Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera - Body Only

The D5000 has a massive menu system compared to say the Nikon D70, Which I was far more used to. Finding some things can be a chore if you aren't used to the new or newer menu, for example setting the camera to take a 1min photo. I found it is actually best done via remote trigger. rather than the button as this causes less vibration on the camera (actually that applies to all cameras) or setting it on a self-timer.The flip round menu is a great idea for live view so you can see what you are about to take BEFORE you take it, that way you can make slight adjustments or add filters to see if it improves or not. That said so far I've only managed to take live view by button and not remote or self timer.One missing feature which may or may not effect you is the lack of the flash jack. Which just means you are running on the flash's batteries than off of the camera. Perhaps a better idea? Tho' if you are using x2 flashes - that is a lot of batteries!!I have a remote trigger where by I can use one flash on one tripod and another on the camera (example), But like I say, it can be rather sore on batteries - naturally dependant on how much you use the flash.The VR on the lens does make a big difference although I do prefer to put the lens on M rather than A (Auto). Auto does run down the battery far quicker.There is on-board editing which to be honest I've never bothered trying as I just use Aperture 3 or Picnik on flickr etc...The over all feel of the camera is well designed, must better than it's predecessors, there is even a small grip for the right hand which can be invaluable at times.Going back to the menu, Don't be put off by the large menu as there is a feature built in "last changes" where you can just select that and go there and alter what you changed.I'd still like the Nikon D7000 but due to the price, the D5000 will do fine for now.You can still select either LCD or view-finder (as with all digital Nikons) so I'm glad they never changed that. I do prefer using just the view finder.Another good feature is the Fn button. You can assign it to anything you wish.In my case I've set it so that I just press the Fn then turn the wheel and I can either put up or down the ISO (Without having to faff around going into the menu).You could assign it for anything you wanted really, i.e. colour changes colour/monochrome/tungsten/sepia etc... or whatever you fancy.I just preferred to alter the ISO easier.If you aren't that advanced you could just set the camera on auto and use the scene's that are available on the camera. Also set the lens to A and VR - on. You wouldn't get as long a battery life as you would using it manually but it'd be good for at least 250 pictures; I'd reckon.*For more advanced users, you might find that the lack of the flash port is a down-side although, It might be possible to work off of the mini usb side ports.That said I don't think GPS, AV out or HDMI would trigger a flash unit or studio lights.Having said that, I've not had very much to do with studio lights so perhaps I best not comment there further.The lens mount is F which means that you can still use old SLR film lenses on this camera - however NOT in Auto mode, Only Manual.I have a few old film lenses which I use on mine, Same as I use a Sigma DG lens which again doesn't work in Auto mode but only manual.The lens provided is a good work horse lens and should/could serve you well. If you need to do closer up work you can add macro filters 52mm onto the camera's lens. Alternatively use a few if you want to get really close up. I have a few Macro filters as well as some others too.You can find them cheap on e-bay if you like.*that was just a mere guess, you may get far more.

I upgraded to the D5000 from a Nikon D40, and I am very glad I did so! The design appealed to me, with its swivel screen (I must admit, I really liked that idea and it swayed it for me) and just the look of it is nice. It's solid feeling, whilst not too heavy (although it is heavier than the D40), sturdy, and easy to hold whilst taking photos. I bought it with the 18-55mm lens kit, and I also had the 55-200mm lens from my old camera, which works on it.The photos are of fantastic quality, and I haven't even read the manual yet, I'm just going on my knowledge from the D40 (it is very similar but has more features), so I am certain once I have read that, I will be getting even more fantastic results. The video is also a nice feature, a bonus in DSLR's, and I was told not to expect much when I bought it. However I am pleased with it. You do really need to have it on a tripod, and if you are taking a video of something moving, it can go a bit blurry if the object comes any closer, but that is to be expected. The sound on is is good quality.Overall, I would recommend this to anyone. It's just a shame it is so expensive, however, I did feel it was worth it. Also, when buying a NIkon DSLR, remember to have a memory card when you get the camera, as they have no internal memory at all.

This is a brilliant camera for someone who is new to DSLR, as it appears to be designed to help you help where you need it, but once you have the hang of things lets you start to experiment and be more creative. There are absolutely loads of preset creative scene modes that really help you capture things you would not ordinarily know how to such as sunsets, candle light scenes etc. The camera feels very compact compared to other DSLR, but very sturdy, especially compared to the equivalent Canons that I looked at. The most helpful thing is as you are learning to work with Aperture settings there is a little graphic on the LCD screen that shows you whether you exactly what is happening with your aperture (when you are new to it F22 and F4 means nothing and is counterintuitive to say the least) - so this is a real help. For 90% of people who are probably never really going to go beyond the preset and automatic settings of the camera - then this is perfect - for those that think their new found hobby may develop into something more than read on.OK here is the downsides, not real problems but things to be aware of. Most importantly the screen while it flips - this is a little pointless and not something you really need very often - but it has literally a quarter of the definition of the next camera in the range the D90 - and I found it really noticeable. Especially as you are reviewing pictures, you think are fine - once you look on your PC you realise that they where not as sharply focused as you thought etcSecondly once you gain confidence and start using more of the functions of the camera - there is no LCD on top to tell you what the settings are, you have to look on the rear screen - and when you need to change something you have to go through a bunch of menus to get to it - shot lost by that point...you can set the function button on the front to adjust a chosen parameter (shutter speed and aperture are easy to adjust of course)- but its not really enough and gets irritating after a while.Finally just be warned the HD video does not focus while filming so is quite limited - most DSLR with video are like this so due to the fact they can't focus when the mirror is up or something this is not really a fair criticism - but just know what you are getting so you won't be disappointed.I have now upgraded to the D90 that solves all of the issues mentioned above (apart from the video one) - so if you think these things will be an issue for you too, then look at the D90.