Which is better between these two cameras?

I'm looking into buying either the 'Nikon D3100' or the 'Canon EOS 1100D'.
I mostly take animal and people portrait photos (an example being animal photo shoots with owners) some just standing/portraits and some 'action shots' (though mostly portraits).

I also do a lot of videoing. This doesn't have to be absolutely incredible but i'm hoping for something with a good HD recorder and a possibility of lenses in the near future that can give a more 'movie type look'? (this is just what a friend suggested)

I wondered whether you could suggest which of these two cameras may work best for me and also any other suggestions that may help me with what i would like to do? Sorry for my ignorance, i can take photos well but when it comes to taking about the technical bits i'm awful! So i hugely appreciate your help! X

I think that 'Nikon D3100' is better in the look.

All known brand cameras these days are good, the Nikon has the sharper Lens whilst the cannon has more lens available. I like sony, not so much lens choice but great cameras.look at the slt range i have had the a55 brilliant now the a 77. If you like a smaller camera the a65/77 may be a little heavy.

I would go for the Nikon D3100 myself. It has a higher spec than the Canon, but it is slightly higher price. I would recommend going to a camera shop and actually try them both before you buy. It is no good buying a camera if you find it awkward to use, so always try before you buy.

The D3100 can shoot 1080p video (versus the 1100D's 720p video).So, in terms of video, the D3100 wins

as for what you want to shoot, that depends on you as the photographer, and the lenses that you choose to shoot with.

for people portraits, a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens
for portraits with animals, perhaps the 35mm, or simply the kit 18-55mm lens should be fine.
for action shots, a lens such as the 55-200mm, or better yet, the 70-200mm f/2.8

whether or not you get good shots depends on you. You need to learn how to manipulate the settings to conform to what and how you want to shoot a certain subject or subjects.

The Nikon D3100 has a larger lcd screen, a 1080p full HD video mode, higher maximum ISO, more AF points & a more powerful built-in flash for nearly the same amount of money, all worthwhile features if you're looking to get a photographic instrument which will be capable of helping you to shoot better quality videos. And, what should be of particular note to you is the fact that in addition to all of the above mentioned features, the D3100 offers you a change of frame rates as well, so you can get that "movie type look" you mentioned, (which is not solely a function of any particular lens btw), shooting at either the more "movie" looking 24fps, or the more "video" appearing smoother 30 frames per second.

Find a dealer who'll let you handle them.

Paper specifications aren't the only criteria, particularly when there's so little to draw between these two, so the deciding factor HAS to be how they feel in your hands.