When is Cheap Better- When it's Not

So we all know some of the best things in life are free right? And we can definitely agree that cheaper is always a nice added benefit to a good buy...

...but sometimes you just flat out get what you paid for, so finding the best bang for your buck can be quite a challenge. I have been eyeing this guy for quite some time, and with the baby on the way I cannot wait to get my hands on one.

The only problem is that I have heard the Nikon D3000 and D5000 DSLR cameras are being phased out and will soon be discontinued. Some retailers were already told that there will be no future shipments of those models. So now here I am at a fork in the road. I am sure I could still find one on the shelf or wait for a new version of the old model to come out, but I thought instead I would ask around for some alternative cameras. I am doing enough research these days on All Things Baby, so I am trying to avoid having to do some deep research on this potential birthday slash Christmas present. Here is kinda what I am hoping to get out of the camera, i.e. what I like about the Nikon D3000:

•10.2-Megapixel DX-format Imaging Sensor
•Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens. Legendary NIKKOR optical quality and fast, accurate autofocus means vivid color, striking contrast and crisp detail, while VR image stabilization assures your sharpest pictures ever.
•Compact Design
•Split-second Shutter Response.
•Continuous Shooting up to 3 Frames-Per-Second.
•6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes.Just set the Mode dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.
•3-inch Color LCD Monitor.
•In-camera Image Editing. The Retouch Menu provides creative freedom, without the need for a computer, offering 13 easy editing functions, including Trim, Red-eye Correction and Soft Filter.
•Nikon EXPEED Image Processing. Assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure, noise and speed.
•Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning. Ultrasonic process and exclusive Airflow Control combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality shot after shot.
•11-point Autofocus.
•6 Personal Picture Control Settings. Choose from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape to apply a personal look and feel to your pictures.
•Active D-Lighting. Restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.
•ISO sensitivity from 100 – 1600. Exceptional results, even in challenging low-light situations.


Can anyone recommend a good alternate camera with similar features in the semi-amateur photographer category?