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Buyer's Guide Cameras SLRs Under $1,000 Nikon D5000
Buyer's Guide Cameras SLRs Under $1,000 Nikon D5000
 
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Nikon D5000ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $759 (w/18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 VR lens)Nikon’s D5000 offers many of the best features of the often-sold-out D90 in a more compact package that sells for around $250 less. For starters, it features the same excellent 12.3-megapixel, DX-format sensor as the D90, the same 720 HD video capability as the D90 and even the same 11-point AF and 420-pixel metering systems. You also get the D90’s 200-3200 ISO range (with expansion to ISO 100 and 6400). Nikon cameras perform extremely well with low light and for indoor scenes without flash, and the D5000 doesn’t disappoint here for a camera in this class.
For better exposures in tricky lighting, Nikon’s Active D-Lighting technology helps retain details at the extreme ends of the tonal range. The processing involved is applied only to those areas of the scene that need it for natural tonal gradations. Active D-Lighting has two modes: auto and a bracketing mode that captures one shot with D-Lighting enabled and one without, so you have the option to choose which looks better when you review the images later. Design is a subjective thing, but there’s something about the D5000’s curvy corners that makes it a pleasure to hold. One of the drawbacks of smaller camera bodies is that they can feel awkward in larger hands. The rounded edges of the D5000 compensate for this to a degree, allowing a more natural grip. |
VERDICT: Dollar for dollar, this is one of our favorite cameras in the sub-$1,000 range. Excellent still-image quality, plus HD video and good all-around performance.
 Nikon D90It shares so much in common with the D5000, why spring for the D90, with an estimated street price of $949 for the body only? One reason is that the D90 has an integrated focus motor, which as noted, the D5000 lacks. That means you can use a larger range of Nikkor lenses and still have autofocus capability. The D90 also adds a top-mounted backlit display of camera settings, and generally feels more rugged and durable. |
 Nikon D3000 Also new from Nikon is the very affordable D3000, which retails for about $599 with an 18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 VR lens. A starter SLR, the D3000 omits HD video capture, offers slightly less resolution (10.2 megapixels versus the D5000’s 12.3) and fewer scene modes. It’s still a reasonably good performer, with three frames per second continuous shooting and Active D-Lighting. Overall, it’s a solid offering for first-time SLR buyers on a tight budget. |
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