The successor to the Nikon D60 is now a reality. Presenting the Nikon D5000! The D5000 is the first Nikon DSLR to utilize a 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD. It is able to record 720p video just like the Canon T1i (500D).

Specifications include a 12.3 megapixel sensor (the same as that of the Nikon D90), expanded ISO ranges from 100 to 6400, 11-point autofocus system (a definite upgrade from the Nikon D60’s 3-point system). It also features four different Live View autofocus modes along with Subject Tracking autofocus (for those fast-moving objects! As to how well it works? Only time will tell).

The Nikon D5000 will start becoming available at retailers by the end of April 2009. Price will be $849.95 with the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens or $729.95 for the body alone.

No mention on whether the body has that autofocus pin to be able to use older Nikkor lenses. For the price they’ve given it, hopefully it has been integrated. Otherwise, big mistake Nikon! They also should’ve found a way to integrate the aperture dial on the front and ISO/white balance shortcut buttons. If you’d ask me, you’re better off getting a Nikon D90 body for around $850.

You can find Nikon USA’s official press release here.

Update: Same as with the D40, D40x and D60… the D5000 doesn’t have autofocus capability on the body! You can only use AF-S and AF-I lenses. Bad move, Nikon!