Yes, dear readers, the D5000 we’ve all suspected existed (as late as tonight), does indeed. Nikon’s new high-end consumer DSLR has hit, and it looks like a serious contender with its wealth of features and sub-$1000 price point. It’s not going to walk on water or anything, but it makes for a very compelling alternative to, for example, my own Canon Rebel XSi.

Let’s just have the specs right off the bat, shall we?

• 12.3 megapixels
• 2.7″ swivel LCD
• 720p video at 24fps
• Stills at 4fps
• EXPEED image processor and 3D Color Matrix Metering II (yikes!)
• Built-in dust control systems
• Lots of scene modes and automatic settings you should probably avoid

So it’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s certainly a lot of camera for the price. I’d dearly love to be able to shoot 720p at 24fps on my Canon, despite my reservations about image quality. I personally don’t see a lot of uses for a swivel screen, though taking pictures among a crowd (hands in the air) is certainly one of them.

There’s a kit version, which comes with a AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens (what a mouthful) for $850, and a body-only version for $730. I’ve heard that kit lens isn’t so bad, so for a first time DSLR shooter, it might be a good idea to go for the whole shebang. We’ll have more info, and even a review if you’re you’re lucky, as soon as it’s available.