Nikon D5000 DSLR Camera User Review

Name of product: 

Approximate date of purchase: 

My Review 

I had originally decided to get the Olympus E-30, as all of my SLR equipment is Olympus. When I tried out the Nikon in the store, though, I was sold. I really like how it fits in my hand and how the buttons are laid out. It also has the swivel LCD display that the Olympus has. It's not that I need that option often, but, when I do, I'm glad I have it. I haven't had a minute's trouble with it. I took it to Washington, D.C., recently and dropped it on the sidewalk by accident. It hasn't shown any problems. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe it's just built that well. I don't use a lot of the in-camera editing tools, as I like to use my laptop to edit photos. I do like the active folder option and the scene selections. It's so handy to know that I can take video, too, with the push of a button. I will definitely buy another Nikon in the future. I'm saving up for a D3S and will keep the D5000 as an everyday, walk-around camera.

Camera "pros" 

Durable, it's really built for every day use

Active folder selection helps to group shots

Scene selection helps in a pinch or when you aren't sure

Exposure control with +/-

3D tracking

Active lighting

Swivel LCD display

Camera "cons" 

I might need more practice but the photos are a little flat on color. Compared to my pocket point and shoot, the pictures don't "pop"

Lenses are expensive, but the quality is great

People who own Canons give me dirty looks

Is this camera easy to use? 

How is the image quality in good lighting? 

How is the image quality when using the flash? 

Do you like the camera's style and feel? 

How is the camera's LCD screen? 

Do you feel like the camera is/was a good value? 

Would you recommend this to a friend? 

Kyle Schurman, Digital Cameras Guide, says: