lens, you can zoom-in and see insane detail for accurate manual focusing. The YouTube mode is of no usage for me on an SLR. The tilting LCD is handy at times, but wasn't a reason for buying it. So far I really like it, and am glad I got it. Read more Less