Nikon Launches D5Nikon Launches D5000 DSLR Camera000 DSLR Camera
Posted by machinerynest on April 21, 2009
For the basics, the D5000 has a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED high speed image processing system. It is capable of continuous shooting at a rate of four frames per second (7 RAW, 25 JPEG Fine, 100 JPEG Normal). It uses 3D Color Matrix Metering II to obtain clear, accurate images. It also features an 11-point selectable autofocus system that includes subject tracking for motion shots.
The EXPEED system includes features such as Scene Recognition, Face Recognition, Active D lighting and Picture Control. The scene mode makes capturing the perfect shot easy and provides an excellent learning tool for beginners. This mode will recognize various scenes (19 total) and adjust settings such as white balance and exposure to optimize the image. The user can preview the image with various settings on the view screen before taking the shot. Active D lighting makes sure detail isn’t lost in darker ares of the image. It uses a 420 pixel RGB sensors to improve details in high contrast scenes, so if there is image loss in certain areas the detail is restored. Active D has six settings including Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low and Off. Picture Control allows the photographer to adjust image capture characteristics and also has six settings: tandard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape.
One of the nicer features of the D5000 is the LCD monitor. It has a 2.7 inch vari-angle screen, meaning you can adjust the view screen by tilting and rotating it. This allows the photographer to see the shot he is taking, regardless of awkward angles or situations. You can even tilt the screen all the way down and rotate it such that you can see yourself for self portraits. The screen can also be rotated and closed to prevent damage.
Another great feature is the D-Movie function, which allows the D5000 to capture high definition movies (with audio). It can capture 720p at 24 fps in Motion-JPEG format. Movies can also be viewed in Live View mode on the vari-angle monitor so the shot can be composed for optimal framing. Of course the camera also has an HDMI output so you can view everything on your big screen HDTV.
Another useful feature of the D5000 is the Retouch Menu. This allows the user to edit and modify pictures on the spot rather than waiting to get home, upload the images to a computer and use editing software. Modes on this menu include oft Filter, Perspective Control and Color Outline.
The D5000 also incorporates Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System which reduces or completely removes dust from the sensor. An airflow control system directs dust away from the sensor while a low pass filter vibrates to get rid of dust particles.
Other features of the D5000 include on-demand grid lines, Calendar View and a durable shutter unit tested to 100,000 cycles. There is a built in flash and support for Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. The camera uses a rechargeable Li-Ion battery (EN-EL9a) that allows up to 510 shots per charge. It is compatible with most Nikkor lenses as well.
The Nikon D5000 will probably ship sometime in May but retailers are already offering pre-orders, as this will be a very in-demand camera:
