I picked up the D5000 after doing some "newbie" research. I got the kit with the two lenses, bag, etc. One reason I bought the 5000 was it was new - any problems and I could take it back if needed. I didn't feel comfortable enough to purchase a used camera and get a good deal with that kind of return guarantee.
Second - there is a lot of good advice about spending the money on a "decent" camera body and then get a lot better glass. I don't disagree with this, but for the kind of pictures I was going to be taking the two lenses work great and I will upgrade when time/money/experience are available.
That being said, my wife and I love the camera and we take it everywhere we go, which is not the case with our tiny little sony camera even though it was more convenient. Here is a pic I took a few weeks ago when the flowers were just coming up. This was the second or third picture I took with the camera - right out of the box - no editing, etc. Not bad for a shaky handed bald fat guy without trying!
