D5000

Is the Canon Kiss known as the XSi in the US?

Why settle for a Fairlady Z? Go for the GT-R!

I've been looking for a DSLR camera for a bit now, used to just use a conventional digital, reviews i've read on the D5000 make it sound very nice, coupled with a lil' Danny Choo advertising has probably sold it to me. Very nifty camera indeed and I heard it's quite affordable.
Is having so many different cameras useful though? I'd rather just stick with one and build up a set of attachments for it.
Using Japanese setting for things, I do that with my ipod remembering even just a couple words is very helpful. Sometimes when you don't know too much, it can just be hell trying to set it back to English.
image ID#27095 - Looks like Chris is peering over the laptop and getting a bit of Yoko in his view.

I've read rave reviews of the D5000 and I'm impressed by the shots that you've taken, Danny! Maybe pumping up the ISO too high on the Haruhi shot was something not intended, but even by standards it looks good. You did mention that you didn't know how to use the camera correctly, yet the results are stunning.

The one thing I lack in my DSLR is the live view function. At first I'm okay with it, but a time grew I began to wonder why didn't I invest on one which has. Well, there's always next time...

Hope to see more Tokyo shots with the new cam! ^^

Wow! That Nikon model sure packs a punch on every photo.
It' able to deliver a wonderful range of pixel per image. Really really impressive.
Now i'm in doubt as to whether i should get a nikon or a canon since i am currently
looking out for a new camera after my Olympus cam died during the TOYCON event.

Thank you very much for this review danny. I was really looking forward to this, 'cause I felt in love with the idea of live view and free moving lcd screen since I saw this at Hectors burogu.
I want to buy a DSRL and wasn't really sure if I should go with the D5000 or a Canon one a friend of mine recommended.
But I think I will now definitely go with the D5000.
Oh and what kind of adapter is this you mentioned for using Canon Lenses on a Nikon? Never heard of it.

I taken my friend's Nikon for a test shoot. It just so difficult to use once you are accustomed to the controls on Canon's DSLR. I guess both companies do that to discourage their users to switch camp ^^

I use a nikon D90 and am a total amateur XD I got it at the beginning of the year and it has been interesting to learn how to use this and not the 36mm auto point and shoot film camera I was using before. Funny how the same camera can take so many different looking shots. Will be looking to enroll in a class to help me navigate and take control of my camera. Nice review! The next camera will probably walk on legs and take the pictures itself :O

I'm going to get a new camera soon, don't know will it be Nikon or Cannon. It'll propably be something less expensive, like Cannon EOS 450.

You really made me belive that you got the cameras with the lenses last time. :D

Nice review, im also a huge fan of Nissan Fairlady Z =D

the urge of getting a DSLR is getting stronger...

Lol @ the Fairlady Z statement. Some D5000 pictures are wee bit of overexposed? But they're really sharp. Personally prefer Nikon over Canon because Nikon gives sharper colours imho. But I own none of them, since I have decided to ditch dSLR for now.. until I feel the need again.

currently a canon user and will stick to it since i rarely use it. no point getting a new camera for me.
imo, what matters in the end is the quality of the lens and the person behind the camera.
both companies are equally good but canon gives more value for the buck in their lineups.

My main purchase this summer will be a dSLR; I have loads of lovely Pentax 35mm SLR kit, but the entire process of having to wait until the end of a film, taking it in for D&P, waiting for it to come back, scanning in the negatives & then cleaning up all the dust & scratches really doesn't match my lifestyle anymore. I want to be able to take some photos, stick them into Lightroom as soon as I get back to my computer, then have the best uploaded to my website that evening. Really jsut waiting on a dSLR before relaunching my site which otherwise hasn't bene updated in years...

I'm not really sure what brand to go with for my first dSLR though. As I said I have loads of 35mm Pentax gear (as well as a Pentax ultracompact), but I'm not too fond of their dSLR gear. My mother has one of their older *ist dSLR's & it always seemed a bit cheap to me. My uncle is a big fan of Canon & recently got back from another trip to the Middle East with his new dSLR Canon setup & had nothing but positive feedback. But I know a lot of people who swear by Nikon as well...

Looking at the Canon EOS 450D which can be had with the kit zoom for £499. One of my flatmates got the 1000D for her 21st birthday & after playing with that a bit I really like the interface & design, but think it would be worth me paying the extra £100 to get the 450D otherwise I could see myself upgrading anyway after 6 months with the 1000D... Not sure what Nikon's equivalent is at the ~£499 price with a kit lens? D60 is much cheaper, D5000 is much more expensive, so I presume there must be another one inbetween?

Going to have to wait for some paychecks before I buy anything, I get paid in arrears so I'll have to wait even longer D:

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess the D5000 won't be appearing in any giveaways in the near future? :P

Nikon D5000 seems pretty neat. The photos are sharp. The flip screen makes it really convenient, especially if one wants to take a photo of himself / herself. Photography seems kinda fun :D

カノン命～！！！
It's either i've seen too many night shots on your site or those daytime photos are overexposed - the former is more likely
Yes, give Nikon to waifu

As for setting things to Japanese, it indeed is very useful for learning. My phone, MP3 player, etc. The next thing I really should do is get XP/Win7 in Japanese

image image ID#27077 - taking a picture of yourself taking a picture, taking a picture - surely that made sense somehow

Wow I see my language in menu, Polski=Polish ^^.

D5000 looks nice, but it barely cheaper than D90 and I think this one is much better.
Im still on my good old D80, ill prolly upgrade to the evolution of the D90, I think D5000 would actully be a downgrade for me. ( Couldnt even use all my lens :P )

I still use my Canon EOS 5D. It was bought within a few months of its US release. I don't see myself upgrading to the 5D Mark II any time soon nor switching to Nikon. I would like to by a another zoom, maybe a 70-200mm, and a good Gitzo tripod and a Really Right Stuff head for it. That's my with list.

2nd picture, you still managed to make the V sign eh danny...^^

anyway, nice loot I must say..but with that price it will be a unreachable dream for me...T_T

My parents bought me the Nikon D60 for obtaining a final average of 93. I'm perfectly satisfied with it, although I'm still learning the functions and am slightly disappointed that I'm forced to use the viewfinder and not the screen.

Also, what's with the odd 25 minutes parking interval? Isn't it awkward, seeing as our clocks are 60 mins per hour and not 100?

Talk about Danny's Powerful weapons ^^;;

I think you're just about right with the Nikon-Apple & Canon-PC thing, even though I am a Nikon & PC user. I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one! And great review, was looking forward to this. ^^;

yeah, I bought Canon Rebel XS (grey) with 18-55 mm lens, and im very satisfied. Since I didnt want to buy a very pro camera I spent $550 on it. Amazing camera for that money.

I love the "Suburbia" shot, very moody pic!
Too bad that both cameras are quite expensive for my wallet. However such reviews make a future camera purchase a bit easier for me to decide, so thanks!

I bought Canon Rebel XS (grey), and Im loving it. For $550, its and amazing camera!

I just bought a canon eos500D other the Nikon D5000.
I chose Canon because :
- the screen had a higher resolution 920 k Pixel compared to 230 k pixel on the D5000. Allways usefull for manual focus in liveview
- there are no buttons on the left side wich is usefull when you focus manually, because your left hand stays on the lens
- the video mode is 1080p 20 i/s max and 720p 30 i/s for Canon and only 720p 24 i/s max for Nikon
- lighter
- you can make your own remote ! http://www.porphoto.com/2009/04/11/diy-remote-shutter-trigger-for-canon-eos-450d-digital-rebel-xsikiss-x2-digital/

the only disadvantages I found in the Canon are :
- in video mode, the settings go full auto, you can't change the iso, the aperture,... lets hope that a firmware will solve this like it did for the EOS 5D mark II, on the D5000 I think you can make a few changes
- No flip screen
- the fact that it is lighter makes it feel like less robust (just an impression)
- the end of the default 18-55 lens rotates when focusing, making it almost unusable with a lens hood or polar filter, don't know for the D5000

Great cameras... congratulations!!! I feel a little envious... Hahahaha!!!

Nice review. But I don't like the D5000's menu. :(
I for one own a Canon 1000D.

AHHH! i really need a camera!!!dammit couldnt used my credit card right now..! Realty Agent is checking my credit. ill probably wait! Nikon D500 looks cool! i have to get one

Mark another one down for the T1i aka KissX3 aka 500D. Cost a decent amount of change but I love it. Oh and calpiss...seriously they need a better name for that <.<"

WHOA!! Flip screen!?!?! THAT IS EPIC! ^^
Niice pictures Danny and the food looks great!! =3 im hungry now >_<

Great camera from the reviews I've read and what I've seen here, except that the price range is a bit too high for me at the moment. =/

I've been wanting to get a new camera for a while mainly a Nikon camera. ^^; Looks like I'm going to need to save up to get one of these bad boys.

ah, i should get myself a new Nikon or Canon. i dont want to use my cellphone camera anymore.
i should get a job sometime this summer.....

I am sorry but i still love my canon.

Those are some mighty good night shots. I brought a new camera recently - a canon superzoom (SX200IS) and im a bit dissapointed with the low light/ high ISO performance. It has full manual control, so maybe i should stop using auto mode and find a setting that delivers results i am pleased with.

Are you using a tripod and a long expose for these shots?

Good god... the price of some of the free stuff you get.... You is one lucky dawg indeed.

Nice shots there.
I'm currently using the same Canon camera which is the 450D =)
What happened to the hood for your Sigma 18-200mm lens? Its supposed to be able to stick the other way around when you are not using it haha.

The new Olympus Pen or EP-1 has autofocus while recording videos. It uses a micro four thirds system and does away with the mirror box meaning no optical viewfinder and they even removed the EVF so you have to frame your shots solely on Live View even though its a DSLR.

VR for virtual reality? Lol. Shouldn't it be vibration reduction ^^;

mhh... will it be the next giveaway danny told us about?

I'm loving the live view on that Nikon. I'm also loving it's night shots.

Thing is, with the Kit lens on the Nikon, I find them quite hard to get the same shallow depth of field I can easily get with my Canon.

image ID 27091
A shot of this mornings desk. Damn. Gave a sneak peak of...

-your daughter wearing DC.com maid cloth..
-your ipod touch...what clock apps is that..

is it me or anyone else see the day time photo is so bright..
maybe the white balance should be adjust..

night photo awesome..
i always like to see night photo..

Couldnt do your quiz cause...i'm an Olympus user. Have been having SLRs and dSLRs from them almost consistently. But the compact cameras keep changing brands. Right now, using a EVOLT 410 with 14-42 mm and 40-150 mm lenses.

I still have my Canon Digital Rebel XT... ;x

Lovely arsenal you got there. I'm still very much so eying the Lumix for a future purchase. Also loving the commercial! :3

I thought VR means vibration reduction???

Nice shots!
I need a new camera.

just got a canon 40d ^___^ not sure what the nikon equivalent is? that was kind of an annoying thing doing research... it was enough work as it was trying to decide which canon i wanted... so by the time I finished, the prospect of having to do all that research *again* to learn the equivalent in nikon gear was.... -_-

'course from what i was reading it sounded like you couldn't really go wrong with one or the other so i wasn't too worried about my choice :P

I'm pretty happy with my 450D. Though I guess with Nikon or canon you really can't go wrong as they both make good DSLR's. ^^

I've really got to get a camera, any camera. I end up borrowing people's when I go to events that require a camera.

that last shot with the high ISO looks kinda nice even if it is grainy. i would go as far as to say the grainy look gives it a unique look. i also like the silhouette of that one guy walking down that alley. Very nicely taken ^^

As working in the consumer electronics business I can say this is indeed a fine camera!!

nice flip screen is a cool idea i also love the webbie i must purcahse one^_^

Always been a canonian, main reason is the layout/design of DSLRs from other brands - they feel awkward in my hand, pressing the shutter shouldn't leave my hand in pain. Another good reason is the wider variety of (excellent 3rd party) lenses available to Canon cameras.

Hey Danny if you're a fan of Canon, check out the Canon T1i. It's the competitive model to the Nikon D5000. It has even higher ISO settings, a 15.1 MP Camera, and can record at 720p AND 1080p for longer than 5 mins. To top it off, you can also do autofocus WHILE recording video.

I have a Canon EOS 450D (the european equiv of your Kiss x2) and I have a Mac.. so I don't fall in the the Canon-PC category ;p (will get a 500D/Kiss x3 when the price drops below 700-ish euro)
Your canon battery charger plugs into the wall? Mine just looks like the charger from your nikon with a separate power cable. So there are more differences between the different editions, it seems.

Very nice shots.

I am a religious Mac user and a Canon geek – rest assured Nikon or Canon tells nothing about your computer or OS preference. Perhaps it tells you if the user prefers Lightroom over Aperture, though ;)

I see Hector's using Coda by my pals at Panic! Cool software. Have you tried Espresso? It's a different web-development app with another unique approach, made by MacRabbit (you've probably used / use CSSEdit). Once you're used to Coda, though, I don't see you going back.

Great truthful comparison as always ^_^

Too bad the vid is limited to 5min max....... I was hoping for no caps.

Love the tilting LCD for easy angle shooting.

That black car in image ID#27101 must have a very skillful driver, look how close that car is to the wall....

Nice review, the shots in the restaurant look good, they look nice and warm to me.

I was holding out until they announced the D5000 before I got a DSLR with the hope that the rumors of it being cheap were true. Sadly they weren't, so I got a D40 instead and I love it, just need to get some lenses, going for a 35mm prime at the end of July I think.

any yet....but soon :D:D:D:D really want it

I would like to get a really good camera sometime in life.

I'm still in limbo over choosing a DSLR. I plan to buy one quite soon and want to choose a good one. I've been looking for years, seeing the latest models come out and seeing the prices soar. Nikon felt solid in my hands and the lens felt great. The canon felt like plastic and the lens didn't feel solid. That made me really annoyed because I was set on a canon for a while.

Very like the Nikon D5000 now. >< The flip screen is GREAT idea, indeed. Really nice and good camera. You have so much lenses. ^^

I think I prefer the Nicon Company better to ^^ ... now, I'm currently using the SONY α３５０ >< , before using the SONY α２００... Both camera great to! ^^;

Nice review and photo Danny ^^ Your Dollfie is so cute! ><

Nice pictures and review Danny. Don't think I'd ever spend that much money on a camera though XD

You do the same as I do, just fiddle without reading the manual.

Hey what is the big idea with all those cameras and stuff? Doesn't they all just take pictures. Okay that is a stupid question, but I hope someone will explain.

The D5000 is my camera, though I had to pay for it T.T. It's really nice, though I never use the video mode. I just wish I had more lenses, I only have the 18-55mm it came with. I ordered a 35mm prime, but it is taking forever to show up.

As a still camera, the D5000 does an excellent job in most lighting conditions, and the interface is fairly good once you used to it. I set the ISO to the function button since most of the other settings that don't have their own button don't need to be changed frequently. Don't use the auto ISO option; the camera runs the ISO up to max in preference to opening the aperture or decreasing the shutter speed. I wish there was another button so I could set WB, though. I tend to leave it on auto since otherwise I forget to change it, but the auto does a very good job. I haven't tried long exposures since I don't have a good tripod yet.

Danny: option d4, "file number sequence" controls the file name reset. You want to set it to 'on' so the numbering will be maintained.

I've been thinking of getting a new camera recently and I've definitely been more tempted more towards Nikon models than Canon.

Hello Danny, maybe you don`t read this message, but, maybe do!!! First of all I had around 2 months viewing your page and rocks!!! it`s amazing! and the japanese culture is awesome!!! You are being my inspiration for don`t stop and keep going whit my life projects that i was keep only in dreams. My admiration for you is great and i don`t believe that i can talk to you. In all this explanation, i got a big, huge question to do, how can you do it??? how can make that the brands (good smile, nikon,canon and sony) give to you the products??? how??? i want a job like that!!! and i been thinking how can i do for make that here in mexico, because there`s no one that do things like that. Are you agree whit me??? i mean, it`s a lot of money in merchandise and only give to you and, of course it`s no jealousy, is only that i want to know how can i do for made something (and i know that never be like you)a lil`like you. I hope don`t be agressive (thats no my intention) and i send you a big hug for you, and i got more plans but, whit time and patience i comment, see ya!! (sorry for my bad english)

LOL Petshop boys

+danny gains fifty awesome points+

Good review Dany, but Canon still rocks for me ^^ I just love the lens and the adaptibility they've got ^^ My 2 Canon (an 350D and a 40D) works perfectly and I don't need such geek things as a video selection to make some good pictures ^^

Cameras, something I know so little about.

Hello Danny, first of all, receive a hug from Mexico!!! Where i`m start??? Well i`m looking your page around 2 months ago and definitively, it`s amazing!!! the japanese culture is awesome!!! you`re my inspiration for being my dreams and not keep only as dreams! I got a question for you and i hope that you don`t disturbed whit this, how you do that?? how made for the brands give their products (good smile, nikon,canon,sony..) I mean, it`s a very good job, and i want one of them!!! I don`t gotta look aggressive, it`s just that i want to start something (and i really know that never be like you) just a little something like you doing here in Mexico (don`t seem for nothing equal to Japan, but got his beautiful things) and in fact i want to import candies and sodas from Japan for selling here in Mexico. I hope whit anxious your answer and i appreciated your time reading this comment. I`m studying japanese and i hope talk and understand in one year, and off course, apologize for my english, i don`t practice so much....

Hello Danny, first of all, receive a hug from Mexico!!! Where i`m start??? Well i`m looking your page around 2 months ago and definitively, it`s amazing!!! the japanese culture is awesome!!! you`re my inspiration for being my dreams and not keep only as dreams! I got a question for you and i hope that you don`t disturbed whit this, how you do that?? how made for the brands give their products (good smile, nikon,canon,sony..) I mean, it`s a very good job, and i want one of them!!! I don`t gotta look aggressive, it`s just that i want to start something (and i really know that never be like you) just a little something like you doing here in Mexico (don`t seem for nothing equal to Japan, but got his beautiful things) and in fact i want to import candies and sodas from Japan for selling here in Mexico. I hope whit anxious your answer and i appreciated your time reading this comment. I`m studying japanese and i hope talk and understand in one year, and off course, apologize for my english, i don`t practice so much....

Excellent review of the Camera Danny! I love the close up in image #20755 where you can see your reflection! I would so love to upgrade my camera but cost is such a big deterrent.
I've used Canon in the past with very good results and am probably going to switch from my current NikonD40x (I know... entry level)to a better Canon because of past experience AND cost involved. Nikon products seem to be so expensive when comparing to Canon.

Your images are always fun to look at! Thank you so much for the review!

Now THAT'S a pimp camera.

Wow 999 us dollars cost a lot! Can't afford to have that!... I wonder if danny took photography class??

those camera's just keep piling up :P

Ah! I see the sneak peek! When will it be coming out?

Dohohoho nice reflection in the second pic. XD Nanoha also looks super in that suit! But yeah... pretty interesting read and nice pics too. I'm always thinking it'd be nice to get a more dedicated camera and maybe pass on the old point-and-shoot to my mom, so it's interesting to read about all this stuff.

Great article, thanks!

I can't wait to pick up my own Nikon D40 in a few weeks.

I don't have a SLR, but I sure want one now...and I see the new outfit is here and Nanoha gets first dibs...

wow ilike the LCD !

I need to get a new digital camera. I have an ancient hand-me-down that sucks up battery power to no end. But I did like the grip on it since it had more of that professional feel to it.

And while I prefer Nikon over Canon (my first professional grade camera was an old Canon that ended up needing a minor repair), I think I might just go with Sony. They are a bit more affordable (for me) and there is one that has caught my eye.

But if I was to be lucky enough to have a choice fall on my lap, and it was between Nikon and Canon, I'd gladly take a Nikon and promote it... Since I want to start taking photos again. :3

Nice review there... both are good names, so i would have to look at what they offer and the price point.. and how much the lenses are for each..

when i makes it big.. i'll be getting a DSLR... one of these days :)

The D5000 is a very interesting camera. The flip screen is probably a very under rated feature that not enough cameras implement ><

Now, I need a camera like that for my photogrophy class next year!!!! Thats a nice camera!

Canon for PC Users? nnnooooo!!!! Canon x Mac FTW!

The flip-down screen is nice. Outdoor white balance looked good. The colors really popped. The indoor white balance was not so hot. Was it on Auto White Balance?

I took my little Nikon P5100 all over Japan with me because it was really easy to carry, but you're right, Danny-- it had the same charger, and it is not a good design. Cords are evil! (The P5100 also had some nasty focus habits, too... like sometimes it just didn't "feel like it.")

When I SLR, I use a Canon 450D, because the controls are what I'm used to, and because I have some L lenses handy. (Fun.) I secretly lust after the Canon that shoots full-frame.

What I really want is a decent digital Leica body to replace my old M6 with. Best lenses ever. *Sigh* But I'm not shelling out $5,000 for a camera that will be obsolete in 1-2 years. Great glass, great old cameras, trainwreck of a company.

"We is lucky to have him" <-- lol typo :/

I checked out the nikon D5000 in bestbuy its nice but too pricy for my first DSLR

still in a market for a DSLR just need a hot deal =|

Hmm... I might have to invest in a new digital camera. Not necessarily this Nikon, but my digital cameras can't take pics at night worth crap. Looks like new technology has found and way to compensate and make it look natural.

That last image is... wow, nice job! But the ISO is all the way up at 3200. D=

oh, Chun-san completed one of the Dollfie suits! *coos at Nanoha*

I'm currently a Canon user and am saving up for a DSLR. Forgot to ask one of my buddies what brand her basic kit was; she told me it was 28,000PHP. a reasonable goal to work towards for a beginner's kit.

was very amused at the way you took pictures of yourself taking pictures. :)

"updating birthday and christmas list for this year"

I'm looking to retire an old Minolta Maxim 7000 by next x-mas. However, I don't want to junk all the lenses and flash unit, etc... I was looking at getting a Sony DSLR as they do fit the Minolta AS lenses (I tried one on a cousins camera) so I'll probably go that route unless somebody can tell me weather the Nikon or Canon's will fit them without adapters.

Until then, I'll use the Kodak point and shoot.

Plan is to use the money saved on lenses to get a 300m AS (or so) at a used camera store downtown. I'm currently running a 28 AS wide angle and a 35-105 AS zoom, and want something that will pick up longer distances.

love the flip panel and the bright menus on that Nikon. :)

maybe I am wrong but I think that full HD is 1920x1080, so the nikon takes HD video but not full HD

Now that's a pretty sweet camera... =D. And very lovely shots you got from it.

I've been thinking about replacing the one I have now (more like the one I inherited from my dad) - a Canon Digital Rebel from a while back (4-5 years ago). The old camera still works, but an upgrade wouldn't hurt...

I've been looking at getting a Nikon DSLR for a couple of months now. I'm trying to find a good deal on a second hand one on eBay or something because I'm strapped for cash at the moment haha. Hopefully I can find a Nikon D70 or something in the next couple of months.

Great camera but forget it if you have big hands... I held it and had cramp in my fingers after a few minutes.

Both SLRs look great. The differences between the two in quality are probably neglectable, it all comes down to brand preference. Once you've bought one, it's most likely you'll stick with that brand because of the lens'.

I wish I could afford a Nikon(T.T)

thx for the review. got a 5DMKII so amh not interested by these dslr, but I must admit that the liveview screen could be usefull for autoportrait or video session.

Danny, you're one lucky sonofagun. Wish I had stuff that just fell into my lap. Companies are smart for sending you free stuff. They pretty much get free advertisement and reviews, good or bad. A couple of the items that magically dropped in you lap I'm actually thinking about getting.

Hope some Nikon lenses turn up at your door. ^_^

Still outside the fence looking in... I have no idea on some of the terms for the cameras you were using ^^;;; Perhaps I play around too much in Photoshop that even if I mess up a little with my point and shoot then I know how to fix it? Right now the only camera I've been interested in is the Lumix LX3 that you've shown and I've seen in Chun's hands XD

Canon Kiss x2/Rebel XSi/EOS 450D user here. I'll probably be a Canon user for life now especially as my lens collection grows. Once you pick a brand and start to purchase additional lenses your pretty much theirs ^.^

Spec for spec I like the Canon 500D over the Nikon D5000. However, the D5000 is still a nice camera indeed especially when it falls your lap for free!

Compact wise I'm a Panasonic Lumix FZ28 user but I'll probably replace it when the next generation of the Lumix LX line arrives.

Nice little review since i didn't know which one to go with Canon or Nikon, but now i think i like more Canon since i had good experience with their cameras ^^

the 18mm range of D5000 kits 18-55 not bad though
goto Nikon CS to try it next time

I like your D5000 review. imho LX3 is still good in taking photos at night. ^_^

I've actually been looking at the D5000 for a while now...just never had the "kerching" for one (-_-)

Blah. The grain that comes with high ISOs doesn't go well with jpeg compression. Do you have an original of the last pic so we can compare to an uncompressed high ISO pic?

Wow, that looks pretty good! I am in the process of looking for a new camera, and I'm thinking of going Digital SLR, simply because I appreciate photography more nowadays, and thus it's less about having a small camera, and more about having a camera that can do what I need it to. But im still weighing up the pros and cons xD This camera seems to have really good colour contrast though!

Am fan of Pentax stuff. Happy with it for a long time ^_^ Any pentax-comrades here?

Nice, I just bought a Canon Eos-500D last week and I'm quite happy with it for the time being ^^

The D5000 is okay if you really want to shoot five minute movies and get live view and a tilting screen - which any upmarket compact has had for years - but if you just want to take photos with the great Nikon lenses the D60 gives you the same resolution for much less money.
I note that with the current range of Nikon DSLRs, you can warm up the somewhat cold auto white balance by going to shooting menu/white balance, selecting Auto, then you can set up to minus 3 on that setting, which will give you much nicer colours by default. I use minus 2. Also if you have "auto ISO" set, the camera will automatically bump up the sensitivity in low light to 1600 ISO - that can get grainy!

The higher ISO settings are "fake" ISO 6400, 12800, etc. The camera can only take true ISO 3200 (IINM), then after that it will just take an underexposed shot using ISO 3200 and "photoshop" it up in-camera. Somewhat useful when you don't want to postprocess but adobe camera raw / photoshop usually does a better job at this than any camera if you use RAW. I don't know whether the camera will do a better / worse job if you use JPEG.

Splendid comparison between the two cameras.
The city shots are neat.
Well done.

But why does the camera user poll not involve Panasonic???
Because when I say I'm in love with Lumix LX3 you best believe Im love L-U-V

not bad for the first time with the camera danny.

Wow I should switch to DSLR from point-and-shoot XD

Danny you must be able to see the difference in the pictures this cameras, because not much difference to my eyes. However my wallet won't take a USD $1000 hit for a camera I would never take outside for fearing of smashing it to tiny peices

I also have the EF-S 10-22 on a Canon 20D. I think it's only so-so...

Also, I think Nikon's colors are better. I know that the red on my Canon is just way too sharp. I really need to get an L lens or at least a 50mm 1.8.

I like the flip! It makes the screen scratch-proof/

I was looking at the D5000...then I looked at my wallet...T_T Maybe later.

I don't have a camera like any of those, and I'm slowly wishing I do. Though, I think those cameras would be wasted on me, eheh. Not that I wouldn't use 'em if I had them mind you!

im looking at buying a new dslr... the D5000 looks great but how does it compare to the 50D????
any comments will help since i will getting one really soon.

D5000 is one lovely SLR for starters! =D (hey its really budget you know!) but the video function sure is a big let down though. I need to bring a camcorder with my D90 when going out ^^;

I was thinking that if you twist the screen too much, it might just flew off someday ^^;

I noticed that you have Luca's RVF-25 in fighter mode but standing on its feet without it's radome..."shame on you.....:P"..
And also how the heck did the guy park his little black car so freaking close to the wall of that house????!!!

I've never had a SLR but i will go for one soon either Canon or Nikon

Thanks to you I have now made a decision. I was actually looking at the D5000 then found out you were doing a review and waited. I put your review even higher then consumer reports opinion lol. Plus you have pictures.

25 Minutes?!!! What an unusual unit of time to charge for!!

I have a budding interest in photography and that was the most blatant part of this post for me.

Great photo review, I'm really liking the D5000... but after reading canon corp. article, i won't buy canon ever!... don't get my wrong, here in my country people needs some discipline, they are just lazy but it seems that Japanese people are hard worker, im not human right super hero or something, but i just didn't like it

Geez, wish I got that much free shit. @_@

Love Nikon. Don't like the D5000 though, no in-body motor for older lenses, and wierd position for flip screen. What if you need to use a tripod and use flip screen for self portrait? No can do.

Though shooting in burst/high fps mode is great fun with a telephoto lens. Hearing the shutter and mirror slap 4 times a second is a fantastic way of garnering attention in a crowd. Like a small machine gun. I did that once with a D90+telephoto during a sheep dog show. ^_^

Nikon D5000: No matter what the people says. If you're use AF-S lenses as the 90% of cases, ISN'T IMPORTANT the body-motor.

man, I wish I could have one, so I won't have to use my broken one

just wondering since i got no where else to turn for the moment, i am looking for a dslr camera for architecture. My teacher said that lens is more important than the body but i have no idea where to start...lol. and suggestions would be helpful

Would get this definitely... if I had money T____T

For point-and-shoot cameras, I prefer Canon. For SLR cameras, Nikon.

I would love an upgrade to a D5000 from my D40, but the price closeness of the superior D90 would make it almost seem a waste to me, which is a pity.

The VR version of the 18-55mm makes me pant however - I loved the 18-55mm's tiny profile and weight this last Anime Expo, and the VR version would've been practically the same but made my low-light shots so much easier. Alas.

here, bathe in the sweet glow of my envy

Not too sure which camera to buy >.<;;; Since my course at college offers photography, we are learning from the very basics to that of a professional level. Due to that we haven't even touched digital cameras yet! Thank you for the information, it really helps to get an idea of what each company has to offer m(_ _)m

Thanks for the comparison. Would've prefered a more direct one though, instead of merely a review. I shoot a D90, but have a few friends looking to get into the whole photography thing.

I played with the D5000 in a camera shop a week back, and it was toooo tiny for my hands. And mine aren't all that large.

The only thing I do not really like about the D5000 is that you can't use all of the Nikon lenses with it.

I am thinking about buying a D90. :)

Good camera and nice figures.

I don't have any girl figure.

I've to buy someone