Nikon D5000

Opinion: I normally shoot with a D300 or a D700 with battery
grips. Have tried a number of small / portable cameras
and systems, but never completely satisfied.

I recently purchased the D5000 with the 18-108 as my
"walk around" camera, and have been very pleased.
Since I have both DX and FX lenses, I have have a very
portable configuration with my 35 1.8, and a very
flexible camera with my 18-200. Camera is easy to set-
up like my other DSLRs, and processing and profiles for
NEF images is exactly the same in Lightroom.
While not a camera you can put in your pocket, it is
very lightweight and easy to carry hiking, or a day trip
to the zoo with my grandsons.

Opinion: I hope that most actually think about the other reviews that have been given. I didn't read through all of them, but the last few on here were very lacking and you could tell the person has never used, or probably even seen the camera. I at least wouldn't take someones word who spells like dat...

Anyway, the camera is great. For those who are comparing it to other cameras that cost less there is a reason the others cost less. The D5000 is really a D90 with a couple less features. The picture quality is almost the same, but the body is hundreds of dollars less. Some might miss the in body autofocus motor that would allow the camera to use older lenses, but for most it isn't that big of a deal. All of Nikon's newer lenses are AF-S and work on the D5000. Before i purchased my D5000 I tried all other comparable bodies from the other brands. Those who recommend the cheaper Pentax k-x...I don't know how you could stand the awful whine of the lenses as the focus. Plus there is a reason they are cheaper...not saying they can't take good pictures, but I don't think it really is on the same build quality and level as the D5000. Sony...well they make OK cameras, but since they aren't solely a camera company and created their camera line from the old minolta line that they bought I am kind of on the fence with them. Of course there is Canon which IMO is really the only competition to Nikon for picture taking. The comparable Canon bodies felt cheap to me. The picture quality has been tested and even higher MP Canon cameras came in under the D5000 and D90.

I have to say from what I have seen and used that Nikon build quality is second to none. Even their kit lenses that feel cheaply made still take great pictures. I have taken nearly 4000 pictures with my D5000 and it always surprises me. I wouldn't trade off any cost savings for any of the other brands. I also will mention how quiet the Nikon AF-S lenses are. Several of the other brands lenses were horribly noisy when focusing.

Overall you won't be disappointed by the D5000 unless you miss some of the more pro level features that are offered on the higher bodies. Some of the menus can take a little while to adjust for pictures, but I haven't found it to be annoyingly slow or anything.

Opinion: Good image quality like the D90 and value for money with the rebates (as it may becoming close to being replaced) - plenty of features 11 AF (from D200) with 3d Tracking - good noise suppression (good at 1600), Metring consistent (bit ott sometimes), Great LCD 920k. Good responsive camera with plenty of features including Live View and HD Video (720p only)

Excellent Camera for pairing up to Nikon EDG Fieldscope and FSA-L2.

Borrowed the D5000 for extensive periods!

Opinion: just like the canon 500D, don't expect so much from a budget dslr. At least it delivers quite an adequate image quality, and, thats that.