careofu

Nikon D5000 has no Auto Focus Motor which may cause many restrictions if you want to buy other classical Nikon lens without build-in SWM.
I think Canon 500D is a much better choice, plus a 17-40L lens.

If you want Nikon, I recommend D90 (about the same price as D5000). It gets much better screen, build-in AF motor, sub-screen, and more comfortable using for a normal male hand.