Is the Nikon D5000 worth the money?

I've heard and read many positive feedback about this camera but it's price puts quite a dent in my wallet. Is it worth the $600+?
Or are there cheaper&better options?

It is the very best to get, i use it for my business and it was worth it. Plus it also shoots HD video as well as a 3 chip camcorder.

It's a nice camera. However, if you're just getting into photography or just need the essentials, the d90 is a great camera to get started with. I have a d200 and I love it, even if I don't get video.

Cheaper? Probably. Cheaper and better? No, not really.

You might want to check prices of the d3100 though, tha't s seems to beat the d5000 on almost all points

Here's a "cheaper" alternative for you. How about $519.95 for a factory refurbished D5000 kit?
http://www.adorama.com/...5568614366

The Nikon D5000 is an excellent entry-level DSLR that I've recommended to friends. Here's a review.
http://www.dpreview.com/...ikond5000/

Another camera to consider the the very new D3100, which in some ways outshines the D5000.
http://www.dpreview.com/...ikond3100/
http://www.techradar.com/...iew-711337
http://www.kenrockwell.com/.../d3100.htm

The D5000 is good, however your comment about "dent in my wallet" suggests that you would have to stretch to buy it. What would you then do about accessories and extra lenses?

Instead have a look at the Nikon D3000, Sony A2xx/3xx range and Canon 1000D. Buy the one that is within your (smaller) budget and fits nicely in your hands. EVERY brand of dSLR will give you excellent images, so don't get sucked into the my camera is better than your camera nonsense.

People here suggesting a particular brand wouldn't be able to tell the difference between images taken with any of the budget dSLRs, they really are very similar in performance.

If you prefer to save even more money, then something like a used Nikon D40, Sony A200 or Canon 400D would be an excellent and cheap starting point. You'll not see any difference between images taken with these than one taken with the latest budget cameras. Anybody saying you can, is a fan-boy.