Which dslr camera is better?

IMO the Sony SLT a55 is better than either (snapsort agrees) but which one is better is more a question of which is better for you. You might like one camera for your own reasons while someone else prefers another for their own reasons. This is why it's important to go try them out in a store (even if you don't ultimately buy from that store). To answer your questions, none of this class of camera is "simple" and they all take great photos. I would lean toward Sony or Nikon in answering which is a better beginner camera because they both have a better guide mode and IMO more intuitive controls and menu systems than Canon but that shouldn't deter you if you are willing to learn (and don't forget to read the manual). For taking action photos, Sony SLT a55 wins hand down against the two cameras you mentioned with 10fps continuous shooting and continuous autofocus. But between these two action shooting performance is about the same. As long as you use a fast shutter speed you shouldn't have a problem catching the action with any camera ... the Sony SLT just makes it a lot easier.

I think the Canon T2i is a much better camera in all the ways you mentioned then the Nikon D3100. I can give you a number of reason why the T2i is overall a better camera then the D3100. Advantages of the Canon T2i over Nikon D3100: 1. Much higher resolution screen 1,040k dots vs 230k dots 2. Has an external mic jack Yes vs No 3. Significantly higher true resolution 17.9 MP vs 14.2 MP 4. Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO 5. More dynamic range 11,5 EV vs 11,3 EV 6. Has a built-in focus motor Yes vs No 7. Larger viewfinder 0,54x vs 0,51x 8. Less shutter lag 252 ms vs 279 ms 9. Shoots faster 3.7 fps vs 3 fps 10. Smaller 129x98x62 mm vs 124x96x73 mm 11. Significantly thinner 2,4" vs 2,9" The only thing that the D3100 has that is missing from the t2i is the Video auto focus. The D3100 has contrast detection whereas the T2i does not automatically focus while shooting video. Best price for the T2i from my research: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T2i-Processor-3-0-inch-18-55mm/dp/B0035FZJHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331300344&sr=1-1&tag=faumioe-20 I found a really helpful review about the T2i: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1VRLBMZAAZTBU/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0035FZJHQ&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20 Best price for the D3100 from my research: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-14-2MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B003ZYF3LO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331300336&sr=1-1&tag=faumioe-20

if you've never really held a camera, i suggest you going to a store and playing with them. the thing with the t2i and d3100 is that they're pretty similar in the sense of "they'll both take good photos". as for which camera is simpler, that's based on your preference. I prefer canon because im used to their layout both are equally good at taking photos and they are considered good beginner cameras. as for action photos, the t2i (3.7fps) edges out the d3100 (3fps) once you made your decision, check out the website below for tips on how to use it http://www.technifoto.com