My first impressions upon opening that hallowed gold box was that this was a serious piece of kit! Compared to the mostly plastic and lightweight construction of the D5000 this felt substantial and beautifully put together. The weight was surprising at first but as soon as you attach a lens and lay your right hand around the rubberised grip it felt perfectly balanced. You find your fingers naturally gravitating towards the most useful control buttons and dials with the on/off switch, shutter release and main control wheels all obviously at your fingertips.