Verified answer

It comes down to personal preference where some may like how Nikon feels in their hands or how the layout of the Nikon Cameras are. Vice Verse on Canon Cameras.

Nikon fans would be saying to get Nikon. Same thing with Canon Fans where they would be saying to get Canon.

So otherwise it all comes down to personal preference

Your budget won't buy much that's "new". However the two cameras you mention are both excellent.

With these there is no "better". Different, of course, but not better. These are the two best consumer level camera companies in the world and both make excellent equipment.

I can tell you that I own a 1000D and it's an excellent still camera - no video. If you know how to use a dslr properly and not always on full auto, the 1000D will give you excellent results. However, if you plan on using a dslr on full auto all the time you'd might as well save some money and buy a compact or bridge camera.

I would highly recommend this Nikon 3100 entry level DSLR. Like most people, the choice for me was also between a Canon and Nikon. While they are both excellent cameras, I liked the look of the Nikon more. I haven't purchased any additional lens yet but the kit lens has taken some gorgeous pictures. The menu is easy navigate and it is also easy to transfer pictures to my computer. Zoom Lens.The price just $549 and you save $100 because amazon give you special offer.

Cool stuff:

You can take photos from the live view LCD screen. I shot a few movies and seem great, in focus most of the time. I don't care much about video, I have a video camera HD.

You can still set AUTO ISO from the menu and set minimum shutter speed. Downside is you cannot override the AUTO ISO in any mode including Manual. You have to change it back to off from menu and than loose time figuring out which is the best ISO/aperture/shutter speed.

Buy on Amazon (I've shortened the link).You can also cutting and pasting the following address into your browser.

I would suggest you to buy the newer version of Nikon D3000 i.e Nikon D3100. Nikon D3100 camera, of course, is targeted to those entering the DSLR world. I am myself just beginning to take the baby steps and I got a really good camera to get me started! This camera is amazing. The pictures are crisp, and I definitely love the "Guide" mode. The camera is light weight and not so big like other DSLR cameras.

approach a million) % up lenses are greater beneficial than you may think of and are low-fee, they screw onto your lens and assist you to get concentration nearer. Its precisely the comparable as putting interpreting glasses on. Get the stunning length on your lenses filter out thread. approach 2) strengthen the area between the digicam and lens the two with Extension Tubes or Bellows. This will strengthen high quality over approach a million), yet has the downside of decoupling your lens from the digicam so each thing would be instruction manual. approach 3) Reversing ring, which mounts the lens backwards onto the digicam. lower back your in instruction manual. enormous benefit is they amplify greater beneficial than maximum the different approach, as much as 4X existence length with a common lens. lower back the reversing rings thread ought to tournament your lenses filter out thread. approach 4) Use the reversing from approach 3 by capability of mounting a common lens reversed onto an a mid telephoto lens with a decrease back to decrease back adapter. The benefit right this is the telephoto lens remains coupled to the digicam so metering and vehicle concentration nevertheless artwork, its incredibly an exceedingly intense high quality version of approach a million. ascertain the reversed lens is a shorter focal length than the lens you screw it onto or you will get vignetting. ascertain the lens is supported, there will be various weight awesome on the lens mount. in case you employ a zoom, say a 70 - 200mm the magnification could be assorted. I even have taken expert photos with this rig whilst i'd desire to get closer than a committed Macro lens will enable. All of those would be greater fee-effective than a committed Macro lens and have the coolest thing approximately being waiting to concentration with greater magnification. With a majority of those procedures intensity of container would be tiny, so its small aperture and long shutter speeds. A flash facilitates, ideally a hoop flash. Focusing is ultimate performed by capability of moving the entire contraption forwards and backwards, the concentration on the lens would have little result. Chris

Canon