Olympus E-500? Or Nikon D3000? Which is better for the money?

I'm trying to find a professional camera that's fairly easy-to-use, but is a little more than just point-and-shoot. Originally, I wanted a Nikon D3000. I've found a few that aren't as expensive as I thought, so I pretty much figured this was the one I would be getting, probably around Christmas time. However, I came across the Olympus E-500, and the shots taken by this camera are also amazing. The Olympus is also TONS cheaper than the Nikon, but, from what I've seen, it works just as well if not better.

However, I'm still only a photographer in training. Either way, I still won't get a camera until Christmas-ish time, maybe a bit sooner (closer to Halloween if I play my cards right, I'm sure). Of course, the Olympus sounds more appealing because it's only around $200-$300, while the Nikon is closer to $500-$700. Obviously, if the Nikon is tons better than the Olympus, I could understand the price.

I would like for someone who has had experience with both to answer, not someone who's biased. I need facts, not opinions.

Thanks again guys, even though I've already asked about cameras, lol. Thanks for your patience.

xo VIE xo

Added (1). Hmm… Well, this sucks. It seems like either way I might have to give up something. The Nikon really does a lot better, however just thinking about the price and everything that I might have to carry (I take pictures of nature, and therefore spend most of my time outdoors, in the Texas heat - not good for carrying large loads) makes me a little turned off.

On the flip side, it seems that the Olympus still might not be the very best for what I want in the long run, which is something that I'll be able to label as professional and even possibly getting my work published in National Geographic (if this ever happens, I think I might die from over-excitement).

Both seem like amazing cameras. Oh, and I talked to my mother (visiting her in just a couple hours, actually) and she told me that she'll try to help me. Though I don't live with her (long story short, she's not exactly the type of role-model I young woman should have, therefore I live with my grandparents) she does always seem to

Lets see how their sensors perform in a lab

http://www.dxomark.com/...2)/Olympus

The E500 is not listed but the slightly newer E510 is.

The E500 is about four years older, thus has lower technology than the D3000.

As you can see, the D3000 sensor performs better

And you have to consider that the E500 has a smaller sensor

Considering all that you may want to buy the Nikon

Olympus E-500 is as good as Nikon d3000.In your case if you go with Olympus, by xmas you'll have nearly 5 months of experience with photography. The important thing is you need to get started with taking pictures. I understand d3000 is newer, but at this price Olympus still beats it.
d3000 may also have a better sensor, but Olympus has a better kit lens made by Zuiko that squares it up with Nikon. And I myself own dSLR's from different manufacturers including Olympus, Nikon and Canon. And Olympus is as good as Nikon and Canon.
Soon Nikon and Canon fans will bombard you with answers against Olympus, but please bear the fact, they have never used an Olympus.

Either camera is fine for starting out, but you may want to think about the long run.

Olympus and Nikon have different design philosophies.

Olympus uses the smaller 4/3 sensor to minimize weight and bulk. This is imortant for anyone who wants to carry a lot of gear around for long times or long distances, or both. You do give up some in the area of ultimate sensor performance. The small size may for some people make it more attractive to carry your camera everywhere and get the great shots you might miss otherwise. Olympus lenses are well made and have a good reputation, although there's not as great of range of lenses as Nikon.

Nikon (and Canon also) uses two main types of larger sensors (DX and FX) which means bigger and heavier cameras [which traditional pros seem to actually favor?] and much larger systems of lenses flashes, and accessories. Larger cameras have larger grips and more inertial stability, and more room for implementing all manner of do-everything features. Their pro cameras are all about focusing performance, burst speeds, microfocus adjust, battery grips, wireless flash commanders, and on and on.

So think about where you may be headed down the road. You will devote a lot of time to learning curves, and you may not want to redo this too many times.

Have fun, and good luck.