Nikon or canon? For a beginner with a budget?

Which one is better for the money better for upgrading lenses and better shutter speed better sport mode?

Both Canon and Nikon are great. At any price-point that they directly compete, both will provide what you need. The differences are very minor, and won't matter in the least to a beginner. I don't mean to say that beginners are terrible, but that the differences are so slight as to be unnoticeable. If you can take a wonderful picture with a Canon, you should be able to do the same with a comparable Nikon.

My advice is to go to a camera store (preferably a store that specializes in cameras, not Best Buy or Walmart) and handle the various cameras within your budget and choose the one that feels best.

Hope that helps!

That's exactly right.

Forget about the modes thing and learn to operate your camera for what ever situation you're in.

With any pocket toy it's going to do everything in full auto and you will get what the camera decides.
If you go for a more expensive camera, say a Canon t3 dslr at $550, you'll be in control and after learning the basics of operating both camera and lens, you won't need modes.

Http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/08/nikon-vs-canon.html
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-time-dslr-buyers-biggest-mistakes.html

I'd rather have Pentax, Sony do better video and Olympus are smaller and lighter.

Find a dealer and explore All the options.

Currently the Nikon D3100, or Canon Rebel T3, both at about $500 or less. Both fine entry level cameras.

Both Nikon and Canon are great camera with almost same price range when compare same level. You should have to try them both yourself, which one feel fit to your hand, which one you feel easier to adjust.