The Nikon D5000 is very similar to the D90 with a 12.9 megapixel (12.3 million effective pixels) APS-C (or DX format, in Nikon's nomenclature) sensor and Nikon's latest generation EXPEED processor as well.

It also have a 11 point AF system with color and distance tracking as well as optional viewfinder gridlines from the D90.  The viewfinder magnification is slightly smaller than the one in the D40X/D60, but the extra AF points and viewfinder gridlines make for a superior user experience.

The most noteworthy feature on the D5000 is the all new tilt and swivel LCD display used for a standard status display as well as live view and image/video playback. The only other new features of note are the new higher-capacity EN-EL9a battery and the optional MC-DC2 remote cord.

Overall, the total package is pretty impressive for an advanced consumer camera like the D5000.

The D5000 does pretty well in the ISO department. Current D60 users may notice some improvement, but the signal-to-noise ratio seems largely identical to the D90 and D300.

The D5000 is now the least expensive Nikon to offer the 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System found on higher-priced Nikon cameras.   The 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II system works with the Scene Recognition System to evaluate various elements of the scene to produce a near perfect exposure.   This isn't as good as the 1005-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering system found in high-end Nikons, but it's identical to what is used in the D90.

Comments

• D5000 is essentially a cheaper version of the D90, so if you can live with using only AF-S lenses and a smaller viewfinder then the D5000 is a great low-cost alternative to the D90
• HD video time is limited
• No AF for video
• Too expensive for an entry-level camera
• Limited selection of lenses that support autofocus; Very slow focusing in live view mode
• Flip-down LCD not as useful as those that flip to the side type

The Nikon D5000 retails around $ 729.00 US dollars but, i do think that there are cheaper sources online.

This is a good dSLR camera that you can count on when You are looking for a cheaper alternative for a D90 and a huge improvement over a D60.   Overall feature does come close to a Canon T1i Rebel both with high ISO and HD video features.   Price wise is almost the same as well too.

• Sensor :
  • 12.3 million effective pixels
  • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format)
• Image sizes :
  • 4,288 x 2,848 (12 MP)
  • 3,216 x 2,136
  • 2,144 x 1,424
• Sensor cleaning :
  • Image Sensor Cleaning
  • Airflow control system
  • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
• Autofocus : 11 area TTL, Nikon Multi-CAM1000
• In-body focus motor : No
• AF area modes :
  • Single point
  • Dynamic area
  • Auto area, 3D Tracking (11-points)
• Live view AF modes :
  • Face priority
  • Wide area
  • Normal area
  • Subject tracking
• Sensitivity :
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • ISO 100-6400 with boost
• Continuous :
  • 4 fps
  • 63 / 11 frames (Fine JPEG / RAW)
• Viewfinder type : Pentamirror
• Viewfinder magnification : 0.78x
• Viewfinder Frame coverage : Approx. 95%
• LCD monitor :
  • 2.7" TFT LCD
  • 230,000 pixel TFT, Articulated
• Dimensions : 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in)
• Weight : With battery: 611 g (1.3 lb)
• Image processing engine :
  • Expeed
  • 12 bit
• Active D-lighting : Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off
• Automatic chromatic aberration correction : Yes
• In-camera retouching :
  • D-Lighting & Red-eye reduction
  • Trimming & Monochrome & filter effects
  • Color balance & Small picture
  • Image overlay
  • Quick retouch & Straighten
  • Distortion control & Fisheye
  • Color outline
  • Perspective control
  • NEF (RAW) processing
• Movie mode : Yes
• Live View : Yes
• Bracketing : Yes