Are there any major differences between these DSLR's?

Are there any major differences between cannon 550d 600d and the nikon 5100d.
Which do you think is value for money?

It. A nikon D5100.

http://www.dpreview.com/...ikon_d5100

The 550d doesn't have a fold-out screen

Now simply staring at specs isn't going to help, best way is tog ot a shop and handle these.

Hi, in my point of view 550D and 600d are all entry level cameras in the canon range. I can't say much about Nikon because I'm not a Nikon user. In saying that, I think 5100d is also an entry level camera.

My answer to your question isn't exactly direct and there's a reason. For me, any entry level camera's will do. The key to lies in the lenses. The better the lens, the better the output of your images.

Note: I have been wanting to upgrade to 5D II (but now 5DIII is out!)… But in saying that, I can only really afford say a 7D… But I haven't transitioned yet because what I need my camera for and what it's supposed to do does it well. And I'm saying a really old camera. A 400D!

Yes these are a number of differences but still i say go for the Nikon D5100.It is almost the same price as the T3i but has many more features. I can compare the two in detail for you.

Advantages of the Nikon D5100 over T3i:

1. Significantly lower noise at high ISO 1 183 ISO vs 793 ISO
2. Much better image quality 80.0 vs 65.0
3. More dynamic range 13, 6 EV vs 11, 5 EV
4. Much less startup delay 500 ms vs 1500 ms
5. Better color depth 23, 5 bits vs 22, 1 bits
6. Has in-camera HDR Yes vs No
7. Video autofocus Contrast detection vs None
8. Larger sensor APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm
9. Longer battery life 660 shots vs 440 shots
10.Better boost ISO 25, 600 ISO vs 12, 800 ISO
11.More focus points 11 vs 9
12.Smaller 127x96x78 mm vs 133x99x79 mm
13.Slightly more lenses available 169 lenses vs 162 lenses
14.Slightly less shutter lag 273 ms vs 283 ms
15.Shoots slightly faster 4 fps vs 3.7 fps
16.Cheaper 4 990 kr vs 6 471 kr
17.Slightly thinner 3, 1" vs 3, 1"

The only thing the T3i has and the D5100 does not is a built-in focus motor which Auto focuses with all auto focus lenses. Still D5100 is the better choice.

Best price for D5100 from what i found:
http://www.amazon.com/...004V4IWKG/

Read this review from a user about the overall performance of the camera:
http://www.amazon.com/...LR8A4H60T/

Best price for T3i from what i found:
http://www.amazon.com/...004J3V90Y/

550D and 600D use the same sensor, and it's pretty much the same as the D5100, except that the Nikon camera has one stop higher ISO.

550D would be the best for your money, as the other two are also same, yet 550D is cheaper as it has no articulating screen.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/