Canon vs nikon vs sony DSLR?

If you want a DSLR-type camera that shoots great video too, then the current pack leader is Sony's SLT-A77, followed by Nikon's D7000 (expect a D7100 sometime), or Canon's 7D. Regards the rock climbing, if you are going to use a DSLR-type camera, then getting a good padded body case is going to be more important than the camera that's in it!

First of all it's hard for me to recommend a camera brand because they all have advantages and disadvantages. Most of my relatives are photographers who have the following cameras that I had the pleasure of shooing with. Nikon D3, Nikon D300, Nikon D60, Sony A900, Minolta 7d, Sony a55, Sony a77, Canon 7d, Canon Xsi and many more. I'll tell you the camera I purchased and the reasons why A77 was my choice. I do like the direction Sony is heading by implementing the latest features and technology into their cameras. It seems like you are getting the best bang for your buck as far as features and specs go. Second I wanted a dslr/t with great video capabilities. The A77 records 1080p at 60p which gives you a really smooth video that most of these pro video cameras don't have. Another advantage is the translucent mirror which enables you to continuously auto focus in video making it much easier to record home movies. But I think what really made my decision was the in-body image stabilization. Meaning any lens that you put on the camera becomes stabilized including primes and macro which do not normally come with image stabilization. So there is no need to pay for one every time you buy a lens. Something you will not find on a Canon or Nikon. Also the A57 just got release so this might be a cheaper alternative if you don't need the magnesium body and weather sealing. This camera is not the perfect camera but it suits my needs. Well there I go sounding like the rest trying to sell you a brand lol. I just want to be clear on the reasons why I purchased this camera and this camera might not be the one for you. The best thing to do is try them out at a local camera store and then make your decision. Don't let people like me make them for you. Keep on searching you will find it.

if it helps any, i am a rock climber, so it would be nice to have something that can shoot well for those scenes

Out of those I'd get the D7000 but that does not leave you money for lenses. Do yourself a favor, look at really good lenses and less expensive bodies. There is a huge difference in the lenses and they do not change every year or two. A great lens will last you forever. Since you are rock climbing, the D7000 with a light, wide angle lens is an ideal package. I'd get a 24 or 28mm and then a 50mm f1.4. From there you can buildup to longer lenses

If you're dipping your foot into the photography world and looking to buy your DLSR, something small like the Canon 600D, Nikon D5100 or a Sony A55. All are reasonably priced and will get the job done. The more serious mid-range cameras like the Nikon D90/7000, Canon 60D or Sony A77 are generally well built and weather-sealed. However, they are reasonably heavier and come with a slightly steeper price tag. At the end of the day, you pick a camera based on your needs. If you're interested in taking high-quality video, I'd probably go with a Canon. However, if you're more focused on buying a DSLR for photography, then go for a Nikon or Sony. Are you going to be shooting all day? - try for a smaller body. Do you really need all those megapixels? Do you need all those extra features? How often are you going to be using it? What are you generally shooting? I'd probably go with the Canon 600D- great for video and images, fairly cheap, has a flip LCD screen. It's a good first DSLR. If you're willing to spend the money and actually use the camera, the Canon 60D or Nikon D7000 would be a smart pick- decent megapixel count, reasonably priced, large LCD screen, both weather-sealed. http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras- gives you a good side-by-side comparison for cameras.

Any of the entry level DSLRs would keep you happy for a few years. I'd pick either Canon or Nikon. I have a LOT of contact with other photographers and time and time again it seems that either one of those are most likely to make their owners happy. The most important part is to buy only the best lenses - camera bodies get upgraded, lenses stay with us. You WILL regret buying cheap lenses. Don't rush into buying lenses. Start with a kit lens, get to know your camera, that lens, and all photographic principles. Through time and through use, you will eventually KNOW what other lenses you'll need/want. The more time you'll take, the less likely you are to regret your choices. If you know anyone close to you with a camera, consider borrowing lenses and "picking their brain" about their camera and whatever else they know. Go to a store and hold a few cameras, see how they feel to YOU. Keep in mind that buying a DSLR isn't cheap, even if you find a good deal for body and kit lens. You'll also 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 and more lenses. 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. Just some food for thought........ Do lots of research before you buy, and start learning about photography, too. The very best thing you can do for your photography is to attend a class and read a few books and tutorials. Having some knowledge will make a huge difference to your images. I hope I have expressed this idea clearly enough: YOU need to learn about photography because even the world's best camera will take lousy shots in the hands of someone who has no clue how to use it.

I am a big fan of all Nikon cameras. I think it is the best brand for cameras ever. Out of all the models you mentioned for me Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is the absolute winner. I can compare the D3100 and the D5100 in detail for your better understanding. Advantages of the Nikon D5100 over D3100: 1. Significantly better image quality 80.0 vs 67.0 2. Significantly lower noise at high ISO 1 183 ISO vs 919 ISO 3. More dynamic range 13,6 EV vs 11,3 EV 4. Significantly higher resolution screen 920k dots vs 230k dots 5. Has an external mic jack Yes vs No 6. Has in-camera HDR Yes vs No 7. Has a flip-out screen Yes vs No 8. Better color depth 23,5 bits vs 22,5 bits 9. Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO 10.Higher true resolution 16.1 MP vs 14.2 MP 11.Shoots faster 4 fps vs 3 fps 12.Better boost ISO 25,600 ISO vs 12,800 ISO 13.Longer battery life 660 shots vs 550 shots 14.Larger sensor APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs APS-C 23.1x15.4mm The only plus point of the D3100 is that it has 400 ms startup delay whereas the D5100 has 500 ms. So the D3100 has 20% less delay when turning on otherwise the D5100 is the best choice. Best price for D5100 from my research: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-16-2MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B004V4IWKG/ref=zg_bs_3017941_4&tag=faumioe-20 Read this helpful review about the overall performance of the camera. It will help you make your decision: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3RXULR8A4H60T/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004V4IWKG&nodeID=&linkCode=&tag=faumioe-20 Best price for D3100 from my research: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-14-2MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B003ZYF3LO/ref=zg_bs_3017941_3&tag=faumioe-20