Please move to this thread and do a forum search before starting new thread.

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=19151

To clarify, I did do some research on various dslr. However, with the different functions each camera offers, I'm having a hard time making a selection. I need some recommendation/advice. How exactly are more expensive bodies better other than size? I refer to this link for comparison.

http://snapsort.com/compare

I have to admit I'm having a little trouble taking your post seriously because it sounds like you already know how the various choices will differ from each other. However, I will address your question about putting your resources into lenses.

Sure, in many cases the more expensive bodies are better in various ways.

What the advice to focus on lenses means is that, unless you have the budget to pick anything you want out of the catalog and buy it right now, spending more on lenses (which usually means buying larger-aperture and better-corrected lenses) will have a greater impact on the quality of the pictures you take.

Of course, some professional lenses and camera bodies can be quite bulky or heavy, so that would be a reason other than cost to buy a lower-end product, depending on what you're doing. If this is an issue, I usually recommend that people consider whether an excellent prime lens or two might not be a better choice than a very inexpensive, mediocre quality zoom lens.

Ok, so I am new to photography. I'm looking to invest in a long term durable dslr camera. I heard d7000 is the best in the market right now, but rumors says the d7100 is bound to release. Cost can be a bit daunting, but I don't mind spending a few extra bucks if you give me a good reason to select one over the other. Many would argue spend little money on the body & more money on the lenses. I don't really understand this notion because if that were the case, why do they make some cameras more expensive than others? After all, they all have similar functions & take similar shots, etc.

What are the essentials in a camera? If you could explain Low noise at high ISO, Wide dynamic range, High true resolution,Many focus points,Large sensor, built in flash, etc that'll be great.