Canon 550D vs Nikon D3100

I'm looking into buying my first SLR camera and I've narrowed my choice down to between these two giants but I'm having a hard time deciding, so I'm hoping some people here will be able to express their opinion which will hopefully help me out.

quote Canon 550D

18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)

Continuous shooting at 3.7fps

Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates

7.7cm (3.0 inch) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots

Canon 550D via Amazon.

quote Nikon D3100

14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor delivers lifelike images with vivid colors and reduced noise

EXPEED2 image processing engine provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality

High ISO (100-3200) light sensitivity - manually extendable up to ISO12800

D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) movie clips: record beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips with sound

GUIDE mode: quick and easy-to-use in-camera assistance

Nikon D3100 via Amazon.

Thanks for replying, ctrl. I took your advice but rather than buy the 550D, opted for the 600D (T3i) instead. I paid about £400, which is something around $640 - which I thought was a pretty sweet deal. I guess the next step is getting myself clued up about certain lenses etc.

So what lenses have you got so far? Any suggestions on which lens I should aim for other than the standard 18-5mm that the 600D comes with? I literally know nothing of photography but it's something I'm trying to slowly introduce myself to. Though saying that, I don't think I'll be able to afford extra lenses any time soon, this camera is already starting to cost me a small fortune with all the little extras and what-not.

quote ctrl

I'm already considering what to save up for. Whether a telephoto lense that is at least 300mm, or perhaps a macro lens. I've also had my eye on a few shift-tilt lenses.

If you are canon, I suggest spending good money on lenses, specifically if you plan to one day upgrade. A lens will last much longer than a body and its better to spend more on the lens than the body if you are tight on cash. Saying that don't get anything other than a L grade lens if you can afford it, and by that I am mostly aiming at telephoto lenses. The non L telephoto lenses are pretty much useless, the best non-L glass is the primes. Also a tilt-shift lens has very specific uses, and other than using it to shoot a lot of landscape [particularly architecture] it doesn't have a lot of use. Although a lot of people are starting to use it as a gimmick lens for portraits. Still I wouldn't suggest a tilt-shift lens unless you really want it or have a wide range of lenses already.

quote Mirage

Any suggestions on which lens I should aim for other than the standard 18-5mm that the 600D comes with?

I would suggest getting a 50mm 1.8 II lens. Its only about $125-$150 and is one of the best lenses you can buy to practice on. It will make you work for your images since there is no zoom. Plus the added fact of being able to play with a wide aperture lens as well. It has many limitations but is worth every penny. If you know some camera geeks you can try to buy it used off them or their friends, I sold mine to a friend and another photographer friend was selling hers for 50$ so I bought right away, and I have it as a beat up lens to lend to friends