D5100 vs T3i

[ziggy84]

The good thing with my Mom's T2i was the number of external buttons; you don't have to menu dive as much as you do with the D5100. You still get much better photo quality on the Nikon's though. The sensors on Canon's cameras don't compare...

 

[Matt_MN]

What do the people you would be shooting with use? I was choosing between the same cameras as well. I have several neighbors who shoot Canon and they made the point that if I needed help they would be able to show me how to do things easier if I had the canon. Also they have loaned me glass to try out which is fun.

i have a t3i and really like it, but I agree with earlier post that either brand (and others) will take you as far as you want to go.