Less than two weeks ago, Nikon announced the release of another new DSLR, this one following their entry level line.  The Nikon D5000 appears promising at first glance, but is it worth the cost?  To start us off, here are the key features as listed by Nikonusa.com

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured.
• D-Movie Mode with sound
  Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor
  Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping.
• 19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
  Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more.
• One-button Live View
  Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face-priority AF.
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames per second
  Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag.
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
  Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting.
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
  Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free.
• 11-point Autofocus System with 3D Focus Tracking
  Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness.
• Auto Active D-Lighting
  Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures—Selectable and Auto modes available.
• In-camera Retouch image editing
  Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more—all without a computer.
• Picture Control Settings for personal image control
  Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings.
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy.
• Durable, high precision shutter
  Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life.
• GPS Geo-tagging
  GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day."

Now looking at this, its obviously an entry level SLR, especially considering the advanced in technology over the last little while.  The 12.3 megapixel DX sensor is to be expected.  I actually find a slew of similarities between the Nikon D90 and the D5000.  One major difference I saw is the lack of an autofocus motor in the body of the camera itself.  It has movie mode like the D90, which allows you to make movies in HD 720p up to 5 minutes long.  Now personally, though I’m fairly impressed with this camera’s features, I want a higher caliber model such as the Nikon D300 (or D400 ), but I see this as a viable alternative.  If you’re interested in buying it now, it is priced at $729.95 for the body alone and $849.95 with a 18-55mm lens.  Amazon.com will be getting 6 more in stock on 30 April 09, so if you want to pick one up I’d suggest grabbing it ASAP.  If you want more information straight from Nikon, check out the D5000’s listing at Nikonusa.com.