Difference between a NIKON D300 and a NIKON D3, 000?

I love photography, and I plan on getting a really nice camera soon, and I've only ever had 200 dollar digital cameras, like a Sony Exilim, and things of that sort. I know a few people who own a Nikon and they are really good cameras from what I can see. I was wondering what the difference is between the numbers, like the D300 and the D3000, or even the D90. One of my friends told me the lower the number, the better quality it is, but he doesn't own one himself, so I was just wondering if that were true. I want a really good quality one, so please help me to understand what the difference is between the numbers!

The D300 (or current version that shoots video, called the D300s) is a pro-level camera while the D3000 is an entry-level camera.

The D90 is an enthusiast camera that has most of the features of the D300, some improvements like video, but it is not in as rugged a body. The D300 has the most rugged body of the three models you listed.

Of these three cameras, the D90 is the best balance of quality, features, and pricing and it would be the camera I would recommend. The D300 (or D300s) would be overkill; the D90 is a much better value by comparison.

However, if your budget is low, try the Nikon D3100 (which has replaced the D3000), as it is an entry-level camera with video capabilities, but still has the ability to take photos just as good as the more expensive cameras (depending upon the skill of the user).

Don't worry about the model number because its not true that the lower the better. Those numbers are just model numbers.

What I can tell you is that I started with D3000. A couple of months later I felt that the camera I had was lacking features like auto bracketing and was only able to use some of the lenses I like using the automatic focusing (AF). That is when I sold my d3000 and got myself a D90. I've had the D90 for almost 2 years now and I do not see myself upgrading anytime soon because this camera has almost everything a photographer wants.

Save yourself a couple hundred dollars more and get a D91 and I'm sure you won't regret it.