The D5000 has a swivel screen, but the D90's screen is bigger and has 3 times as many pixels. If you shoot very low to the ground, or overhead than the swivel screen is pretty handy. Otherwise, you will probably prefer the D90's display.

I think the premium is worth it for the in-body focus motor alone. But that only matters if you have a lens that needs it.

The picture quality will be almost identical.

If you're buying in the US, the D90 is the best for the money. The price gap is small between these two. The D5000 may give that cool swivel screen but IMO, that's one more thing that could break. The both most likely will give the same look to their images as the use the same sensor. The D90 will give you more controls on the outside while the D5000 has more things buried in menus. This will be important as you shoot and need to make changes quickly, otherwise you can miss shots.

Now if you're on such a tight budget that the extra 150 to 200 dollars just isn't a reality for you then the D5000 would be your choice if you want the same quality and if video is important to you. Otherwise, I'd say between these two choices you asked about, the D90 is a better option.

From whatever I could make out D90 and D5000 are very similar in operation. D90 has the advantage of in-body focus motor. D5000 is latest and boasts of a vari-angle display.

But are they same when it comes to quality of output (esp. stills)?

Which is a better choice for one who want to purchase.

Views will be appriciated.