What camera would be good for me?

I need a nice camera to take traveling with me or to conventions. So far I've been looking at the Canon Rebel t3i and the Nikon 5100. Would one of these be sufficient or should I look into different models? Any information is helpful.

Both are older models, so my guess is you are basing your purchase on price over performance

The Nikon D5200 and Canon T5i are the two current entry level cameras.

Here is how the sensors of your two choices compare

http://www.dxomark.com/...nd2)/Canon

The D5100 also has an articulated LCD screen if that is of an importance to you

If you are a true beginner, either of those are fine, though you should know that the newer Nikon is the 5200. That said, take a look at the 3200 - it's cheaper, and has most of the same features as the 5200. If you're a seasoned photographer, you'll want more camera, but for a beginner, it's perfect.

All modern day cameras have very good sensors and are very capable cameras. You will not go wrong buying D5100 or t3i. We strive to buy the best entry level digital SLR but 95% of us, yes 95% of us, don't use more than 30% of what a camera has to offer. Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Pentax, Olympus- they all make very capable cameras.

Now if you want to look beyond these two models, read about Pentax K-01. Not only it takes better photos then the other two, it is cheaper and it comes with a lens (40mm F2.8) which one of the best lens provided as a kit lens. With this kit lens, you can take better indoor photos in convention halls. The biggest benefit of K-01 is- it is smaller so it is easy to carry around. Plus, it will not scare off people the way bulky SLRs do. People are more likely to give you candid short with this camera in your hand than with a convention SLR.

Also, instead of searching for "best DSLR", you should spend your time to learn things so you can take better photos with your camera.
1) Read photography blogs or tips online to be a better photographer. Any camera can do only limited things but with some tips, you will be able to take your camera to the next level. You will have better chances for better photos.
2) If you decided to buy 5100 or t3i, buy some prime fast lens like 35mm or 50mm with F1.8 or so. For Canon or Nikon, you can get one for around $100-$150. With this lens, your DSLR will be able to take photos in low light too. Plus for taking photos for people and pets, they give nice bokeh- background blurring that you see in portraits taken by professionals.
3) Read your camera manual. You will be amazed to know how much your camera can do besides that AUTO button.
4) Work with your camera. Your camera can do only certain things for you. When you are taking a photo, it tries to guess what it is shooting and would set up Aperture, Shutterspeed, ISO, color mode etc to shoot a photo for you. Many times that piece of glass (I mean lens) and that sensor does not know that you shooting in backlight or in snow. It does not kow if you are taking photo outside in broad sunlight or indoor well-lit place. If camera does not know accurately what it is shooting, it will probably give you a bad photo. Now instead of blaming your camera for a bad photo, if you are willing to work with your camera, your camera can take better photos for you. Learn some basic photography tips and help out your camera when it struggles. Set a proper mode like Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports and tell your camera where and what you are shooting. If you camera takes too bright or too dark photos, set the Exposure Compensation and tell camera to take less or more light. With your little help, you and your camera can make a great pair and together you will be able to take better photos.

Read this one:
http://photography-with-any-camera.blogspot.com/2013/05/best-digital-slr-for-beginners.html