Nikon D3000/D3100/D5000 which one for beginners?

Nikon D3000/D3100/D5000 which one for beginners?

For a beginner with no need for video, I'd go for the D3000. For a beginner with need for video, the D3100. As with the D5000, I don't really view it as a "beginner" camera.

I do like the D3000 for beginners. It has a shooting mode (forgot what it's called) that helps ease users into using manual settings. Rather than showing aperture as f/3.5, for example, it gives a pictorial representation of aperture and helps the user understand what the number means and how all the factors (ISO, shutter speed, aperture) affect the product image.

The D3100 provides the most bang for the buck and a camera you can grow into a little at a time.

Just so you know, whether you use an old dSLR or the newest professional D3X, there are NO training wheels on cameras. Using one only requires you to use the light meter to get the correct exposure and the willingness to learn how to produce interesting images. This takes time, so do not become frustrated if you don't get the results you want the first time.