Which entry level dslr is better? - 1

I've narrowed it down to:
-Nikon D3300
-Nikon D5200
-Canon Rebel t3i

Now you're probably wondering- why are there two, relatively new, nice Nikons along with an outdated Canon?

I really want a rotating screen, which the t3i offers. But the other two are considered the BEST entry level dSLRs (I've checked many sites, and they all say these two.)

Is the rotating screen not worth the lag and outdated model? Are there any other better cameras that are similar to the Nikons with rotating screens? Or do you have any other recommendations for an amateur photographer?

Also- which camera bag do you recommend (good against water/dust/etc for outdoor photoshoots.)

D5200 is the best for entry level.

I would pick the Nikon D5200. That's what I have and love it.

If you had visited the Nikon website, you would have noticed that the D5200 also has a fully articulated LCD

If you had visited the DXOmark website, you would have noticed that the sensor performance of the Nikon cameras if far better than the T3i/600D

I use a Swiss Gear backpack and place my camera and lenses in individual protective bags. If I'm planning on being out in inclement weather, I place them into a plastic bag inside the backpack and also carry a "rain sleeve" so I can use my cameras and lenses in light rain

First know that the t3i is not outdated. I own one and it's an excellent camera. Just because there are newer models doesn't mean it's outdated.

The Canon is the better camera against the 3300 and 5200. It has mirror lockup shooting in the manual modes. Both Nikons lack this crucial feature, where you can eliminate the vibrations from mirror slap on a tripod, for super sharp images.

I've owned a Nikon D3000 and Sony A65 and now own a Pentax K-5 (Which has mirror lock up). The Pentax range - despite being 16mp - produce a more film-like image more true to the scene, in respect to color and contrast. The Pentax Shake Reduction system also levels the sensor, plus any lens you use will have stabilization, and there are other SR features.

Anther option is the Fujifilm range which also produce film-like images and have a very sharp lens range. But its doesn't have sensor stabilization like in the Pentax range. Pentax and Fujifilm are basically the best cameras in crop sensor.

Me personally - I would NEVER EVER buy a camera that doesn't have mirror lock-up, it should at least be mirror-less or an SLT (but the Sony's images are digital and not film-like). Plus I would never buy a camera that doesn't have sensor stabilization.

But the decision is yours, but a Pentax K-30 or 50, or a Fujifilm XA-1 will devastate a Nikon D3300/5200 and the t3i - on image quality, lenses etc etc. 16mp is not irrelevant considering the Nikon Df or Nikon D4 and D4s are both 16mp.

If anyone approached me in person and asked the same question you're asking… I'd point them towards the Nikon D5100… It isn't the latest model, it's a great camera that's easy, fun and enjoyable to use and delivers great quality images, it's priced nicely too.

I'm a camera bag nerd… I need a specialist bag (military grade backpack) because of the amount of gear I carry, so my advice wouldn't be the best for you… Backpacks are great though and you can pick them up quite reasonably just be careful with how much gear you pack into them.