I will try to keep this short and simple.

I like taking photos. I am an amateur. Till now I had a 6 year old Sony S90 camera. Suffice to say it is very old and I outgrew it.
Now I want to buy a entry level DSLR, I narrowed it down to two cameras:

Canon EOS 600d - I can get it for around 950 usd with the kit lens and 16 Gb card
Nikon D3100 - 650 usd with the kit lens and 8-16 Gb card

so its a question weather I should get the cheapest entry level camera (nikons D3100 looks way better than EOS1100D and Pentax K-r)
or something a bit better (EOS600D looks like it beats Nikons D5100 for the price)

the kit lenses are virtually the same for both of these, and I will be using them until I learn camera features and see what types of photos I enjoy taking most (o and until I save 500 usd for a real lens).
So basically I am asking anyone who has any of these cameras (preferably both) to tell me your opinions on them and if the price difference of 300 usd is worth it.

Possibly this section is not suitable for this thread, if so, I am sorry and pls move it where it is more appropriate.

Thanks

Board is fine, but if I'd be you I would take this to another forum altogether...

Anyways...
(This advice comes from personal experience;) You should also consider prices of new and used lenses (other equipment) for your would-be camera and their availability in your country (yes yes, you can buy 'em from interwebz, but still!). Tho, both Canon and Nikon are sure picks in that field.

If possible you should also go to shop and try out how both cameras fit into your hands... :P (Canon's cameras just won't fit into my bulky hands.. ;<)

After skimming trough dpreview's reviews I'd save that $300 for better lens, and go for Nikon3100 even though it's "lagging" behind in most features... (But that's just me and my impression of both cameras..)

You should seriously take this topic to Dp's forum or to forum focused on photographing. :P

I think u were spot on with your recommendation,
after lurking on dp forums for a few days
and starting to read David Busch's Nikon D3100 Guide to Digital SLR Photography
I think this camera is a super choice for me. Will be buying it in the next few days.
The 300 usd I save will go either on
telephoto 55-300 mm VR (300 usd) if I am satisfied with the wide range kit lens offers
or telephoto 70-300 mm VR (500 usd) for faster focus
35 mm f/1.8 (200 usd) if the kit lens is totally unusable
Sigma 17-50 mm f/2.8 (700 usd) if I get lucky for my birthday

Thx Dargon, will close this now, maybe reopen to post some pics

bump
I bought it
today was the first day of shooting
I must say I am pleased
here's a few photos for the interested

EDIT: no one commented, so I am closing
I will post some pics in art thread when I am ready