Nikon D5000

The Nicon D5000 is the perfect camera for men looking to take their photography skills up a notch.

Boasting a 12.3 megapixel sensor (which it shares with its more expensive D90 counterpart), the D5000 is able to take crystal clear shots. It is fantastic in low light – even better than the D90 – and also can shoot HD video. It’s also extremely fast, with very quick shutter speed and a burst mode that is as fast as much pricier models.

Designed for the entry-level photographer looking to move up from a point-and-shoot, Nikon took many of the direct access features typically seen on a higher-end (but more difficult to learn) SLR and moved them into a gorgeous, bright, articulated LCD display – a new feature in the Nikon line. It allows users to easily frame the shot even in difficult positions, and has sufficient brightness for even the sunniest day. And the menus within the LCD are easy enough for the most novice photographer to understand.