April 14th, 2009
Nikon D5000 dSLR debuts with 360-degree flip-twist LCD, video
Nikon has made official its D5000 consumer digital SLR camera that leaked early last week in a public ad shoot.
The camera is most notable for its flip-down, 360-degree-twist articulating LCD screen. The camera replaces, at least indirectly, the popular and long-lived D80. It also has a lower price and video recording abilities.
Here’s how it stacks up against its siblings, according to CNET’s Lori Grunin:
| Nikon D60 | Nikon D5000 | Nikon D80 | Nikon D90 | |
| Sensor | 10.2-megapixel CCD | 12.3-megapixel CMOS | 10.2-megapixel CCD | 12.3-megapixel CMOS |
| Color depth | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded) | ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/6400 (expanded) |
| Continuous shooting | 3 fps n/a raw/100 JPEG (large/fine) |
4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine) |
3 fps 6 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine) |
4.5 fps 7 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine) |
| Viewfinder | 95% coverage 0.95x magnification |
95% coverage 0.95x magnification |
95% coverage 0.95x magnification |
96% coverage 0.94x magnification |
| Autofocus | 3-pt AF n/a |
11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6 |
11-pt AF center cross-type |
11-pt AF center cross-type |
| Live View | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Video | No | 720p at 24fps | No | 720p at 24fps |
| LCD size | 2.5 inches fixed | 2.7 inches articulated | 2.5 inches fixed | 3 inches fixed |
| Shutter durability | n/a | 100,000 cycles | n/a | 100,000 cycles |
| Price (body only) | $499.95 | $729.95 | $849 (street) | $995.95 |
The LCD plus higher resolution and a better AF system inherited from the D90 distinguish it from the cheaper D60, but challenges the D90 itself at this price point: Nikon is using the same 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that’s in the D90 instead of the CCDs it traditionally uses in entry-level dSLR models.
The D5000 has a newer version of the Expeed image processor with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF and enhanced Live View AF. It also has a connector for the optional GP-1 hot shoe GPS.
While the D5000 does have video capture at 24fps — the T1i is a bit better, Grunin writes — the articulated LCD and built-in wireless flash help bridge the gap between still camera and camcorder.
Nikon also announced a new prosumer wide-angle lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED (15-36mm equivalent), with internal focus, Nikon’s ultrasonic Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and a 7-blade aperture.
The D5000 is slated to ship at the end of April in three configurations: body only for $729.95 and a kit with the 18-55mm VR lens for $849.95. The 10-24mm lens will ship in May for $899.95.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
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