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Conclusion |
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Overall we like the Nikon D5000, but with several reservations. Most of our performance tests yielded very good results, particularly when it came to image noise (both in stills and video), and it does a nice job shooting in less-than-optimal lighting. It handles high-contrast scenes well too. We tend to be sticklers about image sharpness, though, and here the camera didn't meet our high expectations.
It's certainly a fun camera to shoot with. The size strikes a nice balance, compact enough to carry easily but substantial enough to feel good in your hands. What the articulated LCD screen lacks in size (at 2.7 inches) and resolution (an ordinary 230,000 dots), it makes up for in convenience when shooting in Live View. Unfortunately, Live View focus is so slow that it's only appropriate in a limited number of shooting situations.
If you're choosing between the two current video-equipped SLRs in the sub-$1000 price category, we'd go with the Nikon D5000 if still image quality is your primary interest, and the Canon T1i if video quality is a high priority. So far, we haven't seen the camera at this price that does a superb job handling both.
Performance:
The Nikon D5000 posted the best image noise performance in our test group, scored very high in our long exposure testing (which combines image noise and color accuracy measurements at shutter speeds from 1 to 30 seconds) and dynamic range. We also found that turning up the high-ISO image noise reduction settings didn't cause a huge loss of fine detail. We did run into problems with our resolution testing, though. The kit lens handled distortion well, but image sharpness was sub-par (though, it should be noted, not as bad as the Canon T1i).
As for video performance, color accuracy was pretty good, though the colors looked less intense than those in the Canon T1i movies. Video image noise was exceptionally low for both cameras, surpassing results found with consumer camcorders we've tested. Recording smooth motion was a problem, though, with noticeable rolling shutter problems (the odd wobble that appears when you pan the camera quickly), and surprisingly in light of its still image low light performance, came up short capturing colors accurately on video in subdued illumination.
Components:
The D5000 is reasonably well built for a camera in its price range, with a solid feel overall, though the plastic body is a bit hollow and the grip would benefit from a rubberized surface. The articulated LCD screen is innovative in its bottom-hinged design and, while we feel the side hinge arrangement used elsewhere is slightly more practical, the freedom of movement was appreciated (it would have been even better if Live View focus worked at a reasonable pace). The pop-up flash has good range and coverage, and compatibility with Nikon family lenses is always a plus, though it would be even better if the D5000 had a built-in autofocus motor.
Handling:
We found the camera very comfortable to use, with a good shape and size and a well-designed LCD menu system for quickly accessing settings while shooting. A few more direct-access buttons would have been welcome, though, requiring less multi-button, cursor-moving maneuvering.
Controls:
There is something here to appeal to SLR novices and experienced shooters alike, with a good auto mode and a plethora of scene modes compared to most SLRs, plus a nice range of precision settings tweaks and camera customization options. Nikon's Picture Control system is flexible and easy to use, and the wide range of image editing options will be fun to use while reviewing your travel photos on that long flight home.
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