Nikon D5000

I'm very new to a lot of camera technology, and I bought this because it was recommended for beginners to DLSR photography. I have been using a regular digital camera (Canon) and was very frustrated with the delays after taking a shot. I wanted as high a frames-per-second speed as possible within the budget for the total package, as well as more than 10megapixels. My final decision (Nikon instead of a Sony) was based on the inclusion of video capability.

The photos taken so far are fantastic: beautifully clear and sharp, using the autofocus. The autoflash was essential, as I was shooting in the light of a thunderstorm. I have not tested the other lenses included in the kit (and its upgrade, which I purchased the next day). So far, I have no negative input to report on the camera; though I do hope the manual and CD are clear enough for beginners. My only, very minor, critical note: the kit I bought included a Zeiko camera case. It would have been helpful if that case included a couple of pockets for the media cards, battery, etc.

Best SLR for the money

The D5000 is by far the best camera in its class. I have gone to a local camera store and tried models by Canon, Sony, and Olympus.

I have spent the last two years researching digital SLR cameras because of the huge investment, but it is worth every penny. There is no comparison between images taken with this camera versus all my my point and shoots (previously owned nikon Coolpix L100, MANY Sony cybershot models, and Casio Exilim cameras to name a few.) .

The D5000 combines ease of use with many advanced features, which are easily accessible. I steered away from the Canon T1 at this price point because of the fixed LCD screen. The price of the Nikon D90 has also come down, but unfortunately it also has a fixed LCD. The D5000's LCD flips and rotates. This is a pretty important feature if you are traveling and want to take picture of a city when you are in the middle of a crowd.

The Sony A33 and A55 were also very easy to use and have an adjustable LCD screen, but I found that the camera was almost too automated. I will admit the images on this looked fantastic. The video on these cameras were by far the best out of all the cameras. My biggest concern with this camera was that in order to manually adjust the camera was difficult for me due to the extensive menus or lack there of. Also the battery life is much shorter than the other cameras, partially due to the 100% digital viewfinder. This felt more like a point and shoot on steroids.

The Olympus E-620 is also a very nice camera, but it does not shoot video. Some may not think this is so important. I have found that there were many situations where I was traveling where pictures were great, but did not quite capture the complete atmosphere. It is nice to be able to show a short video clip of a roaring crowd along with a picture compared to the picture by itself.

I am now using a D5000 with a 18-105 VR lens and a 70-300mm. I went with a Lowpro Slingshot 100, which is the best all-weather camera bag I have ever owned.

Cameta camera has the best deals by far on bodies and lenses. They also offer a nice 1 year warranty. This is the second D5000 I have purchased this year. The last one was also purchased from Cameta. This cameras look brand new.

Camera good

I bought this as a "simple" backup if my D300 needs repair again. I had quite a few AF-S lenes so ability to switch lens was easy. If fact, I have upgraded my 300mm F/4 to 300 AF-S F/4. The camera is smaller, lighter & uses an SD rather then CF card. Upside my laptop has a reader that take SDHC cards. I shoot Ram/Nef. D5000 10mb picture size- D300 16.7mb. I had some problem initially figuring what settings. I usually use Aperture setting but Thom Hogan suggest setting on P. This does seem better. The camera is a bit slower in burst 4FPS compared to 8 on my D300. A battery grip will not increase speed and the battery lasts about 1000 shots, so no rush.
The camera can be used as a straight point & shoot but if set to "P" programming might accomplish about same.It's not a D300 but if you have the lenses its a good backup or startup for a family member. A refurbished was only $445- reasonable price. So far quality of photos are good.

Ronald

Nikon D5000 Body only 12.3 Megapixel

One of the best value camera available! While the lenses that come in the standard kit are certainly good, they have composite plastic connections, so purchasing the body only to couple with upgraded lenses will give an excellent value with professional quality results.

This camera uses the same electronic imaging as the more expensive D90 camera, and has the tremendous feature of using either the conventional viewfinder or the large digital viewing screen to take pictures. With this flexible screen, you can hold the camera at angles to take pictures that would be impossible to otherwise capture with a DSLR camera.

Quick and easy to use, with all the features necessary to take outstanding pictures and still enjoy the user friendly interface that makes the D5000 a wonderful choice in Nikon cameras.

Good camera!

I recently purchased my Nikon D5000 to take photos of my newborn baby and youth activities at my church. This camera works great for shooting up close and indoors. In low light situations it works good without the flash on as long as the target is not moving very fast. Shutter time is slower in a dark room but came be over come by switching to manual focus. The VR function of lens works very well. I would not buy a lens that does not have the VR feature!

Along with this camera I purchased a 55-200mm VR lens. This is a must have for the majority of my shooting. I attended a college graduation recently and was sitting around 150' from the stage. I was still able to get crisp and clear shoots of people on the stage with the flash turned off.

Overall the camera is was I expected and then some. I have no used the video feature yet but am looking forward to getting to use it.

If you are looking for a good (not great) DSLR camera I would not hesitate to buy a D5000!