Nikon's D5000 DSLR Seeks Niche

With its newly released D5000, Nikon hopes it has created a digital SLR camera that will appeal to photographers of varying skill levels.

For inexperienced photographers looking to move from a point and shoot model to a digital SLR, Nikon has included several easy-to-use features and controls, including 19 scene modes. For more experienced photographers already using a digital SLR, Nikon has included new technologies and performance levels with the D5000, providing the opportunity for an upgrade. For example, the D5000 can made HD video clips at up to 24 frames per second.

The D5000 offers 12.3 megapixels of resolution. With its rotating LCD, you can shoot some odd-angle photos. Finally, with in-camera editing features, photographers can make adjustments to their photos on the fly. Nikon will offer the D5000 with a camera body only for $730 or with a starter lens for $850. (Compare Prices)

Photo courtesy Nikon