Looking for the right nikon or cannon dslr around $400-600

Quality and sensor size being a given, what is also most important for me is an articulating screen, speed and video performance. I know some about the cannon lineup but its hard for me to compare Nikon because I don't know much about Nikon. Around that price range what can you recommend?

Quality? All brands are good. Sensor size? Yes, given the budget, it's just APS-C. Speed? They're all basically the same. Video performance is also basically the same which is close to nothing because the dSLR was never meant to do video.

Articulated screen? Nikon D5000 series and the Canon 600D to 700D.

Without the articulated screen but just at $400, you only have one choice - the Pentax K-500.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera

Price:$529.00
PROS:

It's really light. I'm used to hauling around big camera bodies with heavy lenses (ex. Canon 300mm f2.8 L). So when I tried this camera out for the first time, it was a little surprising. However, for someone not used to the world of DSLR's, this is a great starting weight. Light and compact, it still feels great in my hands. I have yet to have a complaint by any of my staff on its handling as well.

Image quality. I was expecting image quality on this to be not as good due to its price. However, after using it in the field for the past 6 months, it's stood up to all of our other cameras in this area. Great color reproduction and color accuracy. This is actually our go to camera when we do last minute portraits of people in the newsroom. We have yet to have a bad performance from this guy.

There's no fancy stuff. It's sort of weird to say this, but it is nice to use this camera once in a blue moon. Most cameras these days have so many features that sometimes the photography itself gets overshadowed. With this camera, it's bare bones basic, which means just you and picture. In a way, it's a good test on how good of a photographer you really are. Get a great picture on this camera and you can get a great picture on any camera.

If you want video, why aren't you looking at Sony (who actually make the sensors for both Nikon and Pentax) ? Their SLT A-58 will blow a true DSLR out of the water for video performance.

For stills, the Pentax K-500 is the best DSLR in your price-bracket, on paper - Pentax were also making SLRs when Canon and Nikon were copying German rangefinders.

Oh, and it's CANON - bitter experience tells us that anyone who can't be bothered to learn to spell it, shouldn't be allowed near a DSLR.

The least expensive DSLR's are the Sony Alpha SLT-A58 - $450, Canon T3 - $460, Nikon D3100 - $480, and Pentax K-500 - $400. This tool compares their specs and has links to their reviews.
http://www.dpreview.com/...entax_k500

The CANON REBEL T3i all the time! http://www.amazon.com/...gp/search/

The canon T3i will meet your needs.