In testing cameras these days, they are rated not just for specification, but for their primary qualities in helping you take great photographs. And for that, judging the camera according to handling, image quality and auto-focus speed and accuracy, becomes even more important than just the list of specs.
Nikon D5000 hands-on review
So with that in mind, when I recently got my hands on a brand-new Nikon D5000, (B&H), I thought I’d hit the streets and see how it performs. I took it for a late-night stroll around Times Square in New York, armed only with a Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S, (B&H), lens to see how the camera handled the low light levels there.
Nikon D5000 image quality
And of course, late night in Times Square is when you see and even meet the interesting people, the gorgeous people and the usual mix’n’match that Manhattan throws at you. So let’s see how the 12.3 megapixel Nikon D5000 performed in low light, at high ISO settings; all hand-held, using just the light from the billboards ..
Here is Blueberry Studmuffin, posing for the camera.
1/250th F1.8 @ 1000 ISO; no flash
As you can see, the camera responds fast enough for a candid portrait in low light.
Impressive so far …
Jennifer, a visitor to Times Square, who kindly let me take her photograph.
1/125th @ f2 @ 1000 ISO; no flash
And now I know you’re wondering how the high-ISO noise looks.
So here’s a 100% crop of part of that image ..
I purposely chose a darker part of the image (as processed in ACR / Bridge CS4) I know that the high-ISO noise appears differently for different tonal values … but this should give you a rough idea how the camera performs at 1000 ISO.
Let’s take it a step up to 1250 ISO ..
1/125th @ f1.6 @ 1250 ISO .. and I never quite did catch his name …
Here’s a 100% crop of some area just above his cap.
Noise is starting to come in, but still nothing I’d be concerned about on a professional shoot. Which means I am quite impressed with this.
So let’s take it another step up to 1600 ISO for a candid shot out on the street where Elmo made a shy appearance by now!
Looking at a small portion of that image as a 100% crop ..
Here we are starting to see that mottled effect of high-ISO noise really creeping in. And yet, I’d say this is about a stop away from the high-ISO killer, the Nikon D3. In other words, very impressive for a camera that retails at US $730.00.
.
Nikon D5000 AF speed and accuracy
Keeping in mind that my day-to-day camera is the Nikon D3, then it will be obvious that no camera that I work with or play with, will quite match up to that beast. With the Nikon D5000, I had more misses and focusing inaccuracies than I would’ve had with the D3 .. but that is an unfair comparison.
For where the camera is pegged at, the AF speed is solid. I was able to get many grabshots that were keepers. Fleeting moments where I just turned the camera towards people and snapped the scene …
1/125th @ f2 @ 1600 IOS
In perspective, I’d say the AF performance is solid, especially considering the light levels I was working in, and shooting with a fast lens where the depth-of-field is very shallow.
btw … One of the billboards threw a heavy red color cast on them, which I partially corrected for in RAW, hence the background going towards a cyan tint.
.
Nikon D5000 handling
The camera is small and lightweight. Very easy to carry around. It is too small for my large hands though, and if I were to use the camera regularly, I would be looking at one of the off-brand grips to give something larger for my mitts.
One feature that makes the camera very interesting, is the fold-out LCD panel.
It folds close to protect the LCD, and folds and swivels open to reveal the settings and image preview. You can use the LiveView function to surreptitiously take candids without taking the camera to your eye. However, the auto-focusing is much slower with LiveView enabled.
And I like that the display on the back also rotates when the camera is rotated.
The Nikon D5000 has all the exposure modes you could ever want, from fully manual, to Scene modes. This is a camera that would allow you to grow.
Shooting in manual exposure mode is more clumsy than in a higher-level camera, in that you have to push more buttons to change settings. The rear dial controls the shutter speed. But by pressing the +/- button and simultaneously controlling the rear dial, you change the aperture. Changing the ISO is slow though, since you have to go through the menu. Most people won’t find this an issue, but if you want easier access to change the ISO on the move, then you can change custom function 1, so that the Function button (Fn) controls the ISO.
.
Nikon D5000 specifications (a quick overview)
The Nikon D5000 features also includes the following specs:
– movie mode, in the AVI format at 720p and mono audio,
– a self-cleaning sensor,
– Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking,
– 11 AF points with 3D tracking,
– 4 frames per second continuous,
– in-camera retouching.
.
Nikon D5000 – final comments
It should be obvious that I found the Nikon D5000 to be a likable little camera with surprisingly good image quality. And that should be the most important aspect in deciding on a camera.
Does this reinforce the saying that “it’s the photographer, not the camera”? :-)
After shooting manual, I definitely prefer having my WB/ISO settings controllable on the camera itself rather than going though menus.
Hi Neil,
Regarding the ISO control on the D5000, you can change that from the back screen! Just tap the “I”/ Info button twice, and you can move through the screen using the D-pad and change any of the settings. The D40, D40x, D60 and D5000 all share that in-screen ability. :)
Thank you for the informative, great write-up and images as always!
Neil,
Thanks for the info. I’m currently using a 5D Mark I and i’m really really thinking about switching to the D700 or the D3. Your blog is great and I can’t get enough.
Yooch
Neil: Giving this review a quick glance. The functions are similar to the older Nikon Coolpix 8800 which in the case as you used the camera in Time Square is an advantage but for all other situations I’ll stick to the D200 and D300 models.
Nico
Neil,
Would you care to share your thoughts on the Nikon 50mm F/1.4G?
Hi Mr. Neil,
I’m just wondering: before you field-tested it, did you consider mounting the D5000 with one of your top-of-the line lenses like the exotic f/2.8’s, or even your AF-S Nikkor 200mm. f/2 beastie?
Hi Mr. Neil,
Yes, that is true, although there would still probably be some curious soul out there (I myself included) who would like to know how a D5000/60/40 would fare with lenses like those. For one thing though, I can only imagine what it would feel and look like if a tiny camera body like this would be mounted with a 200mm f/2; now, that is a sight I’d like to see someday. :)
Thank you for the insight on these matters. :)
I just received this camera for Christmas, after wanting a dslr for the past few years. However, I am a first time SLR user…Any tips for a newbie in Indiana?
Megan, sure. You have a lot to catch up with.
What is your opinion on how the D5000 compares to the D80 at high ISO? Or, I guess what I’d really like to know is if you can’t afford a D3X what is the next best Nikon camera for low light photography? Thanks!
Debra W, other cameras would be the D90, D300, D300s, & D700 (don’t know how D5000 compare with those). So, choice of a camera would depend on your budget, needs, & wants (including use of Nikkon lenses which some bodies cannot support).
Thanks for your response. I was asking because I’ve been so frustrated with the D80’s low light performance (I wouldn’t touch anything higher than 800 ISO with a ten foot pole, and even 800 is inadequate). I’d like to upgrade, but I’m not sure at what point the high ISO performance substantially improves on Nikons (and thought you might know). But it sounds like anything above the 5000 (e.g. 90, 300, 700) would be an improvement. Thanks again for your comments. It’s been said before, but I’ll say again that I love your blog and appreciate your “holistic” approach to teaching photography. I appreciate how you encourage people to think about what they’re doing and to work with what they have.
Hi i just go t a new D5000 and was wondering what are some good lens to buy with the camera that will not break the bank?
Thanks for your help,
neil,
waiting for the replacement for the d90, would you buy the 24-70 or 17-55 2.8 for a crop body??
I want to spend about $1000 on a Nikon body, do you think that will be a possibilty in the near future?? what would you buy? the new d90 or which used body?? thanks again
I was referring to a full frame for $1000, or do i buy used full frame or wait for a d90 replacement
Do I buy the 24-70 lens for a crop body?
i just thought it wouldnt be wide enough
I could be wrong, but I thought the full frame cameras were the D700 and D3. I’m pretty sure the 300 isn’t full frame, but for sure it’s a better camera than the D90 and its replacement (correct me if I’m wrong, Neil).
Debra
good question, you are right about d3 and d700 being full frame, but I want the best bang for my buck and as of now i am not sure when i can afford a full frame camera, so my choices are the d90 replacement or a used d300s……….dont want to buy a dx lens and then have to sell it when i win the lottery and can afford a full frame camera………we await neils response………
thanks again for your insight………..always a BIG help
Did you give a try to the new Nikon D3100? Its low-light performance seems to be even better than D5000(and D90/D300 too?).
I think of D3100 + Nikkor 35mm 1.8DX as the “low-budget high ISO killer” :-)
I see that you posted the different ISO’s for your photos…was there a specific exposure time, aperature opening, shutter speed, etc? Essentially, what other settings were you using?
I’ve had my D5000 for over a year. The shooting button on the left side of the lens is somewhat programmable, so I set it for ISO: I can hold down the button, twirl the thumb wheel and change ISO in no time.
The flip down screen is nice; the problem with using for surreptitious shots of people is the shutter lag: it’s over 1/2 second from shutter press to shot, even in manual focus/exposure. For some reason, the mirror has to flip down and back up before the shot, which takes time. I’ve contacted Nikon on this, but they were no help. Maybe some future version will have a mirror lock-up mode that will change this, but for now the flip down screen is only good for static subjects.
Other than that, it’s a great little machine. The limiting factor on getting great shots is definitely the photographer so far. I don’t see that changing for a while.