I started out with a Nikon D3200 and can assure you that it's a great camera. It actually performs well beyond what a beginner can possibly need. The only reason I would recommend it over the D3100 is because of the better sensor and updated tech, and the price difference isn't that big.
Like everyone else before me, I will say the same thing: camera lens > camera body. I recommend getting the camera body only + the new
Sigma 17-70mm. It's a very versatile lens and probably the only lens you'll need for a while. In my opinion, you'll find more benefit in this lens because you get:
- larger apertures (f/2.8-4.0 vs f/3.5-5.6)
- larger focal range (17-70mm vs 18-55mm)
- it has macro capability (Nikon's kit lens doesn't)
- like Nikon's 18-55mm, the Sigma has optical stabilization (Nikon calls it VR) and a focusing motor that'll allow it to autofocus with entry-level DSLRs, such as the D3200
I know - from firsthand experience - that focal range and aperture numbers can seem trivial in the beginning but they make a HUGE difference. On paper, 3.5 isn't that much bigger than 2.8 but when you're trying to shoot in low light, you'll see just how big a difference it makes. This lens costs $499 and if you get a good deal on the camera body you should be able to stay pretty close to your budget. You can read more about the lens
here.