[bbtom10]

I'm in the same situation and I'm swinging from one to the other - I had my D40 stolen so I have an insurance payout (hopefully!!!) to spend - either a new D5000 (£414 on EBay), or a second-hand D90 (£499-ish + cost of a kit equivalent lens).

I love the hardware specs on the D90, and the fact that I can get a 35mm prime for about £50, which was next on my list anyway, as opposed to the 35mm AF-S Prime for the D5000 which would be £150.

All in all, the hardware buttons, the top-LCD screen and the autofocus motor are giving the D90 the edge, but it tops out my budget and I would only get a second-hand one.

The functions are essentially all the same as the D5000 - great ISO performance, same sensor, video functionality, just that the detailed options are buried in a menu rather than accesible through a hardware switch - having said that I got used to it with my D40. Also, my feeble wife will use it and no doubt won't like the heavier D90 - I also like the 'ninja-quiet' shutter action too!

I am not a pro, just a hobbyist, though I may be undertaking a couple of wedding shoots next year - only a registry office second marriage and a pub reception, and my sister's wedding in Cyprus, but not sure that the difference between D90 and D5000 would really matter?

Hmmm. This is getting easier!

Advice please!!!