Nikon D5000.vs. D3100?

I'm debating on what one to get for christmas and I'd like to know your thoughts? Personal experience?

That is a tough question… As tough as the difference in its price…

but read the full review here…

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D3100/verdict.shtml

The D3100 is better, for almost same price, better quality, better video and is lighter.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

I own a d3100 and I will have to say it is an excellent choice for a beginner on a pure photography level, compared to the D5000. The D5000 is just old technology. Read the spec review on the D3100 vs the D5000 and compare:

http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D5000

With that, there are some things I don't like about the D3100:

-Auto focus on Video setting can totally be heard while filming video. You pretty much have to turn off the auto focus while filming video or cut the sound. If you want to shoot video you need a tripod and plan on not moving the camera too much. (the video is sufficient, good for landscape videos) Do not plan on using a DSLR as your primary video camera, the technology is just not there on any camera yet, but close.
-No jack for external mic. Canon T2i does have a jack.
-No wireless remote sensor. D3000 has it though. Why they took it away for the new model I don't know. There's a wired remote option.
-No bracketing. T2i can be bracketed.

If you feel like waiting, they say that a d5100 is on its way in a few months. I believe they will clear up these issues on this new RUMORED camera. If you don't feel like waiting you could buy the Nikon D7000 because that will be your first and last camera. Warning: you will need training to take advantage of this cameras capabilities.

Although I'm a Nikon guy I will suggest the Canon T2i. This camera has all the bells and whistles that the D3100 doesn't with very comparable specs, for 50.00 more. Compare the two:

http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D3100

In the end you would think I chose the Canon T2i but I chose the D3100. Why, you ask?
1. I like the way it feels in my hands compared to the Canon
2. Awesome Color and Image quality, more vibrant than the T2i
3. Ease of use with Guide Mode. This camera is teaching me more and more every day until I decide to sell the body and upgrade to the D7000.
4. Ease of use for "live mode", press a switch and your lcd screen is showing live. On the T2i, Live View is placed in illogical menu pages. This is big!
5. Slightly Cheaper
6. No DSLR video technology is too my satisfaction, so the quirks with video mode don't bother me.
7. Bracketing… I'm a amateur photographer, what the hell am I going to do with a bracket? Film weddings?
8. Wireless remote, who needs it? Wired remote is more accurate and consistent then a wireless.

Bottom line, the D3100 is a DSLR for the common idiot to take professional photos. No entry level camera is going give you better images, be easier to use and going to teach you more about photography than the D3100. Hands down D3100 all the way for an entry level camera, I wouldn't even consider the D5000. Don't buy a dinosaur, buy the ultimate teacher.