Which DSLR camera: Nikon D5000 vs Canon Rebel T1i vs Canon Rebel XS?

I would actually save up for the T2i, it is honestly a fantastic camera. If it is out of budget, I would pick the T1i, then the D5000, then the Rebel XS. Personally, I find the controls on Canon cameras more natural than those on Nikons, but if I were you, I would go to a camera store and try out the T2i (may not have the T1i in stock) and the Nikon D5000. See which you like more.

I would consider Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

* New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor

* Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output

* 3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills and video

* Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards

im a huge Canon fan i own a canons myself if your a biginner and want to learn how to use manual settings go with the cheaper priced camera but be very careful because a camera body is just a small part its really gonna depend on the user and the lens quality to get a geat picture thats sharp

most cheaper kit lenses have soft focus and ruin the picture but for a biginner who is just trying to learn how to take pictures without setting it to auto and snapping away then it be fine. I still use a rebel xti but with a 1,000 dollar lens and takes phenomenal pictures. now difference in cameras

nikon and canon my opinion canon has more of a natural color then the nikon but thats my opinion

both nikon and canon are great cameras but start cheaper then when you get the feel for taking pictures invest in better lenses good quality lenses hold their value then you could always upgrade the body for better features and still have a great lens to put on it. to conclude Rebel XS + good lens

Excellent picks both. Patron reviews does rank the Canon better with higher image best moreover to larger Megapixel (15.1 to 12.2 ) and lighter body (27.7 to 32.6) and better flash unit. However, that is not to say that the Nikon shouldn't be a great digicam both. Even patron experiences selected the Nikon as a "excellent buy" and the Canon as "recommended". However seeing as the price is nearly identical, i would go for the Canon. I've dealt with each Nikon's and Canon's and Canon SLR's are just more intuitive than Nikon cameras. Either way, you can not lose.