What Kind of DSLR Camera Should I Ask for Christmas?

My parents have agreed to buy me a camera for Christmas. I know I want a Nikon DSLR, but I'm unsure about which to ask for. My dad recently bought a Nikon D5000 and my good friend has a D300. Both are out of the price range I'm willing to ask my parents to purchase. I want a camera that is able to take awesome photos, in the daytime and night, and a fast shutter.

I'm not serious about photography from a career-standpoint, but I enjoy the hobby of photography, and have been interested in it for many years. I want to be able to learn more and take great photos. I know almost nothing about the features of cameras (except for mpx).

Please, help? Thank you!

Added (1). I also do not know much about different lenses and what they add to a camera.

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A Nikon like the D3100 would be a good choice, you can then borrow lenses and accessories from you dad and friends!

The D3100 is probably your best bet. If you plan to take photographs at night, you'll also need a tripod!

That would be Nikon D3100 - best of best. It's same price as D5000 but has less noise, better quality, is lighter and better video with AF.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews!