Nikon D5000
12.3 megapixels | 2.7" screen | APS-C sensor
The D5000 fills the gap in Nikon's range between the D60 and the D90, though the feature set is far closer to the more expensive D90 than the entry level models. With 12.9 megapixels, 720p movie capture, tilting LCD screen and faster burst mode (plus a wealth of upgrades and enhancements) the D5000 is a significant step up from the D40X/D60 but the lack of an in-body focus motor and entry-level viewfinder stops it treading too hard on the D90's toes.
The D5000's image quality is undeniably impressive - the default JPEG settings might be a touch too tailored towards the D300 market but they can be tweaked to produce the bright, punchy output that former compact camera users are likely to expect. The high ISO performance is very good as is the dynamic range, with or without the useful Active D-Lighting feature. The D5000 is packed full of features, including a good set of RAW and JPEG processing tools and effects, and video has been implemented in such a way that it's there if you want it and doesn't get in the way if you don't.
Reviews from other photography sites

The D5000 offers nearly all of the features and performance of Nikon's fantastic D90, but in a smaller form factor. Nikon also threw in a flip-down, rotating LCD display to keep things interesting. The D5000 has the usual set of D-SLR features, very good photo quality and performance, plus an HD...
The D5000 offers nearly all of the features and performance of Nikon's fantastic D90, but in a smaller form factor. Nikon also threw in a flip-down, rotating LCD display to keep things interesting. The D5000 has the usual set of D-SLR features, very good photo quality and performance, plus an HD movie mode. Most of its downsides fall into the "I would've been nice" category: the LCD resolution is low, the viewfinder is on the small side, and autofocus isn't supported on all Nikkor lenses. A few other issues are more annoying, such as the extremely slow contrast detect AF in live view mode. Despite its flaws, the D5000 is a solid choice for those looking for a full-featured, yet approachable D-SLR.
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The D5000 is the latest in a long line of impressive DSLRs from Nikon, delivering great image quality and a powerful feature-set that represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D60. Like many of today’s new DSLRs, the D5000 borrows a great deal from a higher-end model in the...
The D5000 is the latest in a long line of impressive DSLRs from Nikon, delivering great image quality and a powerful feature-set that represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D60. Like many of today’s new DSLRs, the D5000 borrows a great deal from a higher-end model in the range, in this case the D90, but repackages it in a more affordable form factor with at least one key advantage in its favour.
While arch rival Canon continues to increase resolutions, Nikon has...
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