What kind of Nikon would be a good beginners camera?

So, my birthday is coming up and I'd like to purchase a camera. Both my brother and mom have a Nikon camera and they love them. But I don't know which one would be good for starters. I'd like to pick up more on photography and not just the general picture taking. I would like a Digital SLR Camera since I've already have the dig.compact ones. I've used my mom and it seems pretty good. Just it was a present to her so she doesn't really know a lot about them. Thanks for all of everyones time. I really appreciate the help. Hope everyone has a great day!

It would be great id you buy the latest model for some advanced features. If you like, you can buy similar to what your brother has so you can ask him for some tips and pointers in taking pictures.

The Nikon D3100 is a nice beginners DSLR as it has a built-in tutorial that will help you learn how to use it. But just be aware that the D3100 doesn't have some of the features more advanced cameras have, such as the ability to autofocus on AF lenses (it can only autofocus on AF-S lenses).

This means that about half of the lenses Nikon makes won't autofocus on your camera. This is only important if you want to buy a bunch of lenses, and even then, you can always buy the AF-S versions.

http://www.althephoto.com

Maybe they will let you use their cameras to get to know what you like and dislike, then you will know better what you want in a camera.

Nikon D3100. Its a fine beginner DSLR.

Nikon D3100 is Nikon's new entry level DSLR. This is one of the cheapest entry level DSLR.
First few things which I have noticed in this DSLRs look and feel which separates it from D3000 is the amount of controls in the right side of the body to makes it look more professional, very handy and very easy to maneuver. The Nikon D3100's Mode dial features the same thirteen operating modes as the D3000