Nikon D5000 Camera Experience
The two things I like the most about the D5000 are its small size and the wonderful high ISO image quality. It makes a great outdoor camera because it’s easy to pack and can deliver great photos in all kinds of conditions. The low noise also means you can pump up the ISO for sharp action photos without worrying about them getting all chunky-looking.
Live View isn’t appropriate for sports or action photography because you can’t frame or follow a moving subject well with an LCD. But for macro photos, product photography and tripod landscapes, it’s the best. Nikon’s new Vari-angle LCD means you don’t have to crouch down or contort yourself to see the LCD when you’re using Live View – just set your camera up on a tripod and adjust the LCD so you can comfortably see it. The Vari-angle LCD does have some quirks – you can’t use it for self-portraits on a tripod because when you flip it down and around to face you, the tripod is in the way. But it’s still great for standard Live View or video shooting. And it’s far better than an LCD that doesn’t move at all.
Overall, I really like the D5000′s physical design. It feels solid in my hands, I was never worried about dropping it, and changing settings with the Information Display screen is easy and efficient. However, nothing is perfect and I had some trouble with the placement of some controls. Intuitively, the exposure compensation button seems well-placed, right behind the shutter release. However, moving my index finger back to press it made the camera feel a little less secure in my hand and the position was a little cramped. Sometimes I even had to take the camera away from my eye to double check where the button was. This might seem nitpicky, but being a mostly manual exposure guy, I use the exposure compensation button for almost every photo. I use a lot of cameras and my favorite position for the exposure compensation button is in the back of the camera where I can press it with my right thumb.
The D5000′s AF points are selected with the 4-way multi-selector to the right of the LCD. The OK button returns the auto focus to the center point – the one I use the most. Unfortunately, the multi-selector is right where the palm of my hand presses against the back of the camera. Too many times I accidentally changed the focus point with the palm of my hand and my subject ended up out of focus. Unpredictable behavior is one of the last things you want with a camera. I learned to check the focus point regularly and press the OK button to make sure the center AF point is selected. But there’s no doubt photos have and will be missed because of the position of the multi-selector.
Standard AF behavior allows you to pre-focus in single shot auto focus mode and then recompose. As long as you keep the shutter release button depressed halfway, the focus will stay locked on your subject. So far, so good – this is exactly how the D5000 behaves. However, when I shot a sequence of photos with the D5000, the auto focus unlocked after the first shot and refocused on the background. I’ve never experienced this AF behavior before and it totally confused me. All I knew was I had a sequence of photos where all but the first frame were totally out of focus. After some trial and error I discovered that I had to hold the AE-L / AF-L button down to keep the focus locked if I wanted to shoot a sequence. That’s not quite what the manual describes and it’s also not what I’ve learned to expect from other cameras. So, heads up if you’re shooting a sequence and you’ve pre-focused in the AF-S single shot focus mode. The D5000 might not do what you expect it to do.
By no means are these control issues deal killers. But I was uncomfortable enough that they needed to be mentioned. Overall, I was very happy when I shot with the D5000. I quickly learned to be confident in the image quality regardless of conditions and the more I used it, the more I liked it. The small size makes the D5000 a great camera when space is limited and the image quality makes it even better.
Nikon D5000 Video Experience
Basic video capture with the D5000 is easy – just press the dedicated Live View button then press OK to start recording. I shot a few clips to check for the Jell-O-like rolling shutter effect reported on the D90 ( target=”_blank”>Nikon D90 rolling shutter effect sample video) and I’m happy to report I couldn’t detect the problem. I also shot a box opening video, a little mountain biking and a tour of the new Photo-John world headquarters. Maybe serious videographers would find some problems with the D5000 video quality, but to this video novice, they look very good.
Since there’s no auto focus once you start recording a video clip, it’s very important to have a focus strategy before you start. You can try to focus manually, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I use the Live View auto focus to pre-focus on something I think will work for my whole clip. Since focus isn’t as critical with video as it is with still photography I don’t think it’s that big of a deal if I’m a little off. If you really need to refocus, stop recording and set up another shot.
I recommend using image-stabilized lenses for video. Handholding the camera without image stabilization makes for shaky videos – you don’t want your viewers to get seasick. Luckily the 18-55mm Nikkor kit lens that comes with the camera is equipped with Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization. Two other lenses I used didn’t have image stabilization and the difference was obvious.
next page – Nikon D5000 Image Quality >>
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The inclusion of the pop out display makes this camera very intriguing… Is this going to be standard for Nikons moving forward?
Thanks for the comment, Thien. I was hoping they’d be using it on every camera from here on out. But the two new cameras Nikon just announced don’t have it. The new D3000 is positioned below the D5000 so maybe they left it out for that reason. And the new D300s is basically a D300 with some internal upgrades. So they didn’t make any body changes. It’s probable that we see more implementation in the next generation. I expect Nikon is looking at the D5000 as a test for the Vari-angle LCD.
My Canon Powershot point-n-shoot has a movie mode and can’t re-focus once it filming begins. A little frustrating if the subject changes position or I want to zoom in/out. Not that I expect my inexpensive simple point-n-shoot to be rich with features, but do other DSLRs with movie mode have the same problem?
Derek, right now all digital SLRs with movie modes have the same problem. Nikon just announced a new model, the D300s, which will allow auto focus while you’re filming. How well the auto focus works is the next question. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s as usable as a dedicated digital video camera.
The Panasonic Lumix GH1 and Olympus E-P1are DSLR-like and they both offer auto focus during video capture. I haven’t used the Panasonic yet so I don’t know how well the auto focus works. But the continuous auto focus on the Olympus E-P1 is pretty useless during video because it hunts too much and the motor makes noise that’s really obvious if you’re filming with sound.
Hi John,
Would i be able to use my existing manual SLR lenses – a Canon 35-70mm and a tamron 70-300 mm telephoto lens on the Nikon D5000 ?
I currently use a manual SLR- canon EOS Rebel
Thanks
Anand
Anand-
There are two problem with what you propose – most digital SLRs these days have proprietary lens mounts. So, aside from third-party lens makers like Sigma, Tamron and Tokina, you will only be able to use Nikon lenses on a Nikon camera body. Further – with the D5000 and other “entry-level” Nikon DSLRs, you are limited to their AF-S lenses, which have a built-in auto focus motor. So if you decided to buy a Nikon camera, you would also have to buy Nikon lenses. The kit lens that comes with the D5000 is a very good one, though – likely better than your Canon 35-70mm and Tamron 70-300mm.
Since you already have a couple of Canon EOS lenses, I would recommend you take a look at the Canon Digital Rebel XSi. It’s sort of the Canon counterpart to Nikon’s D5000. It also has video and you will be able to use your lenses with it. However, lenses have come quite a way in the past few years and you will probably be better off sticking with the Canon 18-55mm IS kit lens, if you decide to go that route.
Thanks for posting a comment!
Thanks a ton John – your info truly helps.
Infact i was toying with the Canon XSi and the Nikon D5000 – but for the above dilemma! And now i am torn between choosing from the Canon XSi and their latest 500D – the T1i. I am looking for a DSLR with Video capabilities.
Secondly, i am very interested in macro photography : Please suggest me a reasonably inexpensive NON-NIKON lens.
Thanks in advance
Cheers,
Anand
Anand-
I’m glad you mentioned the Canon T1i. That’s actually the camera I meant when I mentioned the XSi. The XSi does not have video, but the T1i, does. I’m not a real macro shooter so I don’t know that I’m the best to make a recommendation. You should take a look at and maybe post on our Narure & Wildlife photography forum. Those guys are the experts on macro photography. I think there’s a Tamron lens a lot of the macro shooters like. Here’s a link to the Nature & Wildlife photography forum: http://forums.photographyreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48
FYI – There’s is a service recall on a number of the Nikon D5000′s.
I just purchased one, and had to immediately send it back to Nikon for repair. UPS seems to have lost it for the time being, but that’s another story.
Here’s the related link:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Service-Advisories/D5000-Service-Advisory.page
So, you cannot manually focus while shooting video with any of these new age digital SLR’s with video capabilities? Is that absolutely true? I though they were competition for the HVX and the like, but if this is the case nevermind..
You can manual focus while shooting in video mode (make sure it’s set to M or M/A).
It does not autofocus if you move around.
Hello John,
I was wondering, does Nikon Inc. just send you these things (crap) or is there a form that you have to fill out or what. If so, how can I get one?
Thanks.
Adam.
Good question, Adam. If it was just a form to fill out, everyone would be doing it. Build a good Web site and drum up lots of traffic and then ask Nikon for a loaner and see how it goes
They don’t just give them away, either. I get them for a few weeks and then we send them back. No camera freebies to be had.
Hi John Thats a very useful essay!
I wanna buy my 1st DSLR & I prefer D5000 after reading your page.. do you recommend this for a beginner? Is D5000 controls are easy to learn?
Thx
Kalai
I love my D5000 DSLR camera! I am having trouble finding the right tripod. The flimsy ones are too flimsy, and the bigger ones have too big of a mounting plate which interferes with the swivel-tilt screen. Other than that, I love my camera. I constantly have it with me, and look for things to take cool pictures of, or try to figure out how to set a picture up properly. I could not settle for the D3000. It had to be the D5000, and I am happy to have made this decision.
You can use just about any Nikon lens – or any other manual lens with an adapter. While it’s true that it doesn’t autofocus, like the D90, the images that come out of this thing are gorgeous – even in low light. These cameras are being adopted, increasingly, by independent filmmakers. But – no, it’s not an appropriate tool for zooming around with shaky cam at your kids birthday. However, adapt your style… Think of it as “moving stills”…
Hi!
What can you tell me about the battery?? I am going to Europe this summer and I don’t want to be out of battery during the day.
Hey guys, my dad got the Nikon D5000 as a retirement pressie and gave it to me as he knew my Canon 30D was playing up. I am used to Canons and not familiar with Nikons but have used it alittle bit and love it. The only thing is i have a few people booked me to do thier wedding photography and need to invest in a decent telephoto lens and tripod for the Nikon. Any advice on which ones to go for that are good and reliable which dont break the bank??? For the lens i would ideally like one with a wide aperture (i.e F2.8) and the tripod not too bulky & with an easily adjustable ball head. Any suggestions or advice????
Nikon D5000 is a good camera, the pictures is somehow a little bit darker compared to D90 though.
For some sample pictures of D5000, you can visit http://dslrjourney.blogspot.com
Hi…I’m a photography enthusiast. I have been shooting with compact so far, but now want to expand my horizons and buy a good DSLR. I am not into video, so that is not at all a deciding factor for me. Am torn between the D90 with 18-105mm kit lens and the D5000 with 18-55mm kit lens. I have these questions and am hoping for answers:
1. Does it make sense to go for d90 despite the fact that It is an older model and more expensive than D5000.
2. Is it more important to get a more expensive body? Or would I be equally well equipped with a cheaper body and more cash in hand to expand my repertoire of lenses?
3. Is D90+18-105 kit lens equivalent to D500 + 18-55 kit lens and an extra lens (perhaps the 55-200mm VR nikon)?
4. Do I need autofocus built into the body if I do not have a set of older lenses that do not have autofocus?
5. What are the other accessories I must have?
Waiting for an answer. Really want to buy myself a dslr soon ….
Can I use older nikon lens on my D5000. The older lens are strickly manual.
I began an interest into photography about 1 year ago and have since been using a very much outdated (now) Fujifilm S5700. I bought it mainly for it’s video features, (even they’re not the best) but soon took an interest into photography when I started seeing some good results from my pictures. However, this Christmas I want to update my camera into something that is really going to allow me to go further. Also a camera that won’t need replacing and won’t be outdated within 2 or so years. So my question today is; Is the Nikon D5000 a good camera bought with the 18-55mm lens kit, or for my needs, will I need to invest into a larger lens in the near future?