Best camera for starters for photography, Nikon D5100 was my first camera till the date, I didnt used point and shoot camera, directly went for an Semi DSLR, Due to the Pakage which this camera offers is so much that u wont gate in any other camera in this price a segment.
Advantages:
1: It has a flip out Screen, which you dont get in this type of price segment cameras.
2: You Get Effects Mode in build which is such a Good features.
3: The best thing is you can take 1500 shots in a single charge( I did not charge the camera for around 10+ days and took More then 600 shots.
So I would like say, Without any other though just go for it