Hey guys,

Im on my 3rd Nikon so far and choosing a DSLR is not as easy as i would have thought. I like the ease of Nikon use/menus and just basically used to them. But Canon are always great bang for your buck.

Im tossing up between the two cameras Nikon D3100 and Canon 550D.

Each has its own advantage:

Head to head specs

But leaning towards a D3100 due to better colour depth, lower noise at higher iso,larger sensor and better image quality.
Only attractive feature with the 550d is the auto-focus motor for the lazy "auto" days.

..help....

I shoot Canon so I'm not as much help in the Nikon department, I'm sure others will chime in that do shoot with it.

It sounds like you've developed a liking for the Nikon interface from using a previous camera? Do you have any lenses for either system? If you've already made an investment in glass it makes sense to stay with that rather than take the hit for selling used equipment to buy new. If you're buying used it not as big of a deal.

Image quality out of most entry level cameras is going to be pretty similar. But the glass you put on it can make a difference. Buy the best body you can afford but remember to leave money around for lenses they are the bigger investment. Bodies get revamped and updated very frequently and lose their value much quicker than a good lens does.

Like always I recommend go to a local shop and put them both in your hands with a lens in the focal length you intend to use. Play with the menus/settings and if you can bring a card with you so you can take the images home and compare them. That way you're comparing them on the same screen and can decide which one provides the best image for your type of shooting.

Thank you very much for your reply.

I have researched and researched, without even going to the shop to touch and feel D5100 looks to be the better choice.

I have used other cameras before bu something about Nikon that draws me to it.

Posted by Snow7 Thank you very much for your reply. I have researched and researched, without even going to the shop to touch and feel D5100 looks to be the better choice. I have used other cameras before bu something about Nikon that draws me to it.

I have D5000 (previous gen)

It's a great camera. But if you have a bit more money buy the next camera up.