Nikon D5000

The D5000 is Nikon’s upper entry-level DSLR, and successor to the D60. It features the same 12.3 Megapixel sensor as the higher-end D90, along with its 720p HD movie recording and 11-point AF. Continuous shooting isn’t quite as quick, but still very respectable at 4fps. The screen may also not be as large or detailed as the D90, but it is fully articulated allowing you to compose at unusual angles. The D5000 also inherits the easy-to-use interface of the earlier D60, making it ideal for beginners, although it’ll also suit enthusiasts on a budget. Be sure to compare with the Canon EOS 500D / T1i though.

Pros: Great quality images with low noise; articulated screen.
Cons: No AF for older lenses; user interface slow for experts.
Overall: A beginner-friendly but feature-packed DSLR.