Which camera has better quality? - 1
Http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon±+10.2-Megapixel+D3000+Digital+SLR+Camera±+Black/9456803.p?skuId=9456803&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9456803&ref=06&loc=01&id=1218107268800
Just save your money and but a SLR
The nikon
The two answers above me are wrong. Both are DSLRs, and the Nikon does not have better image quality.
Both cameras are extremely similar to each other. Image quality wise, I'd say it's almost indistinguishable, the pictures both cameras can make. With regards to technical specifications, the two cameras are also very close, so neither is 'better' than the other.
Some quick facts that may be important:
-The D3000 has a great beginner's setting that uses pictures to easily explain and ease you into manual settings
-The D3000 can't autofocus with most older and entry-level lenses. Lenses with the "AF" prefix will NOT be able to autofocus at all; you'd need lenses with the "AF-S" Prefix to autofocus.
-The Canon has LiveView (using the LCD to take pictures), the D3000 does not.
-Neither camera does movies
I've used both cameras and they're both excellent, esp for the beginner photographer. If none of those above points matter to you, I'd base your choice solely on ergonomics. Therefore, I'd heavily recommend you go to Best Buy and try out both cameras in your hand, and choose the one that feels the most comfortable. In the end, that's what's going to affect your picture quality the most.
EDIT: I agree with the below sentiment on primes. They've only a fixed focal point and can't zoom in or out, but what they lack in versatility they make up for in image quality and price. Primes are generally much cheaper than comparable zooms, and offer by far better image quality than comparable zooms. I personally own three primes (28mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8) and only one zoom lens (28-135mm f/3.5-5.6). The primes I use the majority of the time, whereas the zoom I only use for general photography outings where I'm not sure which lens I'd need exactly. If you're willing to step outside your comfort zone a bit, definitely invest in primes.
I just had your level of budget, what I did was buy the Canon 1000D and got me a 50mm prime lens instead of the usual 18-55mm. I'm a film photographer, just moving to DSLRs.
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The 1000D from Canon has very good quality, although you will need to configure it a lot and make it exactly the way you want it. If you still have confusion about the 50mm prime, then check out this video, its made with a 50mm.
F stop goes as below as (1.4, 1.8 is good too) means, your subject will be in focus while the world blurs in to other levels of existence. All great photographers have a prime, its cheap and its solid and the fastest lens known to photographer.
1000D has live view (Not so important).
D3000 has better metering.
Built quality is same. Go to the store and find out which one feels good in your hand.