I had the same dilemma this time last year. I had just got my Nikon D60 (similar entry point to your D5000) and wanted a flash unit. The SB-400 was appealing on price, but I ended up buying the SB-600 and am very happy with my choice. (I actually managed to pick up a new SB-600 for the same price as Jessops were selling the SB-400 for - it pays to shop around!). Other than obviously being more powerful, things to bear in mind that the SB-600 offers over the SB-400 are:
- Ability to swivel the head as well as tilt (handy in portrait mode or for boucing off walls).
- Ability to adjust the intensity of the flash when zooming (the flash talks to your lense and knows what focal length is selected)
- Ability to use off camera (can be fired remotely when being creative)
It's true pro's use the SB-400 due to its size/weight, but they also have other flash units (SB-900 etc.) too for other situations. If you are only buying one unit, then the SB-600 makes the most sense due to its extra versatility.
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