Which Nikon DSLR camera is easier to use? - 1

I'm looking at the D3200 and D5100 I don't know jack about either one. I was advised that d5100 has more effects meaning not as user friendly, and d3200 doesn't have as much features as 5100… Which can take better photos & which is the better investment? (sidenote; what is your opinion on mirrorless cameras, such as Sony NEX?)

They all have Auto modes, so if you were crazy enough to treat a lovely DSLR as if it was a P&S camera, then you could do that… Very easy (but not always successful)

Good photography takes effort and learning. If you're not interested in making an effort, buy a cheap little pocket toy and live with the results.
If you are keen and interested, NONE of this is rocket science or brain surgery… You can do it.

Do your homework, use the internet to read reviews and to compare. YOU need to make those efforts yourself.

Effects in the camera are useless, you can achieve anything they do by post-processing your shots on the computer. I wouldn't ever bother with in-camera effects.

Both are exactly equally easy to use as both use the same basics of photography (aperture, ISO, shutter speed).

The sensor of the D3200 is a tad newer than that of the D5100. Still, you wouldn't be ablt to tell them apart. Neither would i.

Both take fine photos - in skilled hands. The level of skill of the user is far more important than the choice of the camera. I know this is not the answer you were looking for, but the question is a bit like a novice driver asking for what racing car he should buy - it doesn't matter whether he buys a Ferrari or Lamborghini, he won't be able to drive either of these to their technical limit for many years to come.

In short, buy the cheaper one and save the rest of the money for your second lens. Stick to the kit lens at first though until you know exactly what kind of second lens you really need. The lens is more important to image quality than the camera (but still far less important than knowledge about photography and image composition)

Nikon D3200 is one of the best for the beginners. The guide mode is also really helpful.

Sure D3200 or 3100 have fewer features and hence a bit easier to use. Their guide mode is industry best and advices photographer on what settings are best for what situations. Frankly I find that a little buggy. Plus most beginner would crave something more from camera in a year or so and it is not like you can't start to learn using D5100, its just that you will have to open the user manual more often and which is a good thing.
Also 5100 has variable screen really good for angled photographs and videography. So if I were you, I would have gone for 5100 although both are exceptional cameras.

Sony or any other mirrorless camera no doubt are lighter and faster but in theory at least their images are a bit softer. I could never bring myself to buy one for a simple reason, I'm so so happy with the traditional DSLR photography. Instead you should consider Canon T3 OR T3i, excellent cameras. More info here: http://www.iresearchforu.com/electronics-camera

The D3200 is the newer of the two. Either can take magazine quality photos if you take the time to learn how to use them.
I'd avoid ANY camera like the Sony NEX!