Which DSLR to buy and why?

I'm looking at spending about $550 on a new DSLR Camera. I'm in between the following three options (listed by current preference with 1 being my top choice):
1) Sony Alpha A33
2) Nikon D3100
3) Canon EOS T3.

Which one would you choose and why?

Just some background information. I'm a beginner and newbie to DSLRs looking first and foremost for image quality. I want something easy to learn (start in Auto mode) and then be able to grow into it.

Either the Canon or Nikon

Sony is a good brand, but their selection of lenses and accessories is much, much less than Nikon and Canon's

So between the D3100 and T3, choose whichever feels best to you. Both have the capacity to provide you with excellent results, but what really matters is that you learn how to correctly manipulate shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to conform to what and how you want to shoot a certain subject. There's no use starting in auto mode. Get a book called "understanding exposure"
http://www.amazon.com/...817439390/

read it.

also, if it makes a difference, the Nikon D3100 has a guide mode, which is basically a manual inside the camera that can help you learn how to use it.

once you get experience with those three fundamentals, you can apply them to any other DSLR. Also remember this. Once you choose a system and buy a couple of lenses for that camera, you are practically married to it. Getting a divorce is expensive.

I would choose the canon
better image quality

Skip Sony.

The D3100 is currently the best price performance model, it's got 2 more AF points than T3, higher max ISO, slightly less noise, Full HD vs HD and manual controls in video.

There's also the Pentax K-r, which will do more than all cameras above but it's not that popular (though the company is just as old as Canon and Nikon).

All DSLRs below $5000 have auto mode, but as you know, the sooner you learn and go into the manual mode the better it will be.

They all have the same image quality, colors, sharpness etc.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

Not sure why people would disregard Sony. Out of those three cameras the Sony will be the best for a beginner. And in my opinion and other professionals will agree, the Sony versus the other two will win for Image quality. As for video, the Canon will do the best job. The Nikon D3100 is not bad either but video is terrible when compared to the other two and the Nikon cameras are great if your going to a photography class. The Nikon is also very light and has a cheap feel to it. Light might sound like a positive but if you add a lens larger than the kit lens, the Nikon would feel so unbalanced and would be difficult to use.

The Sony A33 at $550 is a great deal and I would definitely go for that one. Like I said, they have the best image quality and the most user friendly. Additionally, their auto modes are actually quite good. Sony will also offer the cheapest lens prices because image stability is built into the body and not the lens.