Digital SLR Camera help? - 1

I'm getting a digital slr camera and i'm stuck between two.
What one would you get and why?
http://shop.usa.canon.com/..._245003_-1
http://www.nikonusa.com/...D3100.html

There's very little difference between the two. If this is your first DSLR, both of those cameras will be far better than you current skill level. This means you will not be able to tell the difference between them until you have practiced with them for several years.

Both of them are good cameras. Nikon D3100 and Canon Rebel T2i (aka Canon 550D) both are entry level camera with 1080p video recording at 24fps.
Some of the advantages of Canon 550D over Nikon D3100:
1. Canon has 18 MP with 1.6x crop, while Nikon has 14MP with 1.5x crop.
2. Still photos at 3.7 fps while Nikon has 3 fps.
3. Canon's auto focus is in built in the body while for Nikon its in the lens.
4. Video recording can be for 1 sec less than 30 mins, while Nikon shoots for a max time of 10 mins.
5. Canon has a 3" LCD with 1million pixels, while Nikon has 3" LCD with 230k pixels
Some advantages of Nikon D3100 over Canon 550D:
1. Sensor is slightly bigger than Canon.
2.It has 11 point AF while Canon has 9 point AF.
3. Nikon is slightly lighter than Canon (around 25 grams).
So finally I think I would go with Canon 550D. Only disadvantage that matters much in Canon is the slightly smaller sensor size.

I'm a devoted Canon fan but will agree both (and Minolta, Olympus, Pentax) make great cameras.

I could argue that the expansion of your hobby should also be considered, and point to the lenses, flashes, and other accessories offered by Canon… But they are largely the same with any name brand although few will argue against Canons top telephoto lenses costing more than my first NEW car!

My fondness of Canon came the first time I called with a question. Minimal phone tree, I got with a human within seconds.

Even more so when I found a stolen Camera. They went out of their way to help me locate the owner and at one point I was talking with the president of Canon USA.

I have also used their factory repair service a couple times, reasonable prices and fast turn-around.

Granted, I have never had the opportunity to contact another brand, but I have been very impressed with Canon customer service.

And, if personal service is something you value, give these people a try for whichever camera you decide on. They are a real brick and mortar high-end electronics store in Spokane Wa (Huppin's Hi-Fi), their web store consistently gets high reviews