D5000 Nikon SLR Camera Reviews

Nikon D5000 User Feedback

I decided to upgrade to a DSLR a few months ago because I wanted to learn to take the fabulous pictures that I had come to associate with DSLRs. After I made the decision, the next choice was Cannon or Nikon. My current point and shoot camera was a Cannon PowerShot, so I thought I would stick with Cannon until I saw the specs on the D5000. It had everything that I liked about my Cannon and was worried about giving up--video, a rotating screen with Live View--all in an affordable DSLR package, so I decided to take the plunge and go Nikon.

After a month of using the camera in different situations--a trip to New York, a wedding, a bridal shower, a kid's birthday party--I couldn't be happier. I'm very much a beginner when it comes to operating a DSLR, but all of the pictures I've taken with the D5000 have been excellent. The camera was easy to pick up and start using, but it is also easy enough to learn to start customizing your shots for different situations. I'm impressed by the camera's ability to help a beginner by auto-selecting some settings while allowing the photographer to manually select other things. The kit lens is a good starter lens, and works for most of the situations I've shot in so far. I'm still learning what this camera can do, and I'm excited to know that the D5000, with its advanced features, can grow along with me as I develop as a photographer.

In terms of size, I have small hands and I feel like I can comfortably carry around the D5000. Yes it is bigger and heavier than a point and shoot, but it's not so big that its cumbersome for me to carry. Which is a good thing, because I've started carrying this camera everywhere because I always want to be able to capture that perfect shot!

If you're transitioning from a point and shoot to a DSLR and you want something with great features that still is easy to use, this is the camera for you. I couldn't be happier with my D5000 -- when you get that crisp shot of a kid opening presents or a beautiful bride coming down the aisle, it's so worth it to have made this investment!
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I was going to buy the Nikon D60, but got this one instead for about the same price It's really a great beginner's camera, with everything the D60 has, most of what the D90 has (including movie-shooting) and some things that neither one have, like the useful swiveling LCD. It's only 2.7 inches instead of three inches, but the ability to shoot from waist level or by holding the camera over my head is really useful. I even have shot a self portrait with it. If your more advanced, you'll probably want the D90, but if just starting out the D5000 is a great camera. I also recommend David Busch's Guide To Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera Photography as a guide. It's much more complete than the manual that comes with the camera and will teach you about photography as well as the D5000.
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Perfect for the vacationer or hobbyist. Video capture is good but it is not a replacement for a real HD video capture device. Image quality is superb, camera response time is excellent. If you are upgrading from a point and shoot you'll enjoy the vast improvements. On board image editing is handy and surprisingly useful. If you are looking for a compact feature rich SLR, this is it. The sensor/image processing package is superb and the compact body is about as pleasant as an SLR can be to handle.

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Click here to watch a YouTube video preview of the new D5000 Nikon DSLR with HD video and multi-angle LCD screen, shot at the Nikon UK press launch in London earlier this year.