Best Nikon camera to get?

I already have a Nikon S700 camera (the red touch screen camera in the Ashton Kutcher commercials). I love photography and I want a professional camera. My S700 is good, but not that good. My friend has a fancy Nikon camera (one of the big ones with the lenses) and it's AMAZING! I don't know what kind she has though. I looked at the Nikon website and I like the D3100. Which Nikon camera is the best? I'm only a highschooler and I don't want like a truly professional one that's huge but I want a real Nikon.

Fist off, the D3100 is NOT a professional camera. The pro cameras are full-frame DSLR's that start at $2, 000 and go up from there.

Yes, the Nikon D3100 is a good beginners DSLR. But if you think simply buying a DSLR will get you amazing shots, then you are wrong. You will have to learn the manual side of photography including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, and how they work together. Then you will have to learn how to compose well.

What is your budget?

The camera body is important, but the lens are even more. What are you planning on shooting?

While the Nikon D3100 and D7000 are NOT professional cameras, they certainly are capable of producing professional images in the hands of a competent photographer

The Nikon D7000 is really the best of the two and not too much more cost wise.

For clarity, the Nikon D3s and D3X are the full frame professional cameras made by Nikon and the D300s is the "cropped sensor" professional camera.

Just buying a good dSLR is NOT going to make your photos better. Your skills and style will determine that.

Here is a link to help you compose better photos.

http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm

TO be honest the camera does not make the professional. A pro can pick up any camera and work it well… Usually. I'd say go for an enthusiast camera like the D90 or the D7000. These will enable you to start a wide collection of lenses due to the built in focus motor. More lens options now means easier transitioning to a new body as lenses to not go out of date like bodies do.