Nikon D5000 consumer dSLR does video

Nikon D5000 includes a flip-down-and-twist LCD.

(Credit: Nikon USA)

Nikon D5000 photos

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Thanks to a rather public ad photo shoot, one of the most notable aspects of Nikon's new D5000 dSLR leaked early last week: its flip-down and 360-degree twist articulating LCD. This model, which more or less replaces the popular and long-lived D80, also includes perks such as video capture and a lower price. (Tables updated with corrections 10:30a 4/14/09)

Here's how it fits into Nikon's consumer dSLR line:

	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 1600/6400 (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 0.94x magnification	95% coverage 0.95x 0.78 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

Nikon switches to a CMOS sensor instead of the CCDs it's been using in its entry-level models, in this case, the same 12.3-megapixel version that's in the D90. The LCD plus higher resolution and better AF system, also from the D90, distinguish it clearly from the cheaper D60, but, as frequently happens poses quite a bit of competition for the more expensive D90. Especially since it has a newer version of the Expeed image processor (with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF) and enhanced Live View AF, along with a connector for the optional GP-1 hot shoe GPS.

And here's how it stacks up against the competition:

	Nikon D5000	Canon EOS Rebel T1i	Olympus E-620
Sensor	12.3-megapixel CMOS	15.1-megapixel CMOS	12.3-megapixel Live MOS
Color depth	12-bit	14-bit	12-bit
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/6400 (expanded)	ISO 100 - ISO 1600/6400 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200
Focal-length multiplier	1.5x	1.6x	2x
Continuous shooting	4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine)	3.5 fps 9 raw/170 JPEG	4 fps 5 raw/JPEG n/a
Viewfinder	95% coverage 0.94x 0.78 magnification	95% coverage 0.87x magnification	95% coverage 0.96x magnification
Autofocus	11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6	9-pt AF center cross-type	7-pt AF all twin; 5 cross-type
Live View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video	720p at 24fps	720p at 30fps, 1080p at 20fps	No
LCD size	2.7 inches articulated	3 inches fixed	2.7 inches articulated
Shutter durability	100,000 cycles	n/a	n/a
Price (body only)	$729.95	$799.99	$699.95

It looks like it might be a pretty close call between the three models we've heard about thus far for 2009. The T1i promises better movie capture--the 24fps video is the same as the D90's, which was a bit disappointing--and the 14-bit raw has historically given Canon a slight advantage in image quality. However, the articulated LCD and built-in wireless flash confer Nikon and Olympus with some feature power the Canon lacks.

(Credit: Nikon USA)

Simultaneous with the camera, Nikon 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 for more attractive bokeh.

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.