Which digital SLR camera is best for me?

I have some experience in photography and using SLR cameras. I want to get back into it, and I'm looking to upgrade my old slr camera for a digital one. I have read many reviews but I'm stuck trying to figure out which would be the best for me. I originally planned on purchasing the Nikon D5000 because I have read that it is best for someone who is serious about photography but also relatively new to dslr, which is exactly what I want. However, now I know that it is being discontinued and that the D3100 would be it's replacement I guess? I'm so confused. I want a good quality camera like the Nikon 5000 which was also more in my price range and more for someone starting out where I'm. Should I go for the D3100 or just try and find the D5000?

Either will be great. The big selling point with the D3100 over the D5000 is that it can autofocus while shooting video. For photography, that doesn't matter.

I'm inclined to recommend you get the D5000 and spend the money you save from not getting the D3100 on another lens.

Speaking of lenses, be careful. Any Nikkor lens that doesn't say "AF-S" in its name WILL NOT autofocus on either the D5000 or the D3100.

Well your answer will depend on what camera you have now (can you use your current lenses on a digital SLR? If so, then you might consider getting the same brand).

The Nikon D5000 is not the only camera for "serious photography". Any SLR camera is good for serious photography. Considering that all SLRs (film or digital) work basically the same, they're all the same for those new to SLRs. But then again, you should already know this if you in fact "have some experience in using SLR cameras".

So as you can see, it doesn't really matter if you get the d5000 or the d3100 - they will both give you good quality pictures and will be easy to use (providing you read the manual that comes with it).