Canon Rebel T2i, T3i, or Nikon D5100?

I'm probably getting a camera in the upcoming weeks, and I was wondering what a good one would be. I know that "it's the photographer not the camera" and that megapixels don't really mean anything after about 10 megapixels unless you're printing really large. But I want to know which camera is a better investment, which company makes the better lenses, which camera is easier to use (such as changing aperture, iso, shutter speed.)
I know the dial for the Nikon is where your thumb would use it, and the dial on the Canon is where your index finger would use it, so what do you find more convenient? Is it easier to change everything with your thumb or your index finger?
I also plan on getting into video, so which camera is best for videos?
Thank!

Have you ever taken a car for a test-drive, and decided that that car wasn't for you? The controls made you hesitate, and look. The pedals weren't in "just the right place". The seats never really felt comfortable. But, that model car was very popular and had high ratings among your trusted friends. What did you do? Did you choose the car your friends recommended, or the one that fit YOU?

With cameras, it's exactly the same. Between Canon & Nikon, you'll find equally excellent lenses, a wide system, and high user loyalty. You can't go wrong with either brand.

Don't ask us which way of controlling the camera is best. Ask yourself.

Here is how the sensors of those cameras compare

http://www.dxomark.com/...nd3)/Canon

As you can see, the sensor performance of the Nikon D5100 is superior to the two Canon's

That said, without the proper skills, NO camera will perform well

Go to Cameralabs.com for detailed break down of T3i vs D5100. And Dpreview.com for side by side iso image comparison. You hit one point right. Its not the DSLR body but lens that are your real investment in the long run and you have to ask which brand makes better, varieties and value for price lens. To answer this simply go to YouTube and see how many Canon lens review are there vs Nikon lens review. This is more apparent in youtube's popular DSLR review channel Digitalrev, checkout their vids and see how many Canon lens have they review vs Nikon lens and Canon Lens vs Nikon lens. I can further explain in detail why T3i is superior to D5100 but that might get me more than 5 thumbs down lol!

Let the thumbs down begin as usual!

Nikon D5100 reviewed by 10 purchasers - http://www.reevoo.com/p/nikon-d5100-with-18-55mm-lens

D5100 nikon's best for you, find the specs and the review in www.nikond5100price.info
You can buy nikon d5100, still a massive discount, just in www.nikond5100price.info

Canon T3i.