What nikon slr camera is good for a beginner?

I'm wanting to buy a SLR camera to take pictures of my little girls and family photos. Would like one that maybe does a little HD video, too. However, I'm not a camera or photography guru by any means. I have friends that have Nikons and take awesome pictures so I want to know what type of Nikon (D60, D3000?) would be a user-friendly type. What lens I should look for, or any specialities to look for when making the purchase. Something, that has an easy navigating menu.

All dSLR's are basically the same. If you know how to use one, you can use them all. The more expensive they get, the more range in controls and easier access to those controls are. It would be best to avoid the crippled entry-level models if you want more satisfaction. Lenses? The 18-55mm kit lens will do great as long as you know exactly what you're doing.

The D60 and D3000 are older models, but certainly still gets a good picture.

Maybe, you can try the D3100; but if you can afford, get a Nikon camera with an AF motor on the body. Those are models higher than D5100… Meaning D90, D7000, D300, D300s, and higher.

The reason is that those models have AF motors and they can autofocus with an AF lens.AF lenses are less expensive than AFS lenses.

Nikon D3100 is a good starter camera. It shoots stills and video. Taking awesome photos has much more to do with the operator then it does with the camera. You don't need the best stove to be a great chef.

If I were you i would rather go for D5100; it is better than D7000, D3100, D60, D3000 and D90. I was a former owner of the Nikon D60, I was eager to purchase the D5100 after seeing the announcements and previews. Check this review that compares all of these:

http://www.amazon.com/...I1WC1J9JF/

Once you take D5100, you will gain additional megapixels, shooting and processing speed, video, and an improved rear LCD screen.
The camera price is not very expensive and you can get at a discount:

http://www.amazon.com/...004V4IWKG/

Do not worry, the camera is very easy to use. Changing settings is quick and easy with the "i" button and rear LCD screen. I was looking for a camera that I could use as more of an every day type of camera. You know, something to grab to take a few shots without a lot of fuss, weight and fooling with settings. In other words, a fun, easy to use camera. That is why i picked D5100