Nikon has introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with 12.3-megapixel resolution, 19 auto-exposure modes and a large, 2.7-inch Vari-angle color LCD screen.
The D5000's D-Movie Mode records 720p HD movie clips at 24 frames per second, with sound that can be enhanced by AF-S Nikkor lenses such as the VR stabilization lens. Files are saved as JPEG or AVI format.
Live View autofocus (AF) now features four modes: Subject Tracking AF, to automatically lock onto a movie subject; Face Priority AF, to detect up to five faces in a shot and focus on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, for handheld shots; and Normal Area AF, for tripod photography.
New retouch features include the soft filter effect, perspective control for architecture shots and color outline mode. Each edited image is saved as a separate JPEG file to ensure that the original file is left unmodified.
With expanded ISO film speed options, the D5000 ISO extends beyond the 200 to 3200 range, to offer a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 and Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400.
The D5000 also features the Integrated Dust Reduction System, which provides an electronic sensor cleaning, and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter.
While the D5000 offers a versatile, built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.
The D5000 also has an optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 comes with the AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, and is available at an estimated price of $849. The camera body alone sells for an estimated $729.
