Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD
Quick take
The Nikon D5000 is a DX-format DSLR kit designed to help beginners get great-looking results quickly, with an 18-55mm stabilized lens and a vari-angle 2.7-inch LCD that makes Live View shooting from different angles more practical. It records 720p HD video with sound and offers RAW or JPEG capture on a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. The main buying caveat is autofocus compatibility: the body needs AF-S style lenses for autofocus to work the way most shoppers expect.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beginner-friendly experience with easy auto operation and helpful learning resources.
- Vari-angle 2.7-inch LCD plus one-button Live View for flexible framing.
- Includes an 18-55mm VR (stabilized) kit lens for steadier handheld shots.
- Captures both stills (RAW/JPEG) and 720p HD video with sound.
Cons
- Autofocus is lens-dependent, you generally need AF-S lenses for reliable AF.
- Live View focusing performance can be slower than optical view, especially in low light.
- Not designed for high-speed, high-resolution modern needs, it’s a 12.3 MP DX model.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence suggests the Nikon D5000 is well-liked as a first DSLR. Many users highlight that it’s easy to pick up, learn, and use in auto mode while still offering room to grow with manual controls. Reviews also commonly mention that the kit lens can produce pleasing color and results “out of the box,” and that the vari-angle LCD and Live View make shooting from awkward angles more convenient. Live View autofocus concerns appear, but the overall feedback frames it as within expectations for DSLRs in Live View mode, not as a deal-breaker for most beginners. Overall, buyer sentiment is strongest around usability and learning value, with compatibility and Live View speed as the main practical considerations.
Who this camera is for
The Nikon D5000 with the 18-55mm VR lens is a good fit if you want a traditional DSLR learning platform that can also capture simple family video. It’s especially suitable for:
- Beginner photographers who want to understand exposure and creative control without a complicated setup.
- Casual shooters who like using auto modes for day-to-day photos but want the option to customize settings.
- People who like flexible composition, since the vari-angle LCD helps with low-angle and high-angle shots.
- Handheld lens users, because the kit includes VR stabilization to help reduce camera shake during typical zoom-range shooting.
What to watch out for before you buy
Autofocus depends on the lens
A key practical limitation is that this body is not an “all-lens” autofocus system. If you plan to use older lenses or non-AF-S options, autofocus may not work the way you expect. If you’re building a kit over time, prioritize AF-S-compatible Nikon lenses for smoother results.
Live View autofocus can feel slower in low light
Some buyers found Live View focusing slower depending on lighting conditions. If you mainly photograph in bright environments, this may not bother you. If you expect consistent, fast focusing while using the LCD for everything, you may want to keep your expectations realistic for DSLR Live View.
It’s an older, entry DX resolution class
With a 12.3 MP DX sensor, the D5000 is geared toward learning and everyday quality rather than demanding modern resolution or cropping-heavy workflows. If you’re chasing maximum detail for large prints or extensive cropping, you may want to compare newer models in the same budget class.
Key features that matter in real use
12.3 MP DX CMOS sensor for everyday results
The APS-C (DX) CMOS sensor is designed for sharp, natural-looking output in common shooting scenarios. With RAW and JPEG support, you can keep things simple in JPEG or add editing flexibility when you want more control later.
Stabilized 18-55mm kit lens (VR)
The included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens gives you a versatile everyday zoom range. VR is helpful for handheld shooting, particularly as you zoom in or shoot in lower shutter speed situations.
Vari-angle 2.7-inch LCD and one-button live view
For people who like composing from different heights, the vari-angle screen is one of the more noticeable quality-of-life features. The one-button Live View helps reduce friction when switching between viewfinder shooting and LCD framing.
Video: 720p with sound
If you want occasional clips of events, the D5000 can record 720p HD video and includes audio capture. It is best thought of as “good enough” video for casual moments, not a dedicated cinema tool.
Verdict
Buy the Nikon D5000 kit if you want an approachable DSLR to learn photography, and you value an articulating LCD plus a stabilized standard zoom to start shooting immediately. It’s less ideal if you rely on autofocus with non-AF-S lenses, or if you mainly plan to shoot everything in Live View and expect consistently fast focusing in all lighting. If your priority is learning and everyday versatility, it remains a practical entry point.
Alternatives to consider
If you’re comparing options, focus on fit rather than brand names:
- For smoother Live View autofocus: consider DSLRs or mirrorless bodies that are known for stronger on-sensor focusing performance (especially in low light).
- For higher-resolution flexibility: compare newer cameras with higher megapixels if cropping and large prints are a major goal.
- For a “lens-anything” approach: prioritize systems and lens ecosystems where autofocus works more universally with the lenses you already own.
Price and availability
Current pricing can change frequently. Check the latest deal for the Nikon D5000 kit here:
FAQs
Is the Nikon D5000 good for beginners?
Yes. Reviews commonly describe it as easy to start with, particularly for learning using auto mode while gradually customizing exposure settings. The vari-angle LCD and Live View also make composition more accessible for new photographers.
Does the Nikon D5000 autofocus with any Nikon lens?
Not automatically with all lens types. Autofocus is lens-dependent, so it is important to use AF-S style lenses for reliable autofocus behavior with this body.
How good is Live View autofocus?
Live View autofocus performance can be slower depending on lighting conditions. In brighter situations it may feel adequate for casual use, but in low light you should expect the LCD focusing experience to take longer than viewfinder shooting.
What video quality does it record?
The camera records 720p HD movie clips with sound. It works well for basic event coverage, not as a replacement for a dedicated video-focused camera.
What memory cards does it use?
It captures photos to SD/SDHC memory cards, but the card itself is not included.
Specifications
| Product Title | Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Digital Cameras > DSLR Cameras |
| Brand | Nikon |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Model Name | Nikon D5000 |
| Model Number | D5000 18-55mm Kit |
| Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
| Image Stabilization | VR |
| Zoom | Optical, Digital |
| Screen Size | 2.7 Inches |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (DX), Nikon F (FX) |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| File Format | RAW, JPEG |
| Image stabilization | VR |
| Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
| Expanded ISO Minimum | 200 |
| Photo Sensor Resolution | 12.3 MP |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 Seconds |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
| Exposure Control | Automatic |
| Form Factor | Compact SLR |
| Effective Still Resolution | 12.3 |
| Special Feature | TFT-LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels |
| Shooting Modes | Movie |
Available variants
Color
- Black
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