How is the Nikon D3100? - 1

I'm 14 years old and photography is everything to me right now. For Christmas, I'm asking my parents for a Nikon D3100. I would like to know if this is a good camera for beginners and any pros/cons to it.

I have done a lot of searching and it seems to be fanstastic… But I need to triple check and see what other people are saying.

Will I outgrow it too quickly? Or will it let me grow into it?

Right now, I just have a Point and Shoot and I have outgrown it- no doubt about it. I'm really excited for an upgrade.

If there are any other cameras that you would like to mention or any tips please please please feel free to do so.

The D3100 will be a great camera to start out with. But before you start shooting, go to your local library and check out a few basic photography books. You won't out grow it quickly. Over the next few years you'll be able to but new lenses and other accessories for it. You could also check out the Rebel T3. And DON'T put the camera in AUTO. Learn how to use it in full-manual mode.

Photography is 70% skill, 20% lenses and 10% camera.

As such, your camra will last you easily 2 or 3 years. You might spend a bit on lenses sand other accessories like a good flash but to start a camer with the kit lens (18-55) or a dual lens kit (18-55 and 50-300) is more than enough.

I still have an old Rebel XSi (older than the D3100 by about 4 years) that I still use as a backup.

Canon Rebel T3 or T3i are also good alternatives but there's nothgin wrong with the D3100.

Maybe ask for some book on photography like:
"Understanding Exposure"
http://www.amazon.ca/...817439390/

"Photographic Composition"
http://www.amazon.ca/...817454276/

or "The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos"
http://www.amazon.ca/...240809343/

These are also good:
Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3
http://www.amazon.ca/...321678737/

Read, practice, read some more. Try to get critiqued by people who are;t your friends or family, listen to the critique you do get and learn from it.