canon t3 or nikon d3100

looking at getting 1 of these canon t3 or nikon d3100

that is my price range mainly using it for my 2 young children and some sports shots of my son

Get the D5100.

molecal said:

looking at getting 1 of these canon t3 or nikon d3100

that is my price range mainly using it for my 2 young children and some sports shots of my son

Click to expand...

instead of the T3 look at the T3i (600D) or T2i (550D)
http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2010/05/camera-test-canon-eos-rebel-t2i
the slightly older T2i (550D) is around $550 with 18-55IS lens

molecal said:

looking at getting 1 of these canon t3 or nikon d3100

that is my price range mainly using it for my 2 young children and some sports shots of my son

Click to expand...

I had the same dilemma last year and went with the Nikon. Both are similar in terms of spec but the Nikon felt much better to hold. The Canon has a very cheap and plastic feel. Hold both and see which feels best. Both are very good cameras for your requirement. And I'd recommend a 35mm prime lens (if you decide on the Nikon, that would be the 35mm 1.8g)... You're good to go.

Where is the t2i for $550. That is my limit but on some websites like best buy and target it is $699

I had similar choices a year ago, and I went with the D3100. Its comfortable to hold and operate, especially the shutter release button for Nikon D3100 is better placed than the Canon's atleast for me.

As now in 2012, I would suggest you seriously take a look at D5100 and Canon T3i.

It should be pointed out that the lens will make far more of a difference in your photography than the camera. And good lens can cost more than the camera! The camera is merely a tool that records the light. That light has to pass through and be focus by the lens first. Either camera is capable of taking great images. Your knowledge of photography will have the greatest impact on your images. As that knowledge increases, you will come to the proper conclusion that the camera is only a tool. One tool isn't any better than another, it is just a personal choice.

molecal said:

Where is the t2i for $550. That is my limit but on some websites like best buy and target it is $699

Click to expand...

Possibly they were referring to the body only. B&H has the T2i with 18-55IS for $615, $549 for the body only. If you are in the US.
--
Michael