Sony ka, Canon ka, Nikon ka, all now got 1080p jor. Just that maybe canon's format different, or whatever lo.

550D got manual video control, D5100 got the tilty screen, A580/A55 got AVCHD 1080p recording, same also one.

All got advantage and disadvantage and somehow, his last statement I can't compute too.

Easy manual setting?

Ergonomics wise, I still think Sony and Canon better. Want change iso can easily do, unlike nikon need enter sub-menu and change.

Don't know why, used lotsa nikon b4, still not familiar.

Why not A580 instead?

Same specs with 600D and performance might be better.

If you want me to list from that price range, I can think of more than 5, at least.

Likely, just compare with A580 n 600D 1st, then only compare with others. Simple.

Performance of 550D and D90 is nearly similar, is not better. D90 is consider quite old for its age compared to the newer lineups.

Looking aside big brands, there is Sony or Pentax that could deliver the same or better performance at the same price range.

For example, the A580 is considered better compared to 550d and has lower pricing too, if that is what you are looking for.

If i read your reply carefully also, it has no useful info inside.

Looking at your majority users/known users are not gonna help you get any better in deciding/chances to borrow gear.

Looking at lens lineup will not help either, unless you are a lens collector on rampage. Its better to look for lens lineup at the range you might need, like for example f2,8, fast primes or f2,8 telephoto lens.

Many including Goldy already stated b4, the chance of you trying to loan your buddies's gear is likely low, unless of course you buddies are rich people that can afford various lenses.

Frankly, just choose a camera that suits your hands, and you are practically done. The rest, is up to you/the buyer.

To really push a lens through rainy days, I have done that before. But to put the camera's body at rainy day, that's something I rather not risk.

Weatherproof or whatever proof, might as well not risk your camera out in the open with harsh elements that could damage it.

60D excels in Video, D7000 excels in image quality.

Does it really matter in the end? A good photographer would just get the one that suits him the most, and make magic outta the camera.

Below 2k, limited choices.

Rather, push ur budget to 2.3k like that and you can afford 550d, D5100 or A35.

I did rather get something more expensive at start, rather than entry level that lacks certain features which i need.

Get a 2nd hand A55 lo..

Or maybe A580. Still within budget, but if new, without lens around 2,3k like that for a580.

Pentax, you need ask guest18 at the Pentax user as I am not very well versed in this brand.

I owned only 3, each from canon, nikon and sony. Thus, my knowledge is sadly limited, at the pentax brand.

D3100 not good enough? Of course it decent. But lack of AF motor annoys the heck outta me, as I need to spend abit more for the AF motor in lens. But if that's not an issue for you, then yea, sure go ahead.

Well, it does not really reduce the variety of lens, more like making you spend more for a certain type of lens.

550D/D5100 are good entry level cams. Have no issues with either 1 of em. But for entry level, I favor my own Sony A580 over those 2. As if why, its personal preference. Also, there is some aspect of the Sony which I love, mostly the ergonomics.

Unless you looking for old and discontinued model, most of the newer sony DSLR are at least 2k+

Cheapest would be the A33/A35 now

Strict 3000?

Can get a 600D/550D or Sony A580 with that range.

In terms of Iso, video performance and etc, I think D90 is on the losing side, due to the aging body, but otherwise, I view D90 as a solid camera still.

Nex5? Nex 7 already around 4k, no need to bother since your budget is way below 4k.

But if want viewfinder, need to get Nex5n.

Nikon D7000? Sony A580?

Lol, best bet is 60D? In what sense?

With 4k, I think I can get A580 + Tamron 17-50 f2,8 liao lo.. Or maybe can get other things with the extra $$

Lens > Body is true, to a certain extend.

If I were you, I did get something else, rather than something I might regret later.

Choices are, 550d or 60d, if there is sufficient cash for both, I did 60D than 550D.

You can't even get a used D90 fir less than 1k.

Maybe a used D3000? Or 1000D?

Swivel out screen, That's what I think you are trying to say?

If so, unless you are looking for DSLR for videos, the Nex5n is within budget and it does have good video features and etc. At least, till a firmware update is release

Erm, frankly, I would prefer a NEX 5n over others, maybe because I did have a short tenure with the Nex series before moving up to my DSLR.

Anyways, Nex 5n has only small issues with the recording, something that could be easily fix soon. Overall, my advice is still get the 5n. Maybe other videographer can give their opinion.

Hard cap at 3k? That's equivalent to a Nex 5n which some extra junks. Why not? It has adjustable aperture, changeable lens and what you can ask for. Although I would say the GF3 is more nicer looking

APSC sensor vs Micro 4/3?

Well, I think iso, low light wise, Nex > Gf3

If you can afford it, why not?

Erm, the dual kit or what? Nex3 is an old model what? The replacement model, nex C3 is already out for new months LOL.

Erm, Nex 5n only got touchscreen, nex 5 does not have touch screen.

Well yea then. Quite reasonable pricing, I would daresay....

Add abit more, get A35 around 2,2k or A55 at 2,4k. Better than the old A390/290.

Roughly 3xx for 50mm prime. I did rather go 35mm f1,8 for 699 for street shots, if i were you.

Erm, one dude just got C3 for around 1850 few post above yours.

I think if you ask Unker Chin from Studio Zaloon to deal with you also, think you will get it cheaper after postage compared to the 1999 u getting offered now LOL.

Go search for Studio Zaloon in garage sales lo. Bottom there got his HP number. Call from 10am to 8pm. Then you slowly nego sama dia la

Malacca? Which shop?