Latest Technologies

Nikon’s D5000 “baby Nikon” is positioned between the D60 and D90 and is not intended to be a replacement for either.

The D5000 lacks an autofocus motor in the body but it does sport a tilt-and-swivel LCD.

Following the pre-credit-crunch boom in digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs), these smaller, stripped-down models seem to be the norm now.

The D5000 fills a gap below the enthusiast grade D90 — Canon’s 500D and Olympus’s E-620 point to a similar market.

Here are the main features of the Nikon D5000

* 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
* 2.7″ tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
* Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
* Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
* Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
* 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
* IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
* 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
* Expeed image processing engine
* Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
* Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
* New battery with increased capacity
* 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

This is certainly one to watch and, to the right market, sure to be a success.