I don’t think it is really all that confusing and any consumer going into a store, or shopping on line, really has very few choices to be concerned about. I would agree that right at this moment there happens to be a fair number of Nikon models in existence, but the same holds true for Canon as both companies are introducing new models and the old models are still available. But at least neither company has adapted Sony’s marketing strategy of offering basically the same camera with different sensors with similar names (provided you can overlook the short-lived D40X).
For the Nikon Consumer line there really is only three cameras, the D40, D60, and D90 and while the D80 is still available it is a lame duck and will very shortly disappear from store shelves.
The Pro-sumer line (enthusiast/advanced amateur) basically has two models, the D300 and the D700, and again while the D200 may still be found in some stores for all practical purposes it to is a lame duck.
That brings us to the Professional line and a single camera, the D3 populates that the lineup. This will probably change in the near future when a high-MP model (the D3X?) is added.
I realize that not everyone has budgetary considerations when it comes to selecting a camera, but I am among the many that do. When I go into a store I’m going to quickly pass over the $5k D3 and $3k D700 and probably, initially anyway, the $1625 D300. Having done a fair amount of photography and having looked at the specifications I know that the D40 and the D60 are missing a few features that I absolutely must have, one in particular due to a physical limitation of mine, so that leaves me looking at the D90.
Now it does get a little more complicated if I’m willing to buy an older, yet still available model. There is the three-year old D200, but gee it is selling for the same price as the new D90 and I really don’t want a three-year old camera. I might consider the two-year old D80, but for $275 more I can get the newest Nikon, with a newer sensor, newer imaging processor, larger HD LCD, faster fps rate, live view, and even video and for me anyway those features seem to be worth it. Well now, the budget currently doesn’t allow for another $625 for the D300, so I will continue to pass on that one. Hmmm, I didn’t find that all that confusing.
A check showed that Canon models still being sold include the 50D, 40D, 5D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 1000D, and EOS-1Ds Mark III. I find it a little confusing that the entry-level 1000D costs more than the enthusiast/advanced amateur 450D.
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Brooks
http://bmiddleton.smugmug.com/ 
enjoy what you have now let the future take care of itself. 
