The Nikon D5500 is now available and shipping (with expedited shipping) fromBuy from B&H Photo Video | Adorama | Amazon $896.95 (Body only) $996.95 (with 18-55 lens) $1396.95 (with 18-140 lens)B&H Photo Video includes extra spare battery, 16GB SD Card and Shoulderbag ($64 value)

D5500 Specs

• 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 4 Image Processor
• No Optical Low-Pass Filter
• 3.2" 1,037k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi
• Continuous Shooting up to 5 fps
• 39-Point Multi-CAM 4800DX AF Sensor
• Native Sensitivity to ISO 25600

This is basically the same camera as the D5300 minus the GPS and adding in a touch screen.  Nikon has done well with some of the touchscreen features allowing you to setup and control certain aspects of the camera by touching the screen even when your eye is up to the viewfinder.  The best option may be picking your focus point by moving your finger across the screen.

D5500 or D5300?

You can save $200 and pickup the D5300 which will offer identical image quality, only real sacrifice is the touchscreen. With that savings you can buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - a fantastic prime lens that will give you wonderful aperture control and excellent low light images. Why do you want a prime lens? I have 6 reasons you want a prime lens.Buy the D5300 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

D5500 or D7100 (D7200)

In just hours we should know much more about the D7200. It is rumored to have an articulating screen and will offer, like the D7100 a much more professional camera in both feel and operation. If you dream of professionally shooting the D7XX series gives you much more room to grow as a photographer you just need to pay more and carry around a bigger camera.  If you are just a parent or someone that wants to take nice photos and have your camera with you most of the time, the D5300/D5500 would be my pick.Buy the D7100 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon