Would the Nkon D3100 be good for a beginner?

Hi, I'm looking into buying my first DSLR. I have an older Nikon SLR with 3 different lens. I know they are interchangeable and that's why I'm looking into the Nikon. I took a photography class way back in 2004 and it was only for film SLR and darkroom. I plan on taking a DSLR class in the summer at our local community college. I know there's the D5100 and it's significantly better but I hate to throw that kind of money at a camera right now. Would you say the D3100 will be ok for me as a beginner? I have read reviews and I've seen some bad and some good.

I think it's one of the best cameras for the money, if not the best. You have extra lenses which is a big plus. To see a substantial difference in quality between the D3100 and the next camera up you need to spend a lot more money. You'll be very happy with the D3100. Don't get caught up in the camera, it's about you and your vision. Have fun.

With the coming of digital, it as really made the world of photography open to those who don't really have to have any experience in darkroom or be seasoned phototogs.

As for the brands and models of recent fare and the few respected manufacturers of cameras and lens of past chemistry, there can be a few problems. One is that some of the well know makers have been bought up by consumer electronic firms and we have to only be reassured that the systems and quality are still standard and what we can expect from as we did a generation ago.

Any digital camera today that offers at least a 10 mega pixel image quality, movement stabilizer and full automatic settings can be good enough to start for great picture results. Even better with convenient power-zoom features that has taken the place of having to swap out between minor lens systems to get a good shot. Really amazing. Even multiple, in-time frames.

But as for the still 'mechanics' in lens assembly configuration, the mounting systems may not be compatible with the older SLR varieties. Even, aperture and lens glass configurations could be off to work clearly for a digital image due to lighting in fractures or coating treatments of the older lens.

Best to find all this out if the older lens systems will fit proper to begin with.

Think of all the 'planned' obsolescence in product development that all consumers, who aren't serious hobbyist or professionals, have had to put up with during these changes with product design and new market situations.

That's progress and fresh revenue for the marketing merchandise developers, sellers and stock holders. Technology going high speed and lots of money to be had.

So much for all communication and entertainment devices, as well.

But, you can use your microwave or bake something from scratch to realize the difference in process and the reward through what you have learned already, by doing it the long way. Or farm out.

Frankly, I use my microwave more often and its been awhile since I've made a good, baked lasagna dish. But I still like to barbeque.

Love my digital Canon. Still have the old Minolta SLR too.