I have very long hesitated to Christmas on which model to choose. the D7000 tempted me much, but he had no detachable screen. While pictures specialists told me, without hesitation takes 7000! I read the reviews on amazon on two models, I discussed everywhere and I do not regret my choice. The D5100 is considered more accéssible novices and amateurs. pros should move towards the D7000. but that does not mean that the 5100 is not as good as ever! For my part, I begin SLR with this model is the first SLR that I purchase. The removable screen is really more to consider as it allows to make accurate photos while holding the camera in the air for example, or to the ground. Then level quality photos, it's great, it is very much higher than the compact type pictures. self and other custom modes allow for quality photos without thinking while allowing fans more then pushed into the desire to make "real" pictures by the mean of the other menus and quality of the material that is known and recognized. So here, I read a lot and I rummaging confirms is Relfex camera that is ideal for beginners and amateurs. There will be no failures inexperienced user photos because we have a D7000, and there is the opportunity for fans who read books on photography to be able to apply what has been learned. on 7000, a novice user will miss his photos on a 5100, it will be nice, here is a summary of what was said.
The 18-105 is a preference I find on other choice because the zoom will be interesting for all and it is not on dimensioned.
in short, who wants to make "beautiful" pictures (portraits, landscapes etc. ..) and those who want to "real" photos while not being professional in the art: it is THIS camera it takes!
one "small" problem: the photos very close, macro type, always blur when I do. Finally, not all, but if I want to photograph a jacquette, the back of a box of games for example, I can not have a sharpness. but also because I am "really" a beginner in the matter. and it is a very light flat, it is because I know nothing. However, compacted, the image is focused by cons.