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

I was looking for an upgrade to my compact digital camera and knew I wanted to have HD video too. This was a great deal and I got the 55-200mm lenses also as a package for $700. There was a rebate offer too and so I get $80 back on top of the bundle discount.The camera is good to use on auto and pre-set pic mode. But the manual settings are what you're paying for and I've yet to fully take advantage of these. However, in auto mode I did take the camera out for a night and was disappointed that in low light the camera performed worse than my compact point-and-shoot. I mean, with the old Canon Ixus I could take a shot in the dark. With the D5000 it wouldn't let me take a shot until I cheated it (by pointing it at a brighter object and locking the lense by pressing down 1/2 way on the shutter button. Then I moved to the darker subject and fully depressed the button to get the camera and flash to work.

I've had this camera just a few weeks and have been amazed from moment 1. It takes a lot to impress me. Low light photos come out with color intact (no flash) - ideal for museum items. Multi area shots w/ different light levels are beyond expectation - one image actually caught the light reflection in large glass window - showing the reflection and image through the window - totally secondary. I have not yet used the video option and can't comment on this. The ability to edit photos on camera is great for anyone not traveling with a laptop. The menus are easy to read and understand. Drawbacks - 1.3 lbs (w/ battery) it's hard to hide or be discrete about your cargo.

Great camera, but unfortunately I have to send it back to Nikon for recall on the on-off problems. LCD display show pixel problems and the display is not as good as higher cost Nikons and Canons. Overall, I would recommend it.

I really like it. Powerful camera with great battery life and very reasonable price. Take great pictures indoor.

There are a lot of good reviews up here already. Most more knowledgeable than what I could have to say, which can be intimidating, but overall it is a great camera with a lot more features than are even mentioned in a lot of reviews. Keep in mind that several of the bad reviews are in relation to the recall (which should no longer be an issue) or inappropriate reasons for buying this or any dSLR (like taking HD video, it takes great video for most occasions but I wouldn't use it for making a whole film).Basically, READ the manual! WHICH IS A GOOD THING, not a bad thing. You can still take GREAT photos never touching the manual but most people buying an entry-level/upper-entry level dSLR may not realize just how much their camera really can do! There are so many features that I had not even thought about (even having had experience with film SLR cameras) but after reading through the manual, it has led to a lot of FUN and artsy projects for me :) This is the first product that I have ever actually read the manual for (which is kinda long) but I don't see that as a bad thing, it just shows me how much this camera really does have to offer and hopefully it will help you too!My favorite part: the in-camera replacements for physical filters we used to use in film photography. It has settings for both before and after taking photos that can emulate filters for b&w photography, about 30 or so shades of color monochrome photographs, and even 4,6, or 8 star points, (a very basic) fisheye, and more!