if you plan to stay with G lenses go with the d3k and d5k if you want to expand and SAVE money get the d7k camera.
In the end you will SAVE money by buying cheaper better lenses.
Just because it's a "g" lens with a built in auto focus that doesn't mean it's better. Some other fx/dx generation lenses will out perform new generation lenses. When you buy a lens, you look for glass quality not by the new release. By getting your hands on a d3k or d5k you limit yourself to those built in autofocus lenses and these lenses will start to rack up in $$$. This will limit you from buying great 3rd party lenses that are cheaper yet perform better (signma,tamron,rokinon/samyang).
Go on reddit r/nikon if you want. The best thing about Nikon is that you're able to use any lenses post AI unlike canon. So really, all you need to invest your money on good glass (Ai, Ai-S, D, G)
The d3k and d5k are for beginners and not enthusiats. If that's what you are, and you do not plan to expand your glass arsenal or even think about going further into photography then the d3k and the d5k series is for you.
I owned a d3300 and sold it within a week and got a d7000. It was the best decision i made. I now own a d750 and I the cheaper better FX lenses i bought along with my apc sensor camera.
even consider the d7000 as a starter and go from there to a fullframe or a newer gen d7k series body.
Do your research. google and reddit is great.
Tbh, i'm not being biased but if you want to take your photography further get a d7000 and appreciate that 1/8000 of a shutter speed.
If you can find a local owner of a d7100 or a d7200 in your price range, you should get it. Its christmas season and some do not like they gifts
This post was edited by JAYZONE on Dec 28 2015 07:56am