Nikon DSLRs vs Nikon 1?

I was going to upgrade my 12 megapixel simple sony point and shoot to a Nikon DSLR, but I also found the Nikon 1. I love the Nikon 1's design and how it's smaller and more user friendly, but I know it's a hybrid and not a DSLR. However, I would get the Nikon 1, but it's actually more money than the DSLRs I was interested in, for less megapixels! I know that supposedly megapixels don't matter that much, but I shouldn't downgrade from 12 to 10 megapixels for such a high price, right? Unless the details and clarity and picture quality really are better, what do you guys think? Also, I was thinking of getting a Nikon DSLR, because I'm very interested in photography even though I've never used more than a point and shoot I'm up for the challenge. Which do you think is best, the D3100, D3200, or D5100? I know out of those 3 the D3100 is the worst and although the D3200 has 8 more megapixels, it's supposedly not that much better than the D5100? Anyway, keep in mind I would buy these through Amazon where the D3200 and D5100 are both $596 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens included. How is this lens as a starter lens? Is it like where you turn it manually to focus? I would like that. I would want to take pictures with/of my friends at parties or outside, so a "fast" lens would be good for that. Also, I would like to zoom and take wide landscapes. But, I can always get new lenses later. Which camera would be the best for pictures with friends and family, vacations, the ones that have the most effects, etc? Also, I heard about those lensbaby lenses, would those be compatible with those cameras? Please try answering any/all of these questions. I'm probably asking for the D3200 or D5100 and would like clarification on if the lens included will suit my needs.

FORGET ABOUT MP! The Nikon D40 has ONLY 6.1 MP, and I've seen magazine quality photos taken with it. A change from 10 to 12 MP won't even be noticed.
No, the Nikon 1 isn't a hybrid. It's an EVIL camera. Electronic viewfinder, interchangeable lens…
The Nikon 1 lacks a viewfinder that you can look through. It also lacks a hot shoe for a flash.
There's nothing wrong with the D3100.It's a great entry level camera.
The D3200 has the most advanced technology.
I like the D5100 myself. I like the fact that you can adjust the LCD screen somewhat. It can also be turned inwards so that it protects the screen when not in use.

The Nikon 1 has a far smaller sensor than the DSLR cameras. See comparison here: http://en.wikipedia.org/...sor_format

Basically the larger the sensor, the better the image. It's not quite that simple, but it's hard to make up for that sensor size difference - although the Nikon 1 will still be significantly better than your simple point and shoot. To be honest though, if you want smaller than DSLR but good quality, you would be better off with a Panasonic four-thirds G system camera than the Nikon 1 - and I'm a big Nikon fan!

The D5100 would be your best bet if you can afford it. A lot of people will shout D3200 just because it is the newest technology, but actually the D5100 sensor performs better in low light and is a more advanced camera in most ways. Nikon are due to launch the D5200 very soon, so D5100 prices have dropped a lot recently, so it's a real bargain right now.

The other thing you have to remember with the 24MP D3200 is that those extra megapixels also mean bigger files, so you need a faster computer with more RAM and disk space to handle them.

If you can only afford the D3100 then by all means go for it. That's still a very good camera. But the screen is quite low resolution and its sensor is not as good as the D5100's. The D5100 is a much better camera if you can afford the extra and it will be longer before you are itching to upgrade again!

Again, if you can afford it, go for the D5100 body and the 18-105mm VR lens. The 18-105 is sharper, faster to focus and more flexible than the 18-55mm kit lens. It is well worth paying the extra and you might find you don't need much else for a while.

Http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-time-dslr-buyers-biggest-mistakes.html
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/09/any-dslr-can-be-made-to-shoot-anything.html
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-is-best-dslr.html

At Wal Mart, the 3100 is $499, the 5100 $599 and the 3200 $649. I got a 5100 this spring (started out iwth a D40) and it's a great camera with more features than the 3200, like HDR and swivel screen, both of which I really like when needed. The HDR can really improve high contrast photos where you have black shadows and brightly lit objects.