I'm really confused about choosing a camera?

I currently own a Sony a550 (not exactly own… It's my dad's but I use it a lot, it's like I'm the one who own it already), but my dad is going to sell it soon, because he said he wanted to upgrade. Anyway, I'm getting tired of borrowing and I think it's time for me to have my own dSLR. So now, I would love to hear your opinion about what camera should I get.

I'm really interested in getting Nikon d3100, but I'm not really sure. I'm still a beginner and my budget sucks, since I think I'm going to pay half the price of the camera (and the rest would be my dad since I'm still 14). I shoot mostly with M or P, so I'm not really a new comer. I'm going to the camera store this evening to try to see and feel the d3100 - I know I must first like it if I'm really getting the camera.

But anyway, what do you think about d3100? Is it better than a550? Or just the same? I've read some reviews and articles and I think both cameras are really alike.

Or maybe you know some other similar cameras? Would you mind sharing? Canon 550d wins the reviews and all but I don't know, I don't really like Canon. Just a little note that I prefer a light camera. Doesn't have to be very light, but at least not as heavy as a550. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to die carrying the camera everywhere, it's very heavy and big. :/

I use an A200… The A550 is okay, but the A580 is better…

if your dad has a Sony camera and lenses, then get the same so you don't have to spend money on more lenses…

Nikon 'cripple' their entry level models, lack of functions (no Ae Bracketing so HDR becomes difficult if not impossible), no auto focus motor so you have to pay extra for auto focus with every extra lens you buy.

Pentax by comparison have all the functions (including bracketing for Ae, colour balance, etc.), some such as Tav mode (you set the aperture and shutter speed and the camera alters ISO), unique to Pentax, all older lenses will work as designed including any auto focus lens. Image stabilisation built into the camera so any lens you fit is image stabilised, even a 40 year old K mount (hundreds available fairly cheaply). Up to date sensors which really make an IQ difference both in low light performance (low noise) and dynamic range.

If it's small size your after then the so-called EVIL cameras such as the m4/3 mount cameras may be for you, models such as the Panasonic G2 or Olympus EP-L1 for instance. They do have a smaller sensor and there are times when IQ suffers, but they are small.

If your father has lenses for the Sony, then I would get the Sony. You could borrow his lenses instead of having to buy a duplicate set for another brand.

Any SLR from a major manufacturer will take great pictures. Nikon and Canon have the greatest assortment of lenses available for them. Ordinarily, I would say to pick the one that feels right to you. However, I don't like the idea of Nikon entry level models not being compatible with their entire lens suite in terms of autofocus. Try this web site for side-by-side comparisons: http://dpreview.com/...review.com

If you don't like canon then don't buy canon, simple enough.

If your dad tends to buy a lot of sony equipment that you can borrow then perhaps you should look at sony's entry level cameras. If not then go and fondle the D3100 and see what you think.

Quality among entry level models is so simular that you will make all the difference. There's no bad ones