Nikon D5000 dSLR debuts with 360-degree flip-twist LCD, video

Nikon has made official its D5000 consumer digital SLR camera that leaked early last week in a public ad shoot.

The camera is most notable for its flip-down, 360-degree-twist articulating LCD screen. The camera replaces, at least indirectly, the popular and long-lived D80. It also has a lower price and video recording abilities.

[Image gallery: Nikon D5000]

Here's how it stacks up against its siblings, according to CNET's Lori Grunin:

	Nikon D60	Nikon D5000	Nikon D80	Nikon D90
Sensor	10.2-megapixel CCD	12.3-megapixel CMOS	10.2-megapixel CCD	12.3-megapixel CMOS
Color depth	12-bit	12-bit	12-bit	12-bit
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)	ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/6400 (expanded)
Continuous shooting	3 fps n/a raw/100 JPEG (large/fine)	4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine)	3 fps 6 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine)	4.5 fps 7 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine)
Viewfinder	95% coverage 0.95x magnification	95% coverage 0.95x magnification	95% coverage 0.95x magnification	96% coverage 0.94x magnification
Autofocus	3-pt AF n/a	11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6	11-pt AF center cross-type	11-pt AF center cross-type
Live View	No	Yes	No	Yes
Video	No	720p at 24fps	No	720p at 24fps
LCD size	2.5 inches fixed	2.7 inches articulated	2.5 inches fixed	3 inches fixed
Shutter durability	n/a	100,000 cycles	n/a	100,000 cycles
Price (body only)	$499.95	$729.95	$849 (street)	$995.95

The LCD plus higher resolution and a better AF system inherited from the D90 distinguish it from the cheaper D60, but challenges the D90 itself at this price point: Nikon is using the same 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that's in the D90 instead of the CCDs it traditionally uses in entry-level dSLR models.

The D5000 has a newer version of the Expeed image processor with improved Auto Active D-Lighting and face-priority AF and enhanced Live View AF. It also has a connector for the optional GP-1 hot shoe GPS.

While the D5000 does have video capture at 24fps -- the T1i is a bit better, Grunin writes -- the articulated LCD and built-in wireless flash help bridge the gap between still camera and camcorder.

Nikon also announced a new prosumer wide-angle lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED (15-36mm equivalent), with internal focus, Nikon's ultrasonic Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and a 7-blade aperture.

The D5000 is slated to ship at the end of April in three configurations: body only for $729.95 and a kit with the 18-55mm VR lens for $849.95. The 10-24mm lens will ship in May for $899.95.