Why is Nikon D5100 significantly cheaper than?

Why is it cheaper than Canon's 60D? I know they don't compare side by side because D5100's competition is Canon's T3i. But I hear so many good things about the D5100, and it seems much more superior than the T3i, why is so much cheaper than the 60D? They are both able to produce great images… And even the D5100 is claimed to do better in low light.

Nikon D5100: $596 new w/ kit lens
Canon 60D: $1, 199 new w/ kit lens
New Nikon D5100: $596 new w/ kit lens

Added (1). And I also read that they are both mid-level DSLRs, so it's not like comparing an entry level to a mid level… They're both supposed to be on the "same" category, right?

Added (2). @Kevin: Well that solves some of it 0.0. I got it off two reviewer blog type websites and Nikon's wikipedia. It's so difficult trying to do research online and not being able to tell which things are true or not…

Added (3). @ Keerok: Well I'm actually feeling torn between the two. I like the price of the D5100 and that it does good in low light, but I like the style of the 60D, the menu, the buttons, and it's overall quality. I don't know how to pick between the two, because I can't get that moment where one feels better than the other in my hands since the only place I can handle them is bestbuy and they're tied down with metal plates.

I don't know where you heard that the Nikon D5100 is a mid-level camera. It's a great camera, but it doesn't have what mid-level cameras like the Canon 60d has like the faster shutter speeds, moving out of a plastic body and onto something metal, the top LCD screen, the size, and just overall better build quality. Those are the reasons why the 60D is more expensive, even though the D5100 without question has better image quality in low light.

You seem to be fully sold to the D5100.It doesn't matter what class it is or what side-by-side comparisons say. Most people take an eternity to find a camera they want or like. You already have made up your mind. Just be happy it's cheaper then go out and buy it. Right now!

The other responder made some good points, but "better" isn't always desirable. And what's good for one person may not be for the next. My Nikon D40 has a plastic body and 25, 000+ images later and having ridden around in a motorcycle saddlebag in 110F temps to use in sub zero winter temps and it's still doing exactly what it did when new. I haven't tried to use it to prop up the corner of the car to change a flat tire, but I doubt any of the metal framed cameras would fare too well either. I also have a 5100 and compared to my old metal framed heavy SLRs, it sure is nice to not have what feels like a ball and chain around my neck, especially several hours later. For example, the 5100 weighs 505g with battery and the metal framed Nikon D7000 with battery weighs 780g, or 50% more. Considerable no doubt. And after using the movable screen on my 5100, I'll take that any day over a camera with a stationary, but slightly larger screen. But that's my opinion.

I suspect Nikon is getting ready to replace the 5100 with an updated model, which may partially explain the price discrepancy. And it seems they've built plenty of 5100s and there's always economy in large production numbers. If you are shopping for a new camera, I suggest you read the reviews to determine what features a model has, but not use that review info only. Numbers on paper may look impressive, but what feels good in your hand and doing what you need it to do means a lot more. For instance, I have an old Tracfone cell phone that is a phone and nothing else. It's junk compared to the latest phones, but it does exactly what I need it to do, make occasional calls. Since I found it alongside a gravel road, I have no money in the phone itself.

And don't forget that for a lot of people, snob appeal is everything. They will willingly pay out the but for something just to brag to others how much it cost.

There are alot of subtle details in the Canon 60D that make it more expensive compared to the Nikon D5100.

for example.
1. Canon 60D is Weather sealed; Nikon D5100 is not.
2. Canon 60 has a Larger viewfinder, more than 30% larger viewfinder
3. Longer battery life, Around 70% more shots per battery charge
4. Shoots faster, More than 30% faster continuous shooting
etc etc, you get the idea.

Canon 60D Video Review
http://www.minimalio.com/canon-60d/

Nikon D5100 Video Review
http://minimalio.com/nikon-d5100/