The Nikon D5000 is a great entry level DSLR. Its great because the learning curve is not steep, esp., if you have previously used a compact bridge camera like the panasonic fz8, olympus uz series etc.
Now lets see what this baby has to offer and what it doesnt.
1] Tilt and swivel LCD display with Live View:
For most people coming from compact cameras, this is a great feature.But, DSLR are meant to be used through the optical viewfinders. Live View is good, but for accurate focussing through live view, ur subject should have adequate contrast. Live view focussing is also slow. But there is one area this display really helps the d5000. For macro shots. If u like to really close to the subject, live view, tilt lcd and manual focus is a great way to shoot.
2] Good ISO control: Digital camera are renowned for their noise, especially with long exposures and high ISO shots. DSLRs like the D5000 are far better than compacts in this regards but it has an APS-C sensor, so dont expect results like in full format cameras. Anyway images upto ISO 1600 are really really good. Upto 800 really excellent.
3] Auto Dynamic Lighting:
Great feature when it works. What this basically does is to increase the dynamic range of your image. With this feature turned on the camera sets its exposure, such that as much highlight and shadow detail possible are captured and retained. Its a great feauture to have. But it doent work great for me. I dont see much difference with this turned on or off. Stacking multiple images with auto bracketing for HDR conversion is better and u have more control over the process
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4] HD Recording:
Good quality recording, but only for short clips. Continuous recording upto an hour is not possible. The short clips are of good qulaity when there is sufficient lighting. You can zoom in or out during recording provided u have a zoom lens.
5] I am not going to bore you with all specifications, because the D5000, like all DSLRs give u complete control over ur images and u have almost all functions found in any DSLR. For an amateur or a hobbyist, the only thing a higher DSLR has to offer are technical delights like even better high ISO control, larger sensors, easier controls by having more buttons etc.
Like with all DSLR cameras the deciding factor in image quality are the lenses you use.
The offered kit lens, the 18-55mm VR is a good medium zoom basic lens. Its a good beginners lens. You should also get a 50-200mm VR lens along with this. This will cover your basic requirements.Or if u dont want two lenses, purchase body alone and get the 17-200mm VR lens. This I have heard is a better lens and covers the same zoom range as the 18-55 and 50-200 combined.
Every nikonian should get a’normal lens’. this means a prime single focal length of 50mm. On a 35mm format camera a 50mm lens is called a normal lens. This gives u almost the same view as your eyes see. The nikon D5000 is a DX format camera, meaning it has a crop factor of 1.5. To get 50mm on your D5000, u should use a 35mm lens. The AF-S 35mm 1.8g is a great lens. very fast, very sharp.
The D5000 does not have a built in focusing motor or built in image stabilisation. So the camera is not compatible with all nikon lenses. U can use almost any nikon lens made in manual focus mode, but for auto focus u need to use lenses bearing the mark AF-S. For image stabilization, you have to buy VR [ vibration reduction] lenses. VR lenses are costlier.
Also consider getting the Nikkor Af 50mm 1:18D. This is a sharp and fast lens. very cheap, but does not auto focus. But its a great lens to learn manual focus. A skill necessary for any DSLR user.
For macro shots get a third party lens like the Tamron SP Af 2.8 Macro di with inbuilt auto focus motor. Great lens for portraits and macro
Another thing you should consider buying is a flash. The nikon SB-400 is avery very good small flash that can bounce light and can tilt in 4 angles. easy to use flash with no learning curve. Use a nikon sc-28 cord to use this flash off camera if necessary.
All lenses mentioned here are the ones I own and they work great. GIve yourself 2 months to learn this camera and it grows on you.
You can never really say whether its a nikon or a canon or a panasonic thats good. For a given price range all manufacturers provide comparable cameras with a competitive feature set. Unless u take out a microscope all these cameras are really good as far as the average hobbyist is concerned. Dont buy a camera just because it has a better feature set on paper. See how the camera feels in ur hand. this is very important. Buying a dslr and lenses is a huge investment. In India, a nikon system makes good sense, because better grey market means u get camera and lenses cheaper. Cheaper than Canon as far as I have enquired.
People who buy a D5000 will not regret it. I have not. This is my second DSLR. My first was the Canon EOS 1000d. The D5000 beats the 1000d any day.