Digital cameras 101

[rhinorick]

I am looking into getting the new Nikon D5000, hopefully next month.   

Any thoughts, opinions, etc.?

[ShutterbugGail]

It sounds like a great camera with excellent image quality and high ISO performance. If you're getting it for video capabilities, you may be disappointed as DSLR video is in its infancy and a bit tricky to use.

Here is a great review on the camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/page33.asp

Here is a brief overview of DSLR video:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/camera-modes/dslr-video/

I've been very happy with my move to a DSLR, though confess I still miss the size and convenience of a superzoom. Let us know how it goes.

[rhinorick]

Thanks for the review link.  Very helpful.

I had already read Brett's article about video.  Good article.  I am not too concerned about using the D5000 for video, but it's nice to know that it has a great HD video capability if I so choose to use it later. :-)

Anyone actually have the D5000 yet, who has any comments - likes or dislikes?

[bdery]

You can't really go wrong with any current DSLR on the market. Just make sure the camera you choose duplicates the features you like the most about your current camera, otherwise you might find that you miss your P&S (a Panasonic if I'm right?). Make sure the transition goes smoothly

[ShutterbugGail]

Just make sure the camera you choose duplicates the features you like the most about your current camera, otherwise you might find that you miss your P&S

This is some of the best advice I've heard in all the years I've been involved in digital photography. Excellent advice bdery!!!!!!

[rhinorick]

Thanks for the help and tips everyone!

Yes, good advice bdery. The main reason I chose the Nikon D5000 is that is combined the features of my Panasonic superzoom Lumix DMC-FZ50 and my Nikon DSLR D40 ... plus lots, and lots of extras, quality, more megapixels, etc., etc. 

Update:  I received my D5000 yesterday!  I am very pleased. :-)  It will take a bit of getting used to. Practice, practice! 

I also got a Tamron 70-300mm macro lens for it.   Way cool!  So, with that lens, I have the same (a little more actually, with the D5000's 1.5x multiplier) zoom power that I had with my FZ50.

[rhinorick]

I edited my post above.

I had stated that the D5000 has a multiplier of 1.6.  I was mistaken.

A Popular Photography article stated that it was 1.6.  Another PopPhoto article states 1.5.

The D5000 owner's manual states 1.5.

I take the 1.5 as being correct. :-)

[rhinorick]

Here are some photos I took with my new D5000 and Tamron 70-300mm macro lens:









 

[ShutterbugGail]

Nice shots! Seems like you're really enjoying your new camera. Big difference between with depth of field between your Pany and a DSLR, eh?!

[rhinorick]

Yes, I am very much enjoying my new D5000. 

I have not noticed a big difference in the DOF. The FZ50 was great at that.  Especially for macro shots and higher mm (zoomed-in) shots.

Where I am noticing a huge difference is at higher ISO values.  Bye, bye noise!!