Nikon just unveiled the D5000, the latest update to it’s entry-level (that should read beginner level) dSLR at a price point that would give the Canon 500D a run for it’s money.  So what makes the new entry level dSLR so attractive?

The new D5000 incorporates a 12.3 megapixel with 720p HD video recording and a large part of the D90‘s feature set in a simpler, smaller and lighter body.  It’s also equipped with an articulated LCD 2.7″ 230,000 pixel LCD display commonly found in high-end digicams.  The D5000 also supports for Nikon’s GP-1 GPS unit for automatically geotagging images.

Combining most of the features of the prosumer-level D90 with a simpler, smaller and lighter weight body, the D5000 sits nicely between the D60 and D90.  As the lowest of the Nikon dSLR bracket however, I can honestly say I’m impressed with it.  Below is the spec list.

Nikon D5000 Specifications

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
• 2.7-inch 230,000 pixel TFT-LCD
• Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
• Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
• Illuminated focus points
• Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
• 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
• 3D tracking AF (11 point)
• 95% frame coverage viewfinder
• Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening

Since it’s meant for non-pro users the D5000 has automatic features from some of Nikon’s high-end point-and-shoot cameras such as scene recognition and presets for monochrome or other shooting modes. It also has big brother’s Active D-Lighting to helps restore details to shadows as well as reduce the likelihood of blown-out highlights.

As with the D90 launch, the D5000 is getting a new lens built for it.  That’s the 10-24mm f/3.4-4.5 Nikkor AF-Slens. It’s built for very wide angle shots like macros.

Interested yet?

The D5000 is priced as follows:

• D5000 body-only:  $730
• D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens: $850
• D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens: $900

The Nikon boat has swooned me back (I’m currently writing why) with superior quality on it’s products.  If you’re looking for an entry level DSLR, the D5000 is a great value.  Here’s a few shots of the D5000 and the new 10-24 lens.

The D5000 will be out for sale on April 27th and probably later for the Philippines.  The $730 price tag places the D5000 at around Php 35,000.

via {dpreview}