Buying first DSLR camera?

I have been researching DSLR's lately, and came up with these three options (in my budget):
-Nikon D3000 ($500)
-Nikon D5000 ($630)
-Nikon D3100 ($700)

This would be my first DSLR camera, so I just need some advice on both cameras and lenses. My sister's friend from college actually gave me some advice. She has a D90 and will be taking my senior pics. She told me that a Nikon D3100 would be the best option. However, this is the most expensive camera I would be willing to buy at this point.

I have been told the D3100 has a lot of nice features, and although it's more expensive, it would be a great camera for me to grow into as my knowledge of photography and cameras grows as well. The D3000, on the other hand, has been said to be one of the best entry-level "for-beginners" DSLR camera.

So, I'm wondering, should I invest in the more expensive camera, or just go with the cheap one? Also, which lens(es) should I be considering. I think at this point, if I were to buy the expensive camera, I would go for a lens under or around $150. If I were to buy the cheaper camera, I could probably spend up to twice that amount on a lens.

So… Which camera would be best for me? And which lenses should I pair with it?

I checked prices and the D3100 kit should be about $ 650 US The D3100 is essentially the D3000 with video as an added feature. If you think you're going to want to shoot video, then I would get the D3100.

If you don't think you're going to shoot video, the D5000 is 12.3 megapixels and much more like the D90, but the D3000 is close at 10 megapixels and has many of the same features while having the ability to growth with you as your skills increase.

So, if you need video, it's the D3100 (which you should be able to find for $650) and if you don't, it should be the D3000, at about $450.

The basic lens that comes with the camera is the 18-55mm AF-S. It's a good starter lens. Your second lens should be a telephoto zoom, which is typically the 55-200mm VR AF-S (around $230). After that, lenses get considerably more expensive and it would be easy to spend well over $1000 on just one decent lens. A good third lens would be the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S, which runs about $450. That would be good for things like individual portraits and some lower light shooting.

You should also think about a hotshoe flash and a tripod.

As your skills grow, you can add lenses to suit your needs/skills. A wider lens for scenics, if that's your desire. A super-telephoto for sports. A low-light telephoto zoom for portraits (e.g.a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, about $2000). A super telephoto zoom for safaris (e.g. An 80-400mm VR AF-S).
Those choices will depend upon your budget, your skills, and your interests. But if you get the kit 18-55mm lens and then a 55-200mm lens, you should be able to meet most of your starting needs. Add in a hotshoe flash and a tripod and you're set for 99% of the challenges.

I agree with your sister's friend, D3100. You can get it with a good starter lens (18-55mm) for $635 from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/...003ZYF3LO/

Nikon D3100 is indeed, the best option from these. These 3 models are all beginner made and any DSLR can be used to get professional pictures. We just use the term beginner cause they're small and light.

D3100 with 18-55mm would be great to start of with, but D5000 + 18-55mm + 50mm f/1.8 would be even better for low light and portraits.

Here's a DSLR Buying guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/