Nikon D5000 Announced

Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D5000, a DSLR camera aimed at photo enthusiasts and those new to DSLR photography. Leveraging on Nikon's expertise and technologies found in its pro-level DSLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture not only high resolution images, but HD video as well.

The D5000 features a 11-point auto focus system with Scene Recognition System with Face Detection and a versatile 2.7" Vari-angle LCD monitor with Live View, an important tool for capturing those difficult angle shots. It also activates Subject Tracking autofocus which automatically locks onto a moving subject, even if it leaves the frame and returns. Also featured are Face Pririoty AF, Wide Area AF and Normal Area AF.

The D5000's D-Movie Mode allows users to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound and are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.

The 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor is coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system which is capable of delivering clear and low noise photos from the normal ISO range of ISO 200 to 3200, and the expanded range of Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400.

The D5000 will be available late April or early May with an estimated price of around RM3100 for the kit which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens while the standalone body retails at around RM2700 (Prices are rough estimates after conversion from USD).