Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera with AF-S 18-55 mm VR

* 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor
* EXPEED image processing system for optimum performance and maximum image quality.
* 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD monitor which can be closed for protection.
* D-Movie lets you record beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips with sound
* Live View with subject tracking
* Integrated dust reduction system
* Quiet shooting mode
* Advanced autofocus performance with 11-point AF system offers fast and precise autofocus
* 4 easily selectable AF modes: Face priority AF, Wide area AF, Normal area & Subject Tracking AF
* High ISO (200-3200) light sensitivity, extendable up to ISO 6400 and down to ISO 100 (equivalent).
* Picture Controls let you set the look and mood of your photos or D-Movie clips before you shoot.
* 19 scene modes
* Scene Recognition System optimizes exposure, autofocus, and white balance
* Active D-Lighting can be activated manually or automatically to retain details in
highlights and shadows for stunning images with natural contrast
* Extensive playback functions including a calendar view, 72-frame thumbnail display, histograms
* Extensive in-camera Retouch Menu lets you edit and enhance images in the camera,
including Perspective Control, Soft Focus and Color Outline
* NIKKOR lenses: optimized for use with AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses
* Optional Global Positioning System (GPS) via an optional GP-1 unit


18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX NIKKOR lens

* Popular zoom range coverage from 18 to 55mm (35mm equivalent: 27-82.5mm),
* Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization system enables you shoot at up to 3 stops faster
* Exceptionally high optical performance: designed specifically for use with Nikon DX format
* Aspherical lens elements minimize spherical aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion,
while ensuring high resolution and contrast.
* Nikon's exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, precise, and super-quiet operation.
* Outstanding cost performance.


Our Opinion:

Nikon's D5000 is an amazing new breed of DSLR. It offers as many features as a compact camera, is as user-friendly as a compact camera - and can record HD movies like a camcorder - but all with the stunning image quality that only a Digital SLR can deliver.

The D5000 can be operated entirely automatically, or tuned down in various steps/aspects to a semi-automatic DSLR - or it can be used fully manually. This makes it an ideal family camera because children will be able to produce as superb results (see product video) as an adult trying out some of the more advanced features. Plus, the D5000 has a relatively small camera body, which makes it extremely portable.


Differences between Nikon D90 & D5000:

So why is the Nikon D5000 almost £200 cheaper than the D90, even though both cameras have 12 MP and HD movies? The differences are subtle (mainly in the monitor, viewfinder and battery):

* 2.7 inch LCD on D5000 / 3 inch LCD on D90
* 230k-dot LCD on D5000 / 920k-dot LCD on D90
* vari-angle LCD on D5000 / TFT LCD on D90
* viewfinder coverage 1% less on D5000 (95%, 96% on D90)
* viewfinder magnification 16% less on D5000 (0.78 x, 0.94 x on D90)
* D5000 requires lenses with a built-in motor (AF-S and AF-I lenses) for AF / whilst the
D90 has an in-camera motor and can autofocus with all Nikkor AF lenses
* NO Depth of Field Preview button on D5000 / D90 does have one
* eyepoint is smaller 17.9mm on D5000 / 19.5mm on D90
* diopter adjustment is +/- 0.3 more generous on the D90
* Mark V focusing screen on D5000 / Mark II on D90
* continuous shooting not subdivided into 'continuous low' and 'continuous high' on D5000
* 4 fps on D5000 / 4.5 fps on D90
* Centre weighted circle fixed at 8mm on D5000, adjustable to 6 or 10 mm on D90
* White balancing bracketing is more limited on D5000
* Smaller battery (EN-EL9a, 510 shots per charge) on D5000, larger EN-EL3e (850 shots) on D90
* no optional battery pack available on D5000 - Multi-Power battery pack available for D90

The D5000 outperforms the D90,
in that it has a vari-angle monitor which gives it real camcorder functionality when it comes to recording HD movies, or taking photos at tricky angles.
The D5000 offers A LOT MORE SCENE MODES than the D90 (extra modes include child, night landscape, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, pet portrait, candlelight, blossom, autumn colours, food, silhouette plus the VERY USEFUL high key and low key settings). And how about it being 60g lighter than its stablemate? Plus, the D5000 has a 'quiet' mode, which will come in dead-handy every time you want to snap away but aren't supposed to ...

All in all the Nikon D5000 is a portable, sophisticated DSLR that will serve you well wether you are new to photography or an expert.

Highly recommended *****