The Nikon D5000: The New Entry Level DSLR King?

It seems that Nikon has again unveiled a new entry-level DSLR which was meant to replace the D40 but with features that are almost at par with mid-level digital SLR cameras. It boasts of video recording at 720p, and features similar to the highly regarded Nikon D90 (11AF Points!!!). Now that this DSLR is official (already posted in the CDSC website), let's take a look at its specs:

•New 2.7-in. 230k-dot Vari-angle monitor swings down approximately 90° and rotates 180°

•Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels and Integrated Dust Reduction System

•Specially designed EXPEED image processing system

•One-touch access to Live View, which includes face priority AF and subject tracking AF

•D-SLR movie function: D-Movie, selectable from 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or 1,280 x 720 pixels in AVI format

•19 Scene Modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and other settings for superior image quality

•Scene Recognition System, utilizing 420-pixel RGB sensor, improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance and is also integrated with the Face Detection System

•Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast environments

•Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module featuring 11 AF points provides fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame

•Picture Control System offers Portrait and Landscape options for more vibrant customized colors

•Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus including several new retouch options such as Soft Filter and Color Outline

•Incredibly low-noise performance throughout a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200; can be set to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalents

•Viewfinder with approx. 95% frame coverage and an easy-to-view 17.9 mm eyepoint (at -1.0 m^-1)

•Up to 4 fps continuous shooting

•Built-in pop-up flash with Nikon's original i-TTL flash control

•Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module featuring 11 AF points provides fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame

•Highly efficient energy-saving design that allows approx. 510 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and flash fired at full power once every other shot.)

•Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output

•Included Nikon ViewNX software makes browsing and organizing your images easy

•Optional photo-editing software Capture NX 2 allows quick and easy photo editing

•Lightweight compact body

The SRP is expected to be between the D60 and the D90 at around Php40,000 for the kit which includes an 18-55mm VR lens. Not bad for a feature-packed DSLR!

Here are the pics: