Which camera is better for a 13 year old who wants to take classes

Better camera, easy to use settings and cheaper than the Rebel, with better image quality.

I would say that from what I know, nikon has a better beginner friendly interface which will help her leart although I think depending on the class & her experince that bridge camera might be better, or getting an older, cheaper, manufacturer's refurbished camera (my brother  recently got a refurb 550D/Rebel T2i online) so she could have money left to get a good case, tripod and a fast SD card.

I'm a Nikon user so I might be biased but both cameras are fine for taking photo classes.  T3i is slightly more feature laden than D3100 but for your stated purpose, both are fine choices.  Nikon D5100 is more of a comparable model to T3i but is slightly more expensive. 

Your daughter's current level of photographic knowledge, experience and level of commitment may ultimately dictate your outlay for the equipment, present and the future. 

The cameras you suggested were both DSLR's. I wouldn't reccomend getting a DSLR for someone's very first camera.

I'm 13 as well, and the first camera beyond kid-friendly, super simple cameras was a cheap, basic compact digital camera. I outgrew it though as it was poor quality and frequently didnt convey the images I imagined. I got a Canon Powershot SX210 IS, which was excellent and I used until it stopped working about a year ago. I now use a 35mm film SLR, which taught me a lot about manual controls. I'm saving for a DSLR.

I would reccomend a basic camera, SX260 at the most expensive and most complicated, but really something simpler and cheaper is fine. You dont want her to be overwhelmed by the controls available and slowly introduce her to more expensive cameras.

As a self-taught 14 year old photographer, I would actually not recommend a DSLR. Many people will disagree, but in my opinion, composition and experience are formed on a pocket camera. Many people get caught up in the quality in their photos, and gain experience slower, as generally people believe a photo of good quality is a good photo. Once your daughter has gained experience on a pocket camera, I would recommend a DSLR. If the case is that your daughter already has plenty of experience on a pocket camera, I would reccommend the Nikon D3100.

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They are both as good as one another, neither is particularly better than the other. If you really want to scrutinize you'd, get a better image from the D3100 at higher ISOs because of the lower megapixel count, generally speaking the lower the megapixel count the better signal to noise ratio you get. I.e. lower megapixels = better pictures when the light is low.

At this level the only REAL difference is that the screen on the T3i is amazing compared to the D3100. But the question is, assuming you can't get the T3i any cheaper, do you want to spend an additional $70 on a screen? With that said, the hinged screen on the T3i is decent if you plan a foray into shooting video as well as stills, but the T3i can't auto focus when in video mode whereas the Nikon can.

They are both excellent starter cameras, if you can pick the Canon up cheaper than the Nikon, go with the Canon, if you can pick the Nikon up cheaper than the Canon, get the Nikon. 

I'm only recommending the Nikon as I have to recommend something. They are both great little cameras.

TL;DR:

-Newer T4i isn't worth getting over the T3i on a value/cost standpoint.

-APS-C Sensor is more than fine for her level of experience.

-Good photos are all about the lens quality (aka "the glass") and the image sensor, the rest is far less important.

-Invest big money in lens over camera bodies.

From a photography standpoint, I would recommend the T3i over the newer T4i on a budget stand-point. I am a 15 year old film/music/photograpy-enthusiast who is privileged enough to own a 5D Mark III. My obscenely wealthy friend, Ian, has a 1D X, which he uses for photography. I personally have shot a few photos with the T3i, and find it to be an exceptional entry-level Digital SLR. That being said, APS-C crop size sensor is no 35mm full-frame featured in a Canon 6D, 5D, or 1D, but those range in price from $2,200 to 6,800, and are reserved for semi-pro and professional photographers. If you think this is a real passion and not some fad, you can invest some real money into it. However, I would recommend investing much more heavily in the lens, as it, combined with the image sensor, are the most important technical aspects of a good photo. A camera body should usually last about 5 to 6 years, even in the best hands, but a lens has a much longer life, usually lasting about 15-20 years. Canon's L Series lenses are the top-tier, but average (depending on type, of course) between $700 to 14,000. Hope this Helps your decision. Though for your daughter, a T3i with a f/1.4 50mm lens (about $300) should be more than suitable, and under the total cost of $1,000.

You can't go wrong with either brand, I just prefer Canon since I went digital 9 years ago.

I would recommend the T3i, but since is almost $100 more expensive, i think it would be more fair against a T2i

I'm going to recommend the D3100 because it's smaller—and that means it'll be easier for her to take it everywhere with her (especially combined with a thin "normal" lens—around 28mm on these APS-C sensors). I use a Pentax *ist D from 7 years ago, and it's small size gives me no excuse not to take it with me. (;

However, there are other considerations. What kind of class does she want to take? Some classes require a 35mm film body so that you can learn to develop B&W film. I took a class 10 years ago, and they would not allow digital cameras…but I see most intro classes do as of 4-5 years ago. If she's interested in the darkroom, maybe she'll want a film body.

i think it´s too much to start, i don´t know if the girl has got a camera already... but since the options are these ones, i had bought a canon rebel t3i months ago and i´m very happy with it! 

But this is my third camera, i´m 25. I have had a nikon coolpix, then a canon sx10is which is very good... and now the t3i. 

it depends, if she is already IN phtography, then it´s ok to buy a better camera, if she is sure about continuing investigating in this topic. Sometimes children and teens only want things for the novelty, and in this case i would opt for something less expensive and valuable.

good luck!

first of all is less expensive...is smaller and lighter, very important for a child...it offers some great features like that awesome guide and exceptional quality pictures! canon is more user friendly but nikon  is the real deal here... if she is going to learn how to use a dslr, nikon's software is more appropriate! 

D3100 is cheaper, better in terms of ISO performance and.. 

Not to mention the size factor. thinner, lighter, less bulky as compared to the T3i

Nikon is releasing the D3200 soon, its a better comparison to the T3i.

I totally recommend the D3200, although the choice is out of the question.

Finally it still depends on your daughter, take her to try out both cameras.

Then see what she likes, since it'll be her camera.

Tip: a T3i with kit-lens can be quite heavy for starters.

p/s: i have friends who bought the T3i and regretted for 'some' reasons. and no offence to those Canon users out there, i might be bias but i'm cool.. after all, it still shoot photos. 

Do in these days Photography teachers require students to bring "D"SLR? It's kinda strange to me. As far as I know, SLR, i.e., film camera is required in most of photography classes, and those cameras are not that expensive at all. You may find Canon AE1 or Yashica Fx3 2000 under $90 including 50mm lens. 

Anyway, Nikon D3100 or Canon T3i is too much for a student for the classes. I would go for FZ150 or HX200, and those are more than enough. 

Nikon D90 is a perfect for first camera... It have everything - the same options like in all professional cameras, good for learning photography.

i recommend nikon D3100 bcause nikonD31oo has a good image quality and a good satisfactory for a beginner.

* More comfortable

* Easy to use

* More Auto modes

* Smaller and lighter

* Cheaper too

Please, here in Europe nobody knows the 600D by it's American name. 

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-600d-vs-Nikon_D3100

Snapsort also recommends the 600D.

Don't forget, the best glass comes from Canon, and glass is more important than the body.

I have always used a Canon, I have the T2i they are easy to use like the MPs on them.  I also so have the 30D & some film ones too.

Tried Nikon it didn't last 6 mos. 

Between the two Nikon can get into a lot of money it is good but you have to get into a high end one. 

Canons are good I have never had a bad one. 

Yes this the Canon T3i costed more then the Nikon D3100 but the Canon has the better MP  to which is imported, the higher the MP the better the pictures & the larger picture you can print.

Very good for beginners. And keeping that in mind, the D3100 has more expensive lenses than canon, which makes the T3i a way better investment. I just bought one myself (16 years here)and its a great camera. Perfect for any amateur who is sick of point and shoots. Hope this helps.

I have 14 years old and I started taking photography lessons last summer with a Nikon D60.

I recommend Nikons as they are simpler to use than Canon EOS, and, personally they take better photos.

Nikon have better low and mid-range lenses than Canon. Examples are 18-105mm, 35mm f/1.8 (which I both own and love), 55-300mm, (AF-S) 50mm f/1.8 and so on.

low light is everything when you are opting for DSLR. if not for that you could go for a bridge which can do all the things that a normal DSLR could do, but the part DSLR does its best is the night photos, low light performance. Among the two Nikon has better low light noise performance. If I have to spend money, i would do it on Nikon.. 

canon t3i would be better cuz is more simple to use and more friendly than Nikon . Has a flip out LCD which will allow her to make self portraits .

it is the best entry level camera and even most professionals use this. better get this camera for your daughter. in nikon the most similar camera with the same qualifications is Nikon d5100.

i think you should go for Nikon d3100.because it has better ISO..so she can shoot pretty well at night.I am also a beginner so all the time i want a very clear photo.In that cause nikon kit lens in more sharper then the canon.And Nikon d3100 has a guide menu...So she can use all the function properly....Thank you..