Review on High-Performance Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and Versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD by Ben Hamilton

I've had a D5000 since June 2010 (a year at the time of writing). Colleagues and fellow photographers were amazed at the quality of the images captured with this camera. I'll spare you the technical discussion and tell you the advantages and disadvantages as I see them. I consider myself a professional layman, professional graphic designer if you will (magazine and print design) who knows how good images influence my work. Quality, but not the budget of professional devices - maybe you too, if you read this review. PRO: - This camera has the same CMOS sensor and features as Nikon cameras ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. You really need to tinker a bit and personalize your menu choices on this consumer/pro model, but the features are there. I highly recommend kenrockwell.com. He has a FREE online user manual for this camera (common sense, no idle talk). It will guide you through the most important features and settings you need to know. He also shares things with the camera that he considers useless and unnecessary. The best two hours I spent online getting to know my camera better - paid off with more time in the field! - Once you get used to the way you navigate and use the "Nikon" controls, this camera really becomes a dream. - This camera can use DX model lenses with built-in auto focus. Most new lenses from Nikon are compatible with the D5000, old glass will do, but many require manual focus. Note that some third-party lenses (Tokina, Sigma, etc.) don't have the built-in motors needed for autofocus - more on CON's below. - Navigation to access important settings commonly used in practice (white balance, ISO, exposure compensation, etc.) can be accessed relatively quickly and with a few mouse clicks. Impressive battery performance. I recently took 1200 continuous shots at my prom. Never had to change batteries. I bought two backup batteries from Amazon that I keep charged in case I need them on the go. - No doubt - this camera will take professional photos that will amaze you. This is really all the cameras 95% of people will ever need! "Nikon's resale value is excellent. The best bodies and lenses retain their value and are sometimes appreciated! - The BEST camera you will find for the money. Period.CON's: The lack of an internal focus motor in the D5000 limits the use of some lenses. I'm a wide angle junkie! I'd love to launch a Tokina 11-16mm wide-angle lens (received amazing reviews), but since the D5000 doesn't have a focus motor, I'd have to manually focus the lens for each shot. Not always practical for my event assignments. Instead I got a Nikon 10-24mm lens - and people loved the results. I am still very satisfied but you should be aware that as this case falls into the consumer/professional category you are limited in your choices. I don't find the swiveling LCD screen particularly useful. You can. I always keep it locked and point it at the LCD to view images and navigate menus. Video capabilities are not a reason to buy this camera. Not a Nikon market, and it shows. Cannot autofocus in video mode. Really useless. Used once, not impressed. But not for me to buy a camera. - A little small in the hands. I am a 6 foot 1 inch, 200 lb male with proportional arms. My next camera will probably be the D7000 (the obvious replacement for the D90). I think it will feel a little better in my hands but I can't complain. ; I get great photos and it's not uncomfortable, just a bit small for my special hands. The next step forward in size and quality of Nikon bodies (e.g. internal focus motors) is also a significant step in price! of the week I compare images from my D5000 to images from the D90, D300 and even the D3. Spend your time on the art of photography, not the technology, and you'll be surprised how the affordable D5000 can help you shoot. I've spent 4 years with the D50 and now the D5000 and am very glad I did. I have a roadmap and a wish list, but I'm content with where my photo is coming from. It has become a real passion for me! With that in mind, I RECOMMEND The Art of Photography by Bruce Barnhaum. here on Revane! For a long time it was considered the bible for photographers. The latest 2010 edition has been updated for digital relevance. Happy shooting!