low light , portraits , wedding , fashion. macro,street

for low light? go with D5100 it will give u clear image.. with its big processor..:D believe me.. :D nikon pro.. :D

i would surely go with the Nikon D5100 cuz its the photography in low light aspect the D5100 scores the best out of its ring ............

Hi Magesh,

You are asking the same question, i was asking about a year back.

Both are great cameras, no doubt about that,

Canon 550d, has more easily accessable functions with respect to camera settings

the image sensor is the same one on the canon 60d, very good one

the biggest advantage of this camera is its built in AF motor.

Nikon d5100

usage and functions, need a bit getting used to, once u get used, no problem

the image sensor is the best of all, DxoMark rating, it is the same one used in iconic Nikon d7000.

absolutely good, Image quality, color depth, Low light just too good.

the biggest draw back is that it doesnt have a AF motor built in

all new lenses from Nikon or Canon, come with a built in AF motor. 

the concept of giving motors in lens, became popular and preferred, as the camera motor, when it drives the lens, result in slight movement on the lens, which translates to motion blur in the image. generally this is unnoticeable, at higher shutter speeds, but at lower speed of 1/60 and lower, this may become an issue.

unless you go in to professional grade tele photo lens, due to the high cost of these lens, there will be a cost difference between motor driven lenses and non motor driven lenses.

however I would recommend the Nikon, as i myself use it.

but i suggest based on these points, prioritize and choose your camera. 

for the photography you have mentioned, Nikon is the more suitable one and especially if you stretch your budget and look at a Nikon d7000. that wd be the real photography tool.

note that, the body, you will change as you progress, but the lenses you buy will be a long term investment.

All the best.

both are great.if u r thinking economically 550D is good !