Choice of dslr camera? More expensive=better?

I been told the nikon d7000 would be a good investment for my $. However, I want to know what makes that camera better than the latest d5200 & d3200? Is it the value cost? The d7000 released in 09 I believe and there's rumor that the newest d7100 is bound the release sometime soon. Should I wait? My budget is tight, and I been consistently acknowledged by fellow peers and online experts that the body of the camera doesn't matter, but the lens. Can someone point me to the right direction in selecting the camera best for me?

since black friday is tomm, I need a good deal. Anyone can link me to a legitimate site to buy a durable camera I could use long term?

One of many sites that compare the D5200 and D7000:
http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D7000

The main draw for the D7000 over the D5200 or D3200 is its built-in AF motor, which is much preferred over the in-lens motor in many Nikon lenses. If you have the time and patience for the D7100 (which I wouldn't expect until mid 2013 at the earliest), just keep in mind that you'll have missed quite a few shooting opportunities.

I wouldn't count on any big deals on DSLRs from any store, even if it is the holiday season. B&H, Adorama, and Newegg all carry the D7000 body for about the same price ($1000 atm).

The D5100 will give similar image quality to the D7000 and the price for a D5100 is somewhere around $550 with a kit lens, memory card, and trinkets from B&H Photo.

As Nahum stated, the body focus motor is an advantage which give a wider latitude in selecting lenses. Other advantages of the D7000 over the D5100 might be (you need to verify most of these). The D5200 will probably have the same features as the D5100 except for a few upgrades like more pixels and 1080i 60Hz.

Quiet shutter mode (it's not that quiet)
Two user recall modes (very good feature)
Two memory card slots which can be used in a few different ways (very good feature)
Focus fine tuning for different lenses (very good feature)
Settings for non-CPU lenses (good feature)
Multiple exposure (silly feature)
More focus points
Mirror up release mode (not to be confused with mirror cleaning mode)
Magnesium frame and better weather sealing
6 frames per second continuous shooting mode
Easier access to settings via dedicated buttons (very good feature)
Top LCD display. Some poo-poo this, I find it handy.
Creative lighting system for using remote controlled speed lights (flashes). This is handy!

One thing the D7000 doesn't have is the swing screen.
The D5200 will have a 24 megapixel sensor. We'll need to see what kind of low light quality that has.

"More expensive=better?" Yes!

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-time-dslr-buyers-biggest-mistakes.html
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/11/body-vs-lens.html