Nikon Is a Nikon D5000 considered a 'Small DSLR'?

I think it 'used to be' a small DSLR but no longer (after M4/3 and Sony NEX and the new SLT series). For about a month now I've been enjoying shooting with Canon's Elph cameras and now my Nikon D40 seems monstrous by comparison!
 
After using my epl1 the d5000 feels quite substantial, although its all relative. It is very light and comfortable especially with the kit VR zoom.
 
In earlier days full frame cameras were not bigger than the D5000, several fine cameras were even smaller. That full frame cameras can be built as small as a D5000 or even smaller has become myth. Cameras have become big and therefore the D5000 is considered as a small DSLR today.
 
Yes, but let's not forget that 35mm was considered a compact size at one point, with 120 being the more typical camera.
 
Yes, but let's not forget that 35mm was considered a compact size at one point, with 120 being the more typical camera.

That was really long, long ago, when 120 was the typical camera. However, 35mm in the past are 35mm today and APS-C is even a smaller format. At the beginning of digital the cameras have to be big because one could not miniaturize things enough to fit everything in a small body. Things have changed and today there is no technical reason for not building a small full format camera as Leica has done.
 
I have a *istD which is about as small as it gets for a aps-c dSLR with a prism vs. a pentamirror. However, I find it somewhat "substantial" compared to my E-P1. I find my E-P1 somewhat "substantial" compared to my wife's LX3. So, I guess it is relative.
 
I guess it is a relative thing, if you are Hulk Hogan you may have a different view than Tom Thumb about size. That being said, for me, a small camera is any camera that you can comfortably hand hold and a compact camera is one that fits into a pocket. To me the D5000 is a small camera.

Of course I am only one of many and in the end it really should be how you feel about the camera.
 
I guess it is a relative thing, if you are Hulk Hogan you may have a different view than Tom Thumb about size. That being said, for me, a small camera is any camera that you can comfortably hand hold and a compact camera is one that fits into a pocket. To me the D5000 is a small camera.

Of course I am only one of many and in the end it really should be how you feel about the camera.

Agreed. I believe there is as much a niche for small form dSLR as there are other camera niches such as the fixed lens compacts and mirrorless interchangeable cameras. While the LX3 and E-P1 are amazing little cameras and quite capable, I prefer the dSLR in many situations.
 
Comparing apples to apples:
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On the left, a D200; on the right, a D40. The D5000 is a bit bigger than the D40, but not that much - about 70g and a centimetre in height and depth.

Sorry about the flash.
 
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