Is Nikon D80 better than the D5000?

My friend is selling his uncle's D80 for $500 and I was thining of saving up for a D5000. I was wondering if the D80 is actually a better camera and if this is a good deal.

There's not to much difference unless you are a photographer, buy the D80, the D5000 is not worth the money (unless you are a photographer)

I'd rather get a brandnew dSLR for $500.

The D80 was a mid range dSLR, mag alloy body if I remember correctly, but it's old. The 5000 is a step below, but the image sensor is much better. The D80 has an autofocus motor, the 5000 does not. Not all lenses have motors, so something to think about first. Forced between the two, I'll take the better image sensor and deal with the other issues.

image sensor scores

http://www.dxomark.com/...nd2)/Nikon

The D80 was the predecessor to the D90, and was an advanced amateur camera. It does have the in-body focus motor that the D5000 lacks, which means it will autofocus AF lenses that the D5000 will not.

Nikon D80 specs:

http://www.nikonusa.com/...2/D80.html

Nikon D5000 specs:

http://www.nikonusa.com/...D5000.html