What is the best digital camera? This will depends on what you need. So, instead of comparing digital cameras, why not try to figure out how to buy the best digital camera for your needs.
Meet the D5000, a new breed of Nikon digital SLR camera. A wonderful blend of fun, simplicity, and beautiful image quality, the D5000 features an innovative Vari-angle monitor for an exciting new take on photography.
Combined with Live View shooting, this monitor gives you the ability to shoot from almost any angle. And your creativity is not limited to still images - Nikon's D-Movie function lets you record richly detailed HD movie clips too.
There's also a dazzling array of shooting features to help you get great shots. Add to this a superb 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor working in tandem with Nikon's EXPEED image processing system and watch your photos and movie clips come alive with all the stunning beauty for which Nikon is famous.
New 2.7-inch Vari-angle monitor
New 2.7-inch Vari-angle monitor
This crisp 230,000-dot monitor with 100% scene coverage gives you the freedom to hold the camera in a variety of positions, making it simple to shoot from dramatic and interesting new angles. Raise the D5000 high to shoot over crowds, or hold it close to the ground for a little creature's view of the world. Whatever perspective you choose, the Vari-angle monitor adjusts easily to accommodate your creative needs. And when you're finished shooting the LCD monitor can be closed on to the camera's back for added protection.
12.3M Nikon DX format CMOS
A proven performer, Nikon's DX-format CMOS sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels records all the details of the original scene for lifelike photos and stunning movie clips using D-movie. Shadows and highlights reveal exceptional details while a remarkably high signal-to-noise ratio vastly reduces noise - especially important when shooting at high ISO settings. The sensor also consumes less power to help conserve battery life.
D-Movie records beautiful videos with sound,
eliminating the need for a separate video camera.
D-Movie HD Video
Make your memories come to life in all the breathtaking splendor of HD movie clips. D-Movie records beautiful videos with sound, eliminating the need for a separate video camera. It also lets you take advantage of the large selection of NIKKOR lenses to obtain a variety of cinematic effects. After shooting, you can watch movie clips on the D5000, or connect to an HDTV via the built-in HDMI connector to share memories with family and friends.
NB. Autofocus cannot be used with D-Movie.
A tripod is recommended when shooting movie clips.
Active D Lighting
High contrast settings - such as sunny beach and snow scenes - can be problematic for photographers. Without additional lighting and close attention to exposure, shadows and highlights can appear washed out, eliminating subtle nuances of tone and detail. Active D-Lighting prevents this, automatically adjusting exposure in shadows and highlights for well-balanced images that closely resemble what your eyes see. Active D-Lighting can also be applied to images after shooting.
19 Scene Modes automatically adjust settings
for just the right look.
19 Scene Modes
Take the guesswork out of tricky photo situations with Scene Modes. Simply turn the mode dial to SCENE and choose the mode that matches the mood. The D5000 does the rest, automatically adjusting exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and other settings for just the right look. Sample photos appear on the display to help you select modes - a nice touch for less-experienced photographers.
Expeed System
The result of Nikon's relentless pursuit of excellence and years of know-how, EXPEED delivers stunning images while maximising camera performance. This new version of EXPEED - especially developed for the D5000 - works in tandem with the 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor to produce finely detailed images that exhibit superb colour reproduction and rich tonal gradation with minimal noise. Moreover, EXPEED processes data at remarkable speeds to effortlessly handle processor-hungry tasks like Live View, Face Detection, and high-speed continuous shooting at up to 4 fps.
Live View
The D5000's Live View is enhanced with a range of different display views to suit your needs. Minimise camera settings when you want an uncluttered view of the scene, or show vital information at a glance for situations requiring a comprehensive readout. There is also a convenient grid display to aid composition, and an edit display that allows you to quickly change settings without taking your eye off the shot.
Enhanced Live View
including intelligent autofocus modes
Intelligent Live View autofocus modes
There is a focus mode for every subject in Live View. Whether it's a particular face, dynamic action, or a small object in a big composition, the four easily selectable modes assure you of sharp results no matter what the subject.
Stunning image quality and creativity with NIKKOR lenses
Each shot reflects the innovation and advanced engineering that makes Nikon synonymus with superlative photography. Nikon's fast EXPEED image processing system and world renowned NIKKOR lenses work together to make an unbeatable combination that will satisfy your creative needs.
Fast, precise 11-point autofocus system
Autofocus is key to any digital camera. The D5000 uses a fast, accurate autofocus system that maintains focus even on fast moving subjects. Strategically positioned for outstanding coverage of both vertical and horizontal compositions, the diamond-shaped array of 11 autofocus points - with the most sensitive AF point in the centre of the frame - handles nearly any shooting situation.