don't forget a tripod, camera case, and maybe extra batteries or memory card

a tripod isn't that necessary for a beginner

i would HIGHLY recommend getting a cheap collapsible tripod for like $20. they are extremely useful, particularly in low light situations where the shutter needs to stay open for awhile. Never have a motion blurred photo again. Also invaluable for those close up shots (a single flower bloom or insect) that would otherwise make holding the camera in that position difficult and shaky. With a tripod you can take your time adjusting the camera settings, getting them just right for the shot you have already lined up. It also makes taking multiple photos of the same thing very easy (useful when trying to adjust the manual focus)

I would HIGHLY recommend not listening to this kid. If you're going to waste any money on a tripod, make sure it can carry a considerably larger weight than the weight of your setup.

second one is the best entry level as price/value. as for the lenses. depends what you aim to shoot. Imo always go for VR on a lense even if it cost a bit more. 18-55mm is a good basic one but you should consider aswell a 50mm for portraits or a telefoto like 55-200 + ( depending on budget ofc better would be a 70-300 but thats very expensive)

This post was edited by diabl0_ro on Jan 20 2013 09:46am

i tripod i can understand depending on what type of photos he wants to shoot, i wouldnt recommend a camera case for starters because you want as much practice as you can get and having a camera case can make some people lazy, not having one usually will make people want to shoot more when they go out since they dont have to bring out and put back their camera everytime and its easy if they want to shoot something that is of the moment and the camera is ready to go. extra batteries and memory card isnt needed unless youre going to be away from a computer/outlet for a very long time. i still use a 2gb card and ive only filled it twice, and ive only had problems with my battery when i forget to charge it before a shoot or going out. so i think all of these are use full but not first priority or things you can just get whenever.

as a starter i think the most important thing is learning technical things
such as bracketing, zoning, depth of field, rules of third, white balance, and metering.

you have been incredibly helpful with your posts above. I agree especially about the camera case.
I used to have a point and shoot $100 digital and I just never ended up using it as much because it was too much of a pain.
Maybe a case just for storing it and keeping it away from the amounts of dust in my house.

Think I'm going to go for the Nikon 3100 and hopefully I can get it on a good deal for like $400 with a basic lens.

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYBODY, I'LL BE SURE TO SHARE MY PHOTOS!