Nikon D5000 good for a semi-amateur photographer?

I've been using a film canon AE-1 for about a year and a half now, and I also have a Sony DSC H20 and I'm very familiar with both. So I know a lot about cameras and how to use them, but I definitely wouldn't call myself a professional or anything. I'm looking for a camera that is easy to use but has more settings and options than a point and shoot. I have my eyes on a Nikon D5000; it's the best for my wants. I also have no budget.

So do you think the Nikon D5000 is good or do you have any other recommendations?

Like jason said, also look at the d3100.

All depends on how serious you want to get, a D90 offers more lens compatibility for example.

The D5000 is very good but with the arrival of D3100 at same price.Better sensor, less noise, lighter body, continous AF in videos.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand, price, quality and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/buying-lens.html

Instead have a look at Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera
* 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor;
* 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
* Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
* Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance
http://www.amazon.com/...003ZYF3LO/
http://rover.ebay.com/...m270.l1313