The Nikon D5000 is a great starter camera in the under $1,000 range. It has the electronics of the much more expensive D90 but it is far superior to the older D60.

Nikon uses a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD it’s been using in its entry-level models. This is the same sensor that is used in the much more expensive D90. It has a flip-down-and-swivel LCD which allows stowing the panel to prevent damage while at the same time allowing easy visibility regardless of the angle of the shot.