Nikon seem poised to replace the Nikon D3000 with a new entry level camera - the new Nikon D3100 any time now. I've always loved my D40 which I still use before any of my other cameras if I'm going to shoot anything like family snapshots.
When I went to art school, there were a number of disciplines to specialise in. As it happens I chose photography. Over fine art painting, sculpture, ceramics, screen printing, and so on.