Is this a good DSLR camera, help?

you cant go wrong with that new Nikon D5100. Its a semi-professional camera. Got all the features the big boys have. With that kind of camera, its all about the photograperh itself. Keep in mind, once you decide to go for a camera which features exchangeable objectives, you then need to stick to a brand. Because the lenses of Nikon and i.e. Canon are not compatible. So once you go with Nikon, you will need to continue with the accessories of that same brand. On that level of photography, what is expencive are the lenses. You will need different lenses for different situations. You might also need a flash, if you want to take pictures in low light situations, as indoors. A tripod is pretty easy to choose. It needs to be stable. I prefer light weight tri pods. Stable AND light weight cost more, but are woth it. You will see, if you will carry around lot of heavy equipment, you will get tired of it soon. Also keep in mind, that this kind of cameras are not suited for the quick snapshots. They are big and heavy, you will carry a few lenses with you, maybe the tripod and flash. Its a total different ballgame then to run around with a small compact camera. So keep that in mind. and well, have fun, its a great hobby. Also, learn as much as you can about photography, it will enhance your photos GREATLY.