I'm buying my first camera? A little help? Advice?

So i'm a beginner when it comes to cameras, and i wanted to get a Nikon D3100 to begin with, although i came across the Nikon D5100 which has more effects - selective colour etc. However this camera is a bit more pricey. Which do you think i should get? I have never owned a DSL camera before, another question - Would it be alright if i bought it off ebay? They have companys that sell cameras with lenses, filters, bags and other things. Would this be better than paying the extra $400 at a shop?

any advice is much appreciated.

Get a ultra HD flip camera. Its small and easy to use.ut makes amazing photos and videos

Personally I would recommend a new Canon SLR as they are very universal in the lenses that fit and there are many top quality accessories too. I will attach a website that should take your fancy.
http://www.stuff.tv/top-10s/digital-slrs
However if you are looking for a compact camera this is the place to look.
http://www.stuff.tv/top-10s/compact-cameras
Kindest Regards
Alex

If you're determined to actually continue on with photography and take photos other than you and your mates having a good time, I suggest you spend a little bit more and buy a D5100. You'll feel the urge to upgrade eventually -- but if you're not quite sure if you would want to explore the different sides of photography then I guess buying a D3100 would be a very good start as well.

Nikon's a bit harder to navigate than Canon, yes, but I've learned to love mine (I own a D90, it was my first ever DSLR too, and I love it) and you just need to get used to it and it's not that hard at all. I never read my camera's manual, I just tinkered with it for a couple of days. I suggest you read a little bit about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and other stuff like in the internet so that though so you'd know the settings you've been changing and what effect it has on the photos you'll take.

With regards to buying at eBay, make sure it has a warranty (of course) and be sure it's not a refurbished unit! Sometimes they come cheaper because they're refurbished. If the company selling it is stationed near you and you can do a pick up, that would be nice too (I think). Look at their eBay feedbacks too, I guess. You can go to a shop and pretend you'll buy one from them so you can check how it feels like in your grasp, and then when you're done tell them you'll think about it first! Haha!

Hope this helps!

You should buy Nikon D5100