Is there a huge difference between the Nikon D3100 and the D5100?

I'm thinking about getting a new camera, since right now I have a point and shoot. I really love photography and have a limit of about $600. I've used the D3100 in my video class and loved it. How is the D5100 better? Also, any other DSLR camera suggestions?

If you liked D3100, you will like D5100 too which has more features and better image quality. If it is in your budget, you should go for D5100 which is not much expensive compared to D3100.

If you are open to other cameras, take a look at Pentax K-01 too:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/06/which-is-great-dslr-buy-these-days.html

Compare, http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D3100

If the articulated screen does not appeal to you, check out the other features and handle it at your local camera stores
Not to worry, the D3100 is just a fine system
but then that's true of any and any dSLR - suit yourself
more a matter of personal preferences, yes that's true

The differences may or may not be important to you.
The D5100 has higher resolution (16.2mp vs 14.2mp)
Wider light sensitivity range (ISO 100-25, 600 vs 100-3200)
Faster frames per second rapid shooting (4fps vs 3fps)
Auto Exposure bracketing
Better, sharper screen (921, 000 pixel, articulated, vs 230, 000 pixel, non-articulate)
More Active D-Lighting, contrast control options (Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off vs On/Off)

The D3100 is currently going for $446.95 on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/...zon.com/s/" class='ext_link'>http://www.amazon.com/...zon.com/s/" class='ext_link'>http://www.amazon.com/...zon.com/s/
Or there's the 2 lens kit for $496.95.
http://www.amazon.com/...00CCGZ6PO/

The D5100 is currently selling for $596.95 on Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/s/

Of course, to further confuse you, there's the new Nikon D3200 with all the advantages of the D5100 (except for the articulating screen), that has a 24.2mp sensor for $546.95.
http://www.amazon.com/s/

Here's detailed reviews for you.
http://www.dpreview.com/...ikond3100/
http://www.dpreview.com/...ikond5100/
http://www.dpreview.com/...ikon-d3200

The best choice is the one that fits your budget and vision.

Hope this helps

Most of the differences are just features. You might or might not like/need them.

The only difference that actually concerns image quality is the image sensor. Ignore the number of megapixels.

The D5100 sensor is superior. It is a newer generation of Sony Exmor image sensor. So if you are locked into these two, go for the D5100. Both models were released in 2010.

Better cameras can be had for similar money.

Newer, with the latest Sony image sensor would be a Pentax K 30, you should see a nice price on that 2012 model now that the 2013 K 50 was just announced. Pentax also announced a brand new, cheaper K500, it only loses the weather sealing, but keeps the same image quality and image sensor.

Skip Canon. They haven't changed the image sensor in their entry level dSLRs for years.best of luck.