Personally I like Nikon. I have a D80 and love it to death. I plan on getting something new hopefully some time in the summer though. You should keep the ergonomics (feel) of whichever camera you choose at the top of your list before you decide on one. You want the camera to fit right in your hands and feel comfortable. No sense in spending $1,000 or more on something you'd feel annoyed holding.

 

I would heed matt's advice since he's in the biz...I didn't realize Nikons lacked those buttons. Those buttons are very convenient and imo a must as you progress.

 

Nikon D90 has the buttons on the outside.

O yeah if you want to use live view then Nikon has a better option on that feature. All Canons have the feature but you must be in M,A,S settings. Also you must use manual focus. Canon T2i and T3i both have live view w/ using the Auto setting and auto focus in live view.

 

Another thing to consider is that the camera itself will or could be the cheapest thing you buy. After that the accesories will cost TONS! Lenses, filters, stands, extra batteries & a seperate charger, memory cards, lens cleaners, camera cleaners...
I have a Sigma SD14, a very unique camera with the way it captures images.
SIGMA SD14

 

I think I've got my options shrunk down to the Canon T2i/T3i or the Nikon D90/D5100.

What are your opinions on those? I know the 5100 isn't out until the end of April so that will be tough, but what about the others? Since this is my first DSLR, do you think I should look at cheaper cameras, or should I buy one that I will be able to "grow" into as I learn more about photography?

Thanks for all your help guys, it's really appreciated!

 

What type of photography do you plan on doing? Landscape, sports, artistic ect?

D5100 review (also compares D3000 vs D5100 vs D5000)Nikon D5100 Hands-On Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Personally I don't think there is a HUGE difference between the T2i and T3i so I would save money and go w/ T2i. D90 vs T3i/t2i is a little difference b/c they are in different brackets. D90 is more a pro consumer model however it has all the basic easy settings as the lower end models. D5100 vs D5000...all depends on the price difference.

 

I think a lot of my shots will be landscape type shot with macro thrown in here or there. However, what I shoot may change as I learn more about photography. I guess a camera that is good at everything but excels at nothing (for lack of a better term) may be the way to go?

 

Personally I would go with the Canon T2i or T3i (T3i has a movable screen and better HD video). If you decided you want to spend the money and go w/ the D90 then I would go w/ the Canon 60D (60D is a lot newer of a camera).

As someone else said before...you will spend most your money on the glass. To do macro you will need a special macro lens. I would also upgrade the wide angle lens to increase your clarity. Every lens that comes w/ they camera are crappy.

 

The new Sonys with translucent mirrors make for the best 'point and shoot' like DSLRs.

They are the only DSLRs which allow you to use the screen as your viewfinder.

A330s can be found for under $300.