Too much camera too soon?

I'm beginner photography enthusiast shopping for my first digital SLR. I've found one I really like, the Nikon D90. However it is really pricey - $1200. My question is, for someone looking for their first SLR do you think this is too much? Or could it be better to buy something I can grow into and use for a long time? I've never even put a finger on an SLR before so this will be my first camera that's not a point and shoot. I plan on taking some photography classes next spring out at my local college.

Also any other brand and model recommendations are greatly appreciated!

I think the investment is a bit much given your beginning status. I think you'd be much better off beginning with a camera like this or close to it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...S_SLR.html

I recommend the XS because I own one and know it. You have to understand that no camera regardless of make, model or size is a "magic bullet" to good photography. Any camera is only a tool, you are the mechanic. So good technical quality is with the camera but good photography is with the person operating the camera. That ratio, we regulars here agree, is about 95% photographer and only 5% camera.

There's a rather long learning curve here as well. To achieve results you must understand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, iso and lighting. Without that understanding you'll not get the results you really want.

Classes are a good idea. I've been at this a long time and always encourage any one truly interested in photography to learn from others who've "been there and done that."

D90 should go down a bit more as stores clean out their stocks.

Jim is, of course, pushing his rebel again I see.

D90 too much, depends. It doesn't have the handholding software that the smaller nikons have (d3100, d5000) but it does have an autofocus motor in the body which means anything nikon AF will work. If your serious about photography features like that and the fact that you can remote control flashes, bracketing and other nifty things make this a camera for the serious amateur.

If you think you want to be a serious amateur and if you can learn by doing some reading instead of having the software in the camera holding your hand then the d90 is for you

Plane and simple,

It is enough camera for a beginner to grow into. It does offer a lot of automatic features. After handling the camera for some time, experimenting with the manual functions, you will become more of a professional. Taking classes is the best route. Learning the basics of ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed, F-stop, Aperture, and other functions offered.