have you wondered why you need a xxxD or a xxD?
i mean do you know the difference between them (functional difference that matters to you)
or do you know what kind of a functions do you want? then you can go straight for the camera.
i started out with a 450D. then after a year on 2 on it, i knew that i need a new camera with better AF logic, custom wb in kelvins, higher ISO performance(and more stops between iso) because of the subjects and conditions i work with. Trade off is that the camera is more $$ and heavier to work with. (turns out that my new 7D has a smarter ETTL, if that is possible, flashed shots turn out much more consistant)
Based on what you have here, I think you should go for xxxD or even a 2nd hand xxD and invest in lenses, like uwa or super teles. it will give you a perspective you cannot see in compact/prosumers
edit: 2nd hand 40D + 70-300mk2 + 10-22. slightly over 2k i thiunk