The EOS 600D is also beginner friendly but sits above the EOS 1100D in the Canon DSLR range, where it's arguably more of a direct threat to Nikon's equally new D5100. The asking price is £779 with 18-55mm IS zoom or £679 for body only.
Compact, lightweight, easier to use than ever; angle-adjustable LCD and large resolution are a boon for those who want more from their photography
Occasional clipped highlights; integral mic picks up adjustment noise