Nikon D5000 DSLR Camera Body {12.3MP}

Nikon D5000: APS-C DSLR with a tilting screen that changed entry-level

The D5000 sits on a 12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor processed through Nikon's Expeed engine, producing files that hold up well through RAW post-processing. ISO runs from 200 to 3200 natively, with a boosted ceiling of 6400 for low-light situations where you need the extra headroom. Burst speed tops out at 4.0 fps, which is enough for casual action and everyday shooting. The 11-point autofocus system handles the basics reliably, and the 1/4000 sec maximum shutter speed covers bright-light conditions without issue.

The fully articulated 2.7-inch LCD is what set this body apart when it launched, and it remains genuinely useful for low-angle and overhead work. Live view includes face detection and subject tracking, a meaningful addition for anyone shooting self-portraits or video. Speaking of video, the D5000 records 720p at 24fps in Motion JPEG, functional for casual use, though the mono microphone limits audio quality. HDMI output and Eye-Fi card compatibility round out the connectivity options. The body itself is compact at 127 x 104 x 80mm and 590g, which makes it comfortable for extended handheld use. Nikon F mount means access to decades of glass, from AI-S primes to modern AF-S zooms.

Who It's For

Beginners building their first DSLR kit benefit from the full manual controls alongside scene modes, giving them room to grow without hitting a ceiling immediately. Travel photographers working light appreciate the 590g body and articulated screen for shooting from unusual angles without a tripod. Photography students working on a tight budget get access to the Nikon F lens ecosystem, including a wide range of affordable used glass. Hobbyists who shoot video as a secondary priority will find the 720p output adequate for family documentation, with the tilting screen making handheld video composition considerably easier than fixed-screen bodies.

Key Features

• 12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Expeed processor
• ISO 200–3200 native, boosted to 6400
• 11-point autofocus with 1/4000 sec max shutter
• Fully articulated 2.7-inch LCD with live view and face detection
• 720p Motion JPEG video at 24fps
• Nikon F mount with RAW capture support
• 4.0 fps continuous shooting
• Compact 590g body with pentamirror viewfinder

FAQ

What sensor does the D5000 use?

12.3MP APS-C CMOS processed through Nikon's Expeed engine. It produces RAW files that hold detail well through post-processing and supports Fine/Normal/Basic JPEG quality levels.

Can you use old Nikon lenses on the D5000?

Yes - it's Nikon F mount, so you can mount everything from vintage AI-S primes to modern AF-S glass. The 1.5x crop factor applies to all focal lengths.

Is the articulated screen useful for video?

It's practical for low-angle and overhead work, and live view includes face detection and subject tracking. Just note the video caps out at 720p Motion JPEG at 24fps - mono audio only.

What's the ISO range and how does it perform?

Native range is 200–3200, boosted to 6400. At 3200 and 6400 you'll see noise, but it's acceptable for the era and handles better in RAW where you have post-processing control.

How fast does it shoot in burst?

4.0 fps continuous. Fine for casual action and everyday work, but not designed for rapid-fire sports or wildlife.

What about autofocus?

11-point AF system covers the basics reliably for general shooting. It's not sophisticated, but it works for zone and center-point metering without hunting.

How does the build feel for handheld work?

590g and compact at 127 x 104 x 80mm - comfortable for extended shooting. The pop-up flash and pentamirror viewfinder (95% coverage) keep weight down compared to pro bodies.