some buying advice please

[Kag12]

Is the Nikon D90 worth the extra £85? Yes.

- Much better viewfinder
- Two control wheels like the rest of the Nikon range
- Built-in focussing motor so you can use non-AF-S lenses like the 50mm f1.8
- Better build.
- The D5000 and 500D are consumer bodies. You're getting a bit beyond that

Would it be ok for a first time DSLR user? Yes

Go Nikon:

- The IS version of the 18-55 is apparently not too bad (unlike the previous versions)
- You can share experience, knowledge and perhaps equipment (cobra flash) with your friend

thanks, that and what frog said has enforced what I already thought! I'll be getting the D90!! can't wait to get it!