Nikon D5000 DSLR unveiled

Nikon has announced the launch of its new Nikon D5000, which would close the gap between the earlier launched D series models -the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D90.

Nikon D5000 front top view photo

The Nikon D5000 is priced at £719.99 ( $ 729, EU: € 699) for the body only, and  £799 ($ 850, € 799) for the body with a 18-55 VR lens kit.

Some of the novel features of the camera include high-definition video capture, 11-point auto-focus, and Live View.

Nikon D5000 side view photo

The kit for the new D5000 comes with a 18mm to 55mm (equivalent) f/3.5-5.6G VR lens.

The Nikon D5000 has the Nikon D90′s HD movie capability, 11-point auto-focus system, and 12.3 megapixel resolution capacity.

The Nikon D5000 comes with new in-camera editing features, various scene modes, and high-sensitivity between ISO 200 and 3200 that can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400, according to the company.

Nikon D5000 front view photo

The Nikon D5000 has a new Live View feature that allows users to compose photos on its 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD screen, which can be rotated or swiveled to get the desired view. The LCD screen can also be reversed to take self-portraits.

The DSLR comes with a D-Movie feature, high-definition movie capture compatible with the latest TV screens and an HDMI output for easy connection.

The Live View feature allows users to compose shots on the vari-angle LCD monitor and employ four types of contrast AF, wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking.

Nikon D5000 top view photo

The D5000 comes with 19 automatic screen modes, built-in editing features, such a soft filtering effect to minimise distortions, and the capability to create visual effects in-camera.

Other features include an image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. Picture Control options include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Landscape, and Portrait.

The Nikon D5000 allows users to view photos in batches of up to 72, and organise images by date and time.

The D5000 is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS unit and a AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses.

The Nikon D5000 is expected to take on the Canon EOS 500D head on, which is priced at £869.

The DSLR offers image sizes of 4,288 x 2,848 (L), 3,216 x 2,136 (M), and 2,144 x 1,424 (S).