What to get

I can choose between these 2

<b>Item(s):</b> <br />
Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera<br />
<br />
Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 17-85mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM<br />
<br />
Lowepro Nova 160 Carry Case<br />
<br />
SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHD Card (30MB/s)<br />>
<i>SanDisk Ext (including the SD Card &amp; Lowepro Nova 160 Carry Case)<
 
Or the nikon d5100 with 18 to 55 lens

If the prices are the same, and you are reasonably convinced that you are going to take your photography hobby into enthusiast levels, then the 60D is a better choice. The number of hardware controls (buttons, levers, wheels) available on the 60D makes it easier to operate under changing conditions -> in short, it has better "handling".
A Canon user should comment on that 17-85 mm lens.

If you are mostly interested in the best possible image quality for your money, then the D5100 is a better choice.
 
I had a similar decision to make a few weeks ago.

I am not comfortable with Canon, never keep them long. Not the camera, but the connection between me and the camera just doesn't feel right.

Not being able to come to a definite decision, I looked at reasons why shots were not a success, instead of looking at features of the camera.
My biggest problem was noise, maybe not such a problem outdoors in SA, but now living in the UK, it is.

Looking at different cameras, the Nikon D800 came out as best for lack of noise shooting raw.
Pentax seemed to be a close second.
I looked at shooting raw, as when things are hard, you get better results off camera.

I settled on a Pentax K50, has all the features I want, the kit lenses are reasonable, and there are plenty of full frame lenses around for something better, even the old manual lenses from the 80s will work.

Canon probably has the best JPEG "in camera" results, but that is work of the processor, the raw images are not so good.

Canon lenses are much more expensive.

If I could afford a D800 and lenses to go with it, that would be my choice, I am very happy with the K50 though.

Also a side benefit is that there are 6 Pentax cameras in the house, all taking the same lenses and most other accessories.

May not be directly relevant to you, but looking at what might spoil a shot, instead of features that may or may not help, may help the choice.
 
Sorry to semi hijack, but am going to buy a camera this year. Have been looking at Bridge camera's (L330) etc, and am torn between a bridge camera and a DSLR. Just don't know what to get. In short, i will not be doing this professionally, but i do want pictures of my kids i can make large prints with that don't look like *****. Price is limited to the best deal i can get, but to put a number, then probably R5K. Thanks in advance
 
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