Which of these would be the best choice for an entry level DSLR?

I have looked at the:
Nikon D5100
Canon T2i
Canon T3i

from what I can tell the Canon T3i and Canon T2i are nearly the same camera except for some exterior upgrades. The Nikon D5100 and Canon T3i are also very similar except the Nikon has fewer mp (which is not a big deal), the Nikon has a faster fps rate, and I believe it has a better sensor as well. When I look at sample images it seems that the Canon takes a brighter, more contrasted picture, as compared to the Nikon. Any suggestions for these three cameras is appreciated. In my purchase I'm considering image quality, lifetime/durability, and quality of the lenses.

I don't know where Taylor gets his information, but the sensors of all three cameras perform about the same. I would go to a camera shop and hold all three. Play with the controls and buy the one that feels best to you.

Here is source of the information about sensors

http://www.dxomark.com/...nd3)/Canon

As you can see the D5100 does indeed have a better performing sensor

Remember, whichever camera system you buy now, is the one that you will be married to for the next couple of decades

Dave Mathews band

The D5100 has a much better sensor than the T2i & T3i. All of them offer excellent image quality, they will all last at least 5 years if you take care of them and Canon & Nikon both offer excellent lenses. Go to a local camera shop and try out the T3, T2i, T3i, D5100 and D3100. Buy whichever one feels more comfortable to use. Update for Hondo -http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/698|0/%28brand%29/Nikon/%28appareil2%29/692|0/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28appareil3%29/645|0/%28brand3%29/Canon. I wouldn't call that "about the same"

Go to the site below and compare them.

Canon T3i

Canon doesn't take brighter pics it is the photographer who chose such settings. The two Canons are the same on the inside so it would be the best to get the t2i and spend the rest on good lenses. They will all last a long time and have the same image quality, so don't worry, you just make sure to learn and practice.

Here is a DSLR Buying guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/