Need some help choosing a camera?

My price is 250 dollars, I found a canon xti online for 250 dollars, and before I had found it I was quite set on purchasing the nikon l120, I know that there's a large difference because the xti is a dslr, and the nikon is just a digital camera, but I just want to know what one I should choose, I'm 17 so I know the nikon would be easier to carry, and transport, but I don't really care about that, all that matters to me is the quality of the photo. What one is the better choice?

I would go with the dslr.

Picture quality depends on you. If you know the basic principles of photography, a dSLR will allow you to control the outcome of the picture the way you want it to appear. I'd say go for the dSLR but make sure it's working properly. I feel safer if I bought a secondhand dSLR face to face rather then online though.

Go with Cannon A3300 IS it is a new one and a good one. The camera costs 179$

Remember that $250 is not the final price that you will pay for that Canon. I previously owned a NIkon L120, from that I went to a Sony HX1 then a Canon XS (upgrade to the XTi) now I'm on a Canon T3. I did enjoy the L120, however without flash most in door shots come out quite noisy and you have absolutely no control of the pictures, in regards to, iso, aperture and shutter speed. When I say that it will not be the final price you have to take into account lenses. To equal the versatility of the Nikon L120 you'll need about three lenses, a macro since the L120 allows up to 1cm, a telephoto since it has a decent zoom range and a wider angel for close up shots. With those three the price can easily tip the 600 dollar point depending on what deals you can get. Ask the person what comes with the camera around what shutter count its on, because if it is passed a few thousand I personally would not buy it.