Buying a DSLR on a tight budget is problematic, because nobody really tells you just how much other gear you will need/want on top of the camera.

Even if/when you DO find a DSLR plus lens in your price range, there will always be way more expenses ahead.

You'll want and/or need a few other things such as tripod, filters, a bag, sensor cleaning gear, a second battery, memory cards, perhaps a remote shutter release etc.

That's just the small stuff - I can guarantee you that you'll also want more lenses. You'll probably buy cheap ones at first, then regret that, then start saving for the good quality ones, instead.

You'll also want a decent flash some day.

See how that list just goes on and on?

Owning a DSLR isn't cheap - at least not until you have built up a nice stash of gear. When you look at an advertised kit price, you do NOT see all the other gear that need/want with it.

Just some food for thought........ I'm not trying to talk you out of this, just trying to be helpful in case you haven't thought about all this yet.

The D3100 is not even in the same class as the 550D. The Canon 1100D is priced about the same as the D3100, but I'd recommend the 550 (slightly more expensive) over both the others, it's quite a lot better, considering the price it's selling for nowadays.

There are a few cheaper models but the 500D from Canon is much more noisier and Nikon D3000 isn't anything special, in fact lacks some important features. Plus no vide.

D3100 is the best you can get for the money!

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which...

dont confuse , get a canon 550d