Recommended Nikon Dslr?

I have decided to get a nikon Dslr but i have yet to decide which one. I have about $500 to spend on one as the rest will go towards a Nikkor 60mm 2.8 D micro lens. I do alot of outdoor shooting and some indoors, mostly macro, still lifes, and portrait photography.
I originally made a post looking for a rugged dslr but i decided if i got something less rugged i could always buy camera armor if it meant a better system overall. I'm basically looking for something to hold me over for a couple months until i'm able to purchase a D300 or D90. I'm not looking for an entry level if i can avoid it but that seems to be about all i can find for under $500 lol

Added (1). I never said i was looking for a new one, i'm perfectly content with a used Dslr. I have looked at the d200 and it is what i'm looking for but the noise at higher then 400 iso is pretty bad and the NR at 400 makes all blacks deeper and "ugly" from what i understand.

Added (2). I believe i will probably go for the D5000 or i can get the D90 and hold off on the 60mm for now

Used D50 or D80 will get you autofocus with that lens. A refurbished D3000 or d3100 could work but that lens with be manual focus

You're not going to find anything but entry-level models in that price range if you're only looking for brand new bodies. Have you considered an older model, like the D200 or the D40? You can find both of those used for under $500 online, and you might be able to find them for less from a local seller on Craigslist.

A refurbished D80 is better.