What Nikon Camera would be best for professional pictures and less than 1000 bucks?

Or would be CLOSEST to taking professional like pictures?

Added (1). Hondo: Okay then let me rephrase this question-- "What Nikon Camera would be the best quality, closest to taking professional photos under $1000?"

Repeat this ten times:

It's not the camera!

If you want to go Nikon I suggest a DSLR like the D60, you can even find past models for half that price: http://www.amazon.com/...0012OGF6Q/

But as the other poster said, the camera is not as important as the lens (i.e. The glass) and the one taking the picture. I would say find a cheap DSLR, but invest in some quality lenses.

Any Nikon DSLR can take professional pictures. From the D3200 to d800.It depends mostly on the person behind the camera. I've seen photos taken with a d3000 and a 18-55 kit lens that looks very professional.

If I were you I would spend most of the money on a good lens. Bodies come and go every 2 years, but a lens you'll be able to keep up to 10 years.

Probably the best image quality you could get on your budget is a D5100 with 18-55mm VR kit lens and a very good tripod.

What makes you decide you only want to look at Nikon's?

Even with your edit, the answer remains

"it's not the camera"

it is not the camera that creates professional quality pictures. It is the photographer. You can't buy a $45, 000 hasselblad and expect to have the best results. That is the equivalent of getting a ferrari and hoping it will make you a better driver.

DSLR cameras can Help you get better pictures due to their larger sensors, better hardware, better optics. But without a photographer who knows the basics, the camera is basically useless.

look at the Nikon D3100, D3200, and D5100. Those are the best quality Nikon cameras for under $1000.whether or not you get good results depends on you.