Digital Home Thoughts: Nikon Releases the D5000: First DSLR From Nikon with Vari-Angle LCD Screen

"The 12.3-megapixel D5000, featuring Nikon's exclusive EXPEED advanced digital image processing system technologies, leverages Nikon's expertise and the innovative technologies found in its pro-level digital SLRs that enable you to capture stunning images and HD movie clips with remarkable ease. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that can be viewed in its normal position flush against the camera, or swung out, rotated and/or tilted for a multitude of imaginative shooting angles."

Whoa - where this this come from? I have a cold today, and can't really think straight, but here's the basic rundown on this camera:it's a DX sensor, so it's got the 1.5 crop factor. 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor (23.6mm x 15.8mm), ISO 200 to 3200, 11-point autofocus, HD video capture at 1280 x 720 and 24fps. They've also added a one-button Live View function, which has a slick functin called Subject Tracking Auto-Focus, which tracks a selected subject, even if it leaves the frame momentarily and comes back in. Nice! Face priority auto-focus has also been added, which is a nice feature if you're snapping photos really quickly and don't have time to hand-pick the best focus point. The big feature though, something never done on any previous Nikon DSLR, is the vari-angle LCD screen - a 2.7 inch LCD screen can swings down by 90 degrees and can rotate 180 degrees.

The full press release from Nikon Canada (note the pricing is in CAD), along with a couple of photos, is after the break.

Nikon Canada Introduces D5000 Digital SLR and NIKKOR AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon D5000 features an innovative Vari-angle LCD monitor, exceptional12.3 MP image quality, HD video with D-Movie, and 19 Auto-Scene Modes in a fun, easy-to-use digital SLR

NIKKOR ultra wide-angle 10-24mm DX-format lens offers added creative perspective

Mississauga, ON, April 14, 2009 - Nikon Canada today announced the newest addition to its family of class-leading DX-format digital SLRs, the D5000. Along with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality, the D5000 offers amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Also announced today is the next addition to the expansive NIKKOR lens line-up, the new AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens, providing photographers the opportunity to capture unique perspectives in a variety of shooting environments.

Nikon D5000 Digital SLRThe 12.3-megapixel D5000, featuring Nikon's exclusive EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies, leverages Nikon's expertise and the innovative technologies found in its pro-level digital SLRs that enable users to capture stunning images and HD movie clips with remarkable ease. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that can be viewed in its normal position flush against the camera, or swung out, rotated and/or tilted for a multitude of imaginative shooting angles.

"The Nikon D5000 marries simplicity and advanced features with leading technology and HD video, allowing users to expand their creativity and abilities with the camera," said Gregory Flasch, Nikon Canada's Manager of Advertising and Communications. "Its easy-to-use design, innovative features and high-performance will attract first-time digital SLR photographers, but will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 will inspire creativity and originality."

The D5000 produces highly detailed images with smooth tonal gradation, outstanding colour reproduction, and low noise across a wide ISO sensitivity range. Nikon's exclusive EXPEEDTM contributes to streamlined handling of advanced imaging features such as Nikon's original Scene Recognition System with Face Detection and Active D-Lighting. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject - even if the subject leaves the frame and returns. Subject Tracking AF also maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing children and moving pets.

Nikon's exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with EXPEEDTM enables the D5000 to capture brilliant images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations ensure the right exposure - even if conditions are extreme. Centre-weighted and Spot Metering offer added personal control for extended creativity.

Ease-of-use is a hallmark of Nikon digital SLRs and the D5000 proves this in both form and function. The compact body features an intelligent layout with controls logically positioned for easy operation. With 19 automatic Scene Modes such as Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette and more, point-and-shoot convenience and ease is added for beautiful results in a wide variety of challenging shooting situations. Scene Modes even include sample images for each mode to make selection simple and quick.

The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. New Retouch features include Soft Filter effect, Perspective Control and Colour Outline. With Nikon's exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles, which include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. With Picture Control users can create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user's personal preferences for hue, colour saturation and image sharpening.

Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity, available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.

The D5000's D-Movie Mode lets users record HD movie clips (1280 x720) at a cinematic 24 frames-per-second with sound. Compatibility with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses provides photographers with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR vibration reduction (VR) lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000's performance in low-light conditions.

Combining famous Nikon quality, advanced performance and functionality, the D5000 opens the door to a level of creative expression never before possible in a camera so easy-to-use.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G EDThe newest lens in the expansive DX-format line-up, AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED provides photographers the opportunity to capture unique perspectives in a variety of shooting situations. Compact and lightweight, the new 2.4x Zoom DX-NIKKOR lens offers a focal length of 10 to 24mm, creating a picture angle ranging from 109-degrees to 61-degrees (FX-format equivalent of 15-36mm), ideal for a variety of applications including interiors, architecture and sweeping landscapes.

The AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens offers an array of versatile Nikon technologies, including Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance. An advanced optical formula, featuring two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements renders stunning images while minimizing distortion, a common problem with ultra wide-angle lenses.

A rounded diaphragm opening, combined with the seven-blade aperture, contributes to the 10-24mm lens' ability to capture images with soft background effects. There are also two focus modes, manual and automatic, with an M/A mode that allows the photographer to quickly switch between the two. Both use an internal focusing (IF) design that enhances AF speed and eliminates lens barrel rotation and changes to lens barrel length during focusing.

Fully compatible with Nikon's complete line of DX-format digital SLR cameras - including the D60, D90, D300 and the newly announced D5000 - the AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens enables photographers to expand their view in new and interesting ways.

AvailabilityThe D5000 digital SLR and AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens will be available from Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers beginning May 8, 2009.

PricingThe Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) are as follows:D5000 Kit with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR lens -$1,059.95D5000 Kit with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens -$1,249.95AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens - $1,099.95

EXPEEDTM - The New State-of-the-Art Image-Processing System technologies, only from Nikon Built on Nikon's innovative EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the latest Nikon cameras continue the longstanding tradition of industry-leading photographic performance, superior image quality, advanced functionality and ease-of-use.

Exclusive Canadian WarrantyNikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for all COOLPIX digital cameras and the D60, D90, D300, D700 and D5000 digital SLRs, and five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. Consumer's investment is protected by Nikon Canada's warranties with in-Canada service.

About NikonNikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers.For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

**Photos are available upon request

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