Suggestions for DSLR upgrade from Nikon D3000?

I currently own a Nikon D3000 but am looking to upgrade to a newer Nikon DSLR. Like I just said, I do want to stick with the Nikon brand, also, two other important added features I want that the D3000 doesn't is:
1) Video mode, and
2) Automatic photo bracketing (for HDR shots), also,
3) A time-lapse setting or mode.
Looking to spend not too much, about $300-$500, am also looking to buy just the body and sell my D3000 body but keep my lenses.
I was figuring on sticking to the D series, although I'm not sure what the differences are in the series.
* It also doesn't have to be one of the newest models, just as long it is an upgrade of the D3000 and has the added features I want

Nikon D3200.

A true upgrade would be the new Nikon D7100, but if you are on a budget, you can get the latest D3000 series D3200.

If you spend any time at all on the Nikon website, you will see that such an upgrade will cost closer to $700. You can buy the D3100 for under $550, but the D3200 is really worth saving your pennies if you want a real upgrade.

NO entry level camera has a built-in time lapse feature. You will need to consider the D7100 if on-board time lapse is that important to you.

Since it is much better to manually determine the exposures you need to shoot HDR and the fact that you will have your camera mounted on a tripod, automated HDR shooting will only make you lazy and probably not produce the best HDR images. Sometimes, depending upon the dynamic range of the scene, you may need five or even seven individual exposures

Get the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100.D5200.D7000, or D7100.

The Nikon D5100 has the HDR function.
I would not recommend doing in camera HDR. It does not look good.
For HDR use a program like Nik HDR Effects pro 2.
Stay clear of Photomatix. I used it for a year and could not get one picture I liked.
Photomatix has tones of useless tools too.
You can learn Nik HDR Effects pro 2 in a single day.

For video the Nikon D3100-D7100 has video.
The Nikon D3100 does not have a mic jack.
That is not a big deal because the internal mic is great.

For Time lapse Just get a shutter release cable.
Some have a built in setting that will let you take time lapse.
They cost about $10-30. Get one off of eBay for the best price.
Make sure you get one that is compatible with your camera.
You could also just shoot a long video clip and speed it up.

You do not need the best camera out there for great pictures.
I used to think that. I got a medium quality DSLR from Nikon and I get great pictures.
i have seen people with $3k cameras and take trash photos.
You may want to invest the money into a new lens.
You can't get good pictures if you have a cheap lens.
It has been proven that a cheap lens on a really good camera will produce bad pictures.
So, have fun!

If you want a time-lapse interval timer, you need to go with the D5200, D7000, or D7100. However, any DSLR that supports a wired remote (such as the D3100) can use a 3rd party intervalometer.

Bracketing is available on virtually all DSLRs, but the D5100, D5200, and D7100 have a rudimentary (2 photo) HDR function.

The D3000 was probably the last Nikon DSLR not to have video.

Any dSLR is better than the D3000.

All dSLR's should have bracketing. HDR, not a standard feature and is best done in the computer.

For time lapse shooting, you will need an intervalometer. Again, not a standard feature but you can buy excellent low cost intervalometers in most camera supply shops.

Video is just a feature in dSLR's so don't expect much control and audio. If video is your primary concern, get at least a $1500 digital camcorder.

DSLR's start at around $500 with the lens.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&ci=6222&N=4291645407&srtclk=sort

All DSLR's are D series. D stands for digital.