Nikon Announces D5000 DSLR with HD Video

Nikon introduced the D5000 DSLR today. This new camera targets photo enthusiasts and new DSLR users with its multitude of features including a new 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor and HD video recording capabilities. The D5000 also incorporates many technologies found in Nikon’s pro-level DSLRs such as Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.

This 12.3 megapixel camera can capture high definition video with ease. HD movie clips (1,280 x 720) can be recorded at 24 frames per second with sound. Nikon’s D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes are also available to assist users with video capture. D-Movie clips are saved as Motion JPEG AVI files.

The D5000’s 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD lets users swing out the LCD for easier viewing when the camera is not held at eye level. Of course, the LCD can also be stored in a normal position fitted securely within the camera back. For added protection when not in use, the D5000’s LCD can be stowed with the LCD tucked against the camera’s back. In combination with the D5000’s four Live View autofocus shooting modes, the rotating LCD gives users the ability to shoot from a number of creative angles.

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One-button Live View activation on the D5000 now features Subject Tracking autofocus which can lock on a moving subject and maintain focus. With Subject Tracking autofocus, the camera will maintain focus even if the subject leaves the frame and returns. The D5000 also offers Face Priority AF which can detect up to five faces in the scene. Wide Area AF and Normal Area AF are also available.

The D5000 has an 11-point auto focus system that uses Nikon’s Scene Recognition System with Face Detection. Nikon claims the D5000 offers best-in-class focusing speed and accuracy. Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF, and Auto-area AF are available.

The D5000 is compatible with Nikon’s assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses. When using a NIKKOR VR lens, users will receive the benefits of Nikon VR image stabilization while recording videos as well as still images. The D5000 can also work in combination with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit for geotagging photos with latitude, longitude, altitude, and time information.

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For users who are upgrading from a point-and-shoot digital camera, the D5000 includes 19 automatic Scene Modes for easy image capture. The D5000 also includes a set of in-camera editing features so you can edit a photo without a computer. Retouch features include a Soft Filter effect, Perspective Control, and Color Outline. When using one of the retouch features, the D5000 will save the edited image as a separate JPEG so you don’t have to worry about losing the original picture.

The D5000 supports a normal ISO range of ISO 200 to 3200 as well as a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400 for added versatility. The camera’s burst speed is four frames per second.

The D5000 with an AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens will be available later this month for an estimated selling price of $849.95. The D5000 will also be available in a body-only configuration for an estimated price of $729.95.