Nikon d3100, 18-105mm, as hobby photographer?

I'm buying my first DSLR.
But I'm not just buying an camera to make family photos with it.
I'm a hobby photographer and have been shooting with point & shoot camera for 2 years.

Is Nikon d3100 with lens 18-105mm (or with kit lens 18-55mm) a good DSLR camera to make great photography. Or should I wait and spend more money on other models?

As a first camera, and as a casual use camera, the D3100 is an excellent all-a-round camera.

and I would suggest you get the 18-105mm lens over the 18-55… But even better would be if you could get the 18-200mm ($600), as you will probably never need another lens, unless you wanted to go into more specific photography, like macro, portraiture, landscapes, etc.

It would also be good if you can take a class and whatnot to learn the ropes of DSLR photography. There's much more than just point and shoot (you can use that setting, but you will get not-so-great pictures). You have to learn how to correctly manipulate shutter speed, iso, and aperture to conform to what you want to shoot.

You have picked a good one.

In the time it will take you to fully utilize all the features of a D3100, you will be able to save for your next one… About three to four years.

I believe that it is a great camera! If I were buying it, I would get it with the 18 - 105mm because it covers the 18 - 55mm range.

I would consider its a good dslr

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera
* 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor;
* 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
* Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
* Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance

First of all… BUY THE D3100! Best Novice camera on the market.

Don't waste your money on the 18-105 mm… Seriously. The 18-55mm is an excellent lens. Save your 600.00 and buy the following lens:

35 mm f/1.8 (199.00)
Fast professional lens at a bargain price. Good for low light. Always look at the F Rating when buying a lens.

55-200mm (189.00) This is a great zoom lens and will fill all your zoom needs at a bargain price.

10-24mm (849.00) This lens is a must! Your going to have to trust me on this.

Side note: The 18-200 mm is a great all around lens if you want to spend the money, but the 18-55 is all you need.