. It does so much more than my old Nikon FN. The Tamron lens that I matched with the camera is a great combination 18-250.
I have super light sensitive shots of friends and objects. Nature provides nice light contrast as well!
The user manual is full of examples and cross-references to get you going. I really like the heft and placement of the controls of this camera. I have had photography classes and darkroom experiences. I am Adobe Photoshop experienced, as well. This is going to be an exciting adventure in photography. Give Nikon a try. The few extra bucks for the name is part of the end result. The lens you buy makes a difference as well.
If you are the kind of person who leaves your DSLR locked up in the hotel room because it's too heavy, get the D5000. At the end of the day, you'll have more pictures and NO they won't be worse than the D80 / D90. If they are, then you need to improve your technique :D
I am not going to review the tech specs ([...] has already done it, better than I can). Just want to re-affirm what's said about the high ISO performance - Simply stunning!
I will recommend the DK-21M magnifier eyepiece as a must have accessory. Makes the otherwise average pentamirror viewfnder much better. Remember to remove the hard eyecup from the DK-21M and combine it with the camera supplied DK-24 eyecup instead.
I bought the 35mm f/1.8 and 18-105mm VR lenses with this camera. Absolute joy to use. And so is the SB-400.
Feels great not to be lugging around "pro" gear and a bagful of lenses and still making wonderful pictures with this little baby.