Main Features
This review is devoted to D5000 that Nikon has first introduced to the public in Jun 12, 2009. This model is a Entry-Level DSLR camera with a resolution of 12.0 MP and a APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sized CMOS sensor.
Initially, Nikon developed this model to replace their older
product D60
and, after some time, Nikon has replaced this upgraded model with their most recent
one
D60.
To learn more about the specs and difference between these models, check our
complete comparison by following these links:
Nikon D5000 vs. D5100
Nikon D5000 vs. D60
In Entry-Level DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR Cameras) this model has taken rank #123 out of 200. Its Overall Score has reached 40/100 and it takes a rank of #907 out of 1174 in all Cameras.
Now let's delve into more details of our Nikon D5000 review by assessing its features and specs, as well as checking what pros and cons it has compared to other average products in this category.
PROs
CONs
Popular comparisons of Nikon D5000
In this part of our review, we are going to take a closer look at the technical specs and features presented in Nikon D5000. In addition, we are going to define the main pros and cons of this model and, based on this info, compare it to other average Entry-Level DSLR cameras.
Nikon D5000 has the following external dimensions 127 x 127 x 80 mm (50 x 40.94 x 31.5″) with the weight of 590 g.
The typical weight for average Entry-Level DSLR type cameras is 539g. If we compare the average indicator to the weight of Nikon D5000, we can conclude that this model is heavier than many other similar products.
Talking about the camera’s thickness, it is worth saying that Nikon D5000 is wider than other average cameras from this class. Its thickness is 80mm.
Look at the pictures below to see the front and top view of Nikon D5000 with the indication of this model’s dimensions:
If you want to have a better idea of how big the Nikon D5000 is, look at the pictures below to see how big it is compared to a credit card and a AA type battery.
Finally, let's check how different are the weight and thickness of the Nikon D5000 compared to other models from this class of cameras presented by the brand’s competitors:
Unfortunately, Nikon D5000 comes without a waterproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and avoid water.
Unfortunately, Nikon D5000 comes without a dustproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and protect your camera from external threats such as dust.
Nikon D5000 comes with Expeed processor. This model also boasts of a resolution of 12.0 MP and is equipped with a APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sized CMOS sensor.
The base of Nikon D5000 has the following ISO range 200 - 3200 and it also comes with a possibility of extending this indicator to 6400.
Also, this model comes with the support of the RAW file. This gives you more opportunities in terms of further processing of your files as you can pick to save them in a RAW format.
Nikon D5000 features a 12.0 MP APS-C sensor, which is not a good pick for high-quality and detailed pictures. However, we have an alternative option for you if you were looking for higher resolution.
DxOMark gives us a possibility to make a clear and scientific assessment of the quality of camera sensors’ image. Nikon D5000, in its turn, features a sensor that was already studied and assessed by DxO Mark. After a complete evaluation, this type of sensor has received a score of 72 for the image quality. If you are looking to see how DxO Mark has tested and evaluated the Nikon D5000’s sensor.
Nikon D5000 is known for the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. It is one of its essential features of the sensor built in this model. The absence of this filter contributes to a higher level of details and sharpness in the pictures you take. Yet, the lack of an anti-alias filter also enhances the possibility of more occurring in certain conditions.
Now let’s check how we can compare the size of APS-C sensor featured in Nikon D5000 with other standard sensor sizes.
Nikon D5000 is equipped with a Fully Articulated 2.7" LCD screen. The resolution of this model’s screen reaches 230k dots.
In addition, this model comes with a built-in Optical (pentamirror) ViewFinder.
The ViewFinder in D5000 has quite nice characteristic. Its magnification ratio is 0.52x and it also provides a coverage of 95%.
Some of the main reasons why the OVF presented in this model is a handy tool are that it allows you to see a scene without any time lag or resolution limits. Besides, it also ensures the highest level of clarity that can be elaborated by the lens and the human eye. Who can benefit from this feature? The OVF is especially handy when shooting sports events. This smart system will allow photographers to see action instantly and figure out what is the right timing for capturing a specific moment.
Some of the other highlights of Nikon D5000 are its 4.0 fps max speed and 1/4000 sec max shutter speed, which allow you to shoot continuously.
D5000 features both an embedded flash and a flash shoe, which means that you can use both built-in and external flashes depending on your needs.
One more highlight that makes Nikon D5000 stand out is the fact that it features two smart AutoFocusing systems. One of these systems is called Phase Detection and the other one is Contrast Detection. Both features stand for higher accuracy and focus speed in different situations. With the smart AutoFocus system presented in this model, photographers can choose from 11 points.
In addition, D5000 has a Face detection AF feature that quickly finds the faces that appear within the frame range and locks the focus on them automatically.
As for the video quality characteristics of Nikon D5000, it gives you a possibility to shoot videos at the highest resolution of 1280 x 720 You also have enough flexibility in terms of how you can save your files. Namely, Nikon D5000 allows you to save files in Motion JPEG formats.
Comparing the technical characteristics of this model with the modern standards, we have to admit that 1280 x 720 is a rather poor indicator of video resolution. However, if you are looking for a camera that has 4K video support, we recommend you to consider our Cheapest Camera with 4K video.
Nikon D5000 is not equipped with any ports that would allow you to connect external headphones and microphones to it.
You can connect D5000 to compatible devices via its USB 2.0 or HDMI ports.
In concordance with generally accepted CIPA standards, the battery featured in Nikon D5000 provides a shooting life of 510, while the average battery life of cameras in this class is 588 shots.
With the commonly accepted standards in mind, we can conclude that Nikon D5000 is above the average indicator of battery life. However, we believe it is still a great idea to grab a few extra batteries if you are planning long photo trips.
In this part of our review, we are going to focus on Nikon D5000’s performance in various fields of photography. Each sub-section stands for a specific photography area. In every part, we will review Nikon D5000’s name performance and give it an overall score. This first spider web graph indicates how we can compare the D5000 to the average DSLR camera.
Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.
After carefully reviewing how well Nikon D5000 performs Portrait Photography, we gave it a score of 67. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon D5000 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.
If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Portrait Photography.
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After carefully reviewing how well Nikon D5000 performs Street Photography, we gave it a score of 76. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon D5000 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.
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After carefully reviewing how well Nikon D5000 performs Sports Photography, we gave it a score of 72. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon D5000 can be called a 72 model for this type of photography.
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After carefully reviewing how well Nikon D5000 performs Daily Photography, we gave it a score of 55. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon D5000 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.
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After carefully reviewing how well Nikon D5000 performs Landscape Photography, we gave it a score of 85. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Nikon D5000 can be called a 85 model for this type of photography.
If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Landscape Photography.
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General | ||
---|---|---|
Brand | Nikon | |
Model | D5000 | |
Announced | Jun 12, 2009 | |
Body Type | Compact SLR | |
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | |
Number of Lenses | 287 | |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | |
Macro Focus Range | ||
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | |
Screen Size | 2.7″ | |
Screen Resolution | 230k dots | |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | |
ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.52 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 17 | |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | 72 | |
DxO Color Depth | 22.7 | |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.5 | |
DxO Low Light ISO | 868 | |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | |
Sensor Size | APS-C | |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8 mm | |
Sensor Area | 372.88 mm2 | |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | |
Max Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 | |
Max Native ISO | 3,200 | |
Max Boosted ISO | 6,400 | |
Min Native ISO | 200 | |
RAW Support | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 11 | |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) | |
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 | |
Video Formats | Motion JPEG | |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 590 g | |
Physical Dimensions | 127 x 104 x 80 mm | |
Battery Life | 510 shots | |
Battery Type | 510 shots | |
Battery Model | EN-EL9a | |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC card | |
Storage Slots | 1 |
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