Do you really intend to make photography a career, or do you just mean you're ready to learn the craft beyond pointing and shooting?
The D90 is a very capable camera. It would be like getting a BMW as your first car, right after getting your driver's license...more capable than your own skill level. You can get a less expensive DSLR that will have as good of image quality as good as the D90. The D90 has more professional construction, controls, and performance...that is the reason for the added cost.
A DSLR is part of a system. The body needs a lens. The stock lens (otherwise known as the kit lens in photo-speak) is quite good compromise for general photography. There are of course more specialized lenses for different uses. Lenses don't change much. Bodies might get outdated by technology, but lenses do not.
i have a friend that loves his nikon d90 but i don't know if that is to much for me at the beginning stages of my photo taking career. is this camera worth the money for the long hall or is there something else out there that would suit me better

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