Which Nikon DSLR camera is easier to use?

I'm looking at the D3200 and D5100 I don't know jack about either one. I just want a camera that is not too complex, easy to use and can take good pictures. 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?)

Both are fine cameras and you will quickly adapt to either.

Which one takes better photos?

Here is a chart of what matters most…

Camera body = 10%
Lens = 20%
Photographer = 70%

Get a camera
Take lots of photos
Study art, lighting, composition
That will help develop your photographic "eye"

And FYI - digital cameras are not an "investment" in a Wall Street sense. They are a tool - buy one - use it alot to get your money out of it. Investment - buy old film Leica cameras and resell for a profit - tough to do.

Neither

Why?

All cameras work the same. It does not matter whether you spend $650 for an entry level camera like the fine D3200 or over $40.000 for a Hasselblad H4D. You still have to learn how to balance ISO, shutter speed and lens aperture to produce the best possible exposure and control depth of field.

The D3200 has most of the features of the D5100. What it is missing is the articulated LCD and unless you are shooting in some very awkward positions or shooting a lot of self-portraits, it is NOT a necessary feature.

http://www.dpreview.com/...ikon_d5100

There's one feature the D5100 has that some people think they want. That is a built-in interval timer, necessary if the shooter wants to shoot time lapse sequences.