First time digital slr buyer.need advice?

So I'm 16 and I'm looking to buy my first d slr camera. I have looked into the Canon rebel t2i and the Nikon d3100. If anyone has either or prefers one or the other let's me know. Any advice for a beginner/amateur photographer would be great! I'd love any other camera recommendations as well.

Being a Canon owner I only recommend what I know. I own a t1i and it's an excellent camera. I also have an XS, an older model but an excellent camera also. The t2i or t3i would be an excellent choice.

However be aware of something. These cameras do HD video and unless you're equipped computer wise to handle HD it's going to be difficult, and expensive, to make the switch to HD video.

Both cameras are fine.

Visit a camera store and hold both in your hands to see which one you like the best.

Remember to take your time.

Which brand you pick now will be the one you will be using when you are married and have kids in college

Here is how the sensors of those two cameras compare in performance.

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

Actually the Nikon D5100 is the camera that competes with the T2i. The D3100 is in competition with the Canon T3/1100D

Any brand from any model will do. All dSLR cameras are basically the same. The higher the price goes, the more range in controls, ease of access to those controls, the bigger the sensor size and the larger the rear LCD gets. If you plan to take photography seriously, go for a more expensive camera now rather than replace any of those two crippled models later.

My t2i is great. Once you get the hang of it definitely look into purchasing a new lens because the kit lens that the rebels usually come with isn't my favorite. I have a 50mm 1.8 and it's only about $99 and it is perfect for an amateur photog! So cheap and it looks great!

Remember, asking a forum Nikon vs Canon is a dangerous question!

Truthfully, it's really a dead heat as far as the specs go, and either will be a great camera to learn with. When you're learning, it's really about which camera you feel comfortable with. The best thing you can do is shoot lots, don't rely on the flash, and use your feet to change composition and the zoom to change compression of field.

That said, for the price you're looking at, this would be my suggestion: Buy a refurbished D5000 body, a AF-S 35mm f/1.8 lens, and if you have the money an SB400 flash. The D5000 still out performs either of those cameras, and you'll learn more about photography with the 35mm f/1.8 in a week than you will in a year with the kit lens. If you can pay the extra and get the SB400 flash, you'll learn about lighting and bouncing a flash. For $570 without the flash or $690 with, it's the perfect starter kit.

In my opinion Nikon d3100 is good one for you. You must be buy this one.