#1 D3200, #2 D5100, #3 D3200 is update of D3100, #4 Yes, if you want to see what Nikon has coming out at Photokina. #5 Nikon will be with us in the current format for a long time I would think.

Probably, you should do a forum search on all of the above and see what others have said.

Here is one place to start, but there are threads on all the Nikon consumer cameras already on the forum.

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=2993

and http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=5216

My wife wants to take better pictures. Her birthday is this week.

Question #1: what's the best DSLR in the $350-500 range?
Question #2: is there a camera just above that range that I would be a fool not to consider?
Question #3: in the buying guide, the D3100 says "already updated." Does that mean the current D3100 is new or that there's a release due any day now?
Question #4: should I wait till Christmas to get her a camera because new models are due and prices will drop?
Question #5: EVILs are attractive but seem like a nascent breed and I don't want to get stuck with an overpriced camera whose format will be ditched in a few years.

Help, please.
Michael