Nikon SLR Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel T3, Canon Rebel XS, or NIkon D3000?

Doctor Fish
Doctor Fish

I'm looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3, Canon Rebel XS, and NIkon D3000.
They're all about the same price, and as far as I can tell, they have similar specs, but I don't know enough to read that closely.
I want it for a camera that will allow me to begin photography as a hobby, with full control etc.

Witch camera is better?
(perhaps you could factor in deals and bundles the may be available in time for Christmas, with links)

Added (1). Edit: (after 2nd answer)
thanks for the advice, but I've done tons of research about these cameras on amazon, and they all seem great. I want to find someone who's used one or more of these cameras to tell me how they are.
And concerning bundles-
I don't have anything else to accompany the new camera (tripod, memory card, lenses, etc.)
so whatever I buy would Ideally have that in the purchase as well. If I buy everything separately, I'm likely to spend more money, and I'm stretching the wallet here as it is.

Jim A
Jim A

Well you can forget "better" because there's no better in this group. There's different for sure.
The t3 is the only one that does video for example.

I own an XS and it's an excellent still camera, but stills only. I hear good things about the D3000 but I don't own Nikon.

For the rest do your own research. Amazon is a good place.

EDWIN
EDWIN

Both the Canon XS and Nikon D3000 are discontinued models. The Nikon D3100 is comparable to the Canon T3 since both are entry-level cameras. Go to a camera shop and handle both and buy the one that feels best in your hands. Here is a comparison of the cameras:

http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/2011/02/canon-t3-1100d-vs-nikon-d3100.html

I strongly advise against "bundles". Buy the camera with the 18-55mm zoom lens and then spend the next 6 months learning to use the camera and learning the capabilities and limitations of the 18-55mm zoom. During this time you'll begin to learn what type of photography you do the most and how the 18-55mm lens limits you - if it does at all.

In addition to taking time to READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for your new camera, spend some time at these sites to enhance your learning:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com

http://www.kamerasimulator.se/eng/?page_id=2

In my opinion you should also take a look at the Sony SLT A35. Here is a review:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA35/AA35A.HTM

Eric Len
Eric Len

Well the XS competes with the D3000, while the T3 is the latest and newest.

T3 brings video, live view, better AF system, higher max ISO and less noise. They're all equally small and light, have the same quality, colors etc., but the T3 will just give you more for the money!

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

Here's a DSLR Price Watch - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/dslr-prices-list/canon-dslr-models/

The guide has links for best deals online.

Site
Site

The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX and AF-S lens. Older Nikkor or similar AF lens is a no go when shooting in auto but will function in
manual mode. Since this model is not fitted with the built in optical image stabilizer, I recommend
switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature located on the lens. Still the best anti vibration
tool is a tripod.