We've owned this camera for about four years now and use it to take pictures of our kids. We originally bought it to get into photography as a hobby but never really took the time to learn. I have a basic knowledge in photography and this camera makes it easy to use what knowledge I have, but alot of functions on the camera go unused because I haven't taken the time to learn about them. It's also very bulky as a "vacation" or "trip" camera. We've found we're always worried about it getting bumped or dropped while on a family trip to the zoo, for example. It's easier to take pictures with our phones in those instances. I take regular pictures of my two kids monthly and people always ask if I had them taken professionally. I love the quality of the pictures and how easy it is to change the lighting, effects, etc. We have the model that has the flip-down screen which we never use since it feels fragile and don't want it to break.

icecreammom

USA

I have a small child and this camera helps me catch her in action ( which is very hard to do ). I have had it for 2 years now and haven't had one single issue. I am a very clumsy person so I have dropped it quite a few times and luckily it is durable enough to withstand every single drop! :)

SarahWenzelRiley

USA

I have always owned your traditional point and shoot digital cameras and wanted something better but for a great price that won't be obsolete in a year or so! And let me tell you this is the greatest camera i have ever owned.  The quality of the photgraphs you can take is amazing, it will pick up every little hair on your childs head without a blur or anything.  you can get the pictures blown up to way beyond poster size if you wanted to and they would still look amazing! I actually have 2 lens with mine and they are both most useful ( 1 for long distance and the other for "regular" distance).  The lens' are very easy to interchange and clean fingerprints (kids!) off of without any scratches happening! You can take a perfect picture of even the snow falling out of the sky! The design is made just right for any size hands and its actually comfortable to wear around your neck!  This camera is truely amazing.

relaxwithdiane

Chesapeake, VA

This is a great camera.  I have taken two classes but still unsure how to operate this camera.  There is a lot to learn!  I think it will be great once I learn all the gadgets.  I keep it on auto and it works fine. 

littlebit0007

Mcdonough, GA

The Nikon D5000 is the first DSLR I have purchased.  I considered buying a DSLR for years before actually purchasing one, since it is a lot of money to spend on a camera.  I finally bought one after getting a raise at work and I have never regretted it!  I love this camera!  All of my trip photos have come out so beautifully!  Even on automatic mode, if I need to get a picture quick, the photos have a professional-like quality to them.  I highly recommend learning all of the features though, as my pictures come out a lot better if I adjust the aperature, shutter speed, ISO, etc. myself.  The different modes make the transition to manual mode much easier (such as aperature mode, which adjusts the shutter speed and ISO for you based on which aperature you pick).  It is also not too heavy to carry around with you (although, it is more trouble than a point and shoot).  I have gotten many compliments on my photos since I started using this camera.  I definately do not regret this purchase! 

mas0301

Milwaukee, WI

Love this camera. I had a Cannon AE-1 years ago so I've used a DSL camera before although it's been years.  I love this camera, especially since the view window in back can rotate and move several ways, not just stuck to the back. This makes getting several unusual directional shots easy to shoot as well as self portraits. It can be operated also with an infared remote so you can take photos from a distance away. : ) Great for group shots.  I love the many auto setting's for specific light or action shots as well. Give you professional setting's without having to manually set them for those more timid.

sassy1lady

Anaheim, CA

I got the D5000 with lens for Christmas.  It is the best present I have ever gotten.  This is my first DSR camera and it was so easy to figure out how to use.  I LOVE the quality of pictures I can take.  This lens is a good lens for every day use but is limited when it comes to long range zoom.  This camera is certainly worth the price I paid.  I will NEVER use any other DSR camera besides a Nikon!

randcbruns

Iliff, CO