My first DSLR was a Nikon D80, then I moved up to my current D800. You have to remember that the best photos do not come from the camera, they come from the artists imagination and foresight.Hey, I just got my first SLR - also a D3100. Really happy with it as an entry level SLR. Obviously jealous of peeps with the D800 and top-end cameras, but while I'm a newbie am really happy to be shooting and practicing composition, aperture, exposure etc. The D3100 is a great weapon of choice for a beginner!