I am switching from point and shoot to dslr.

D5100's price above seems higher than the current selling price.

When getting a DSLR, you'll be getting into picking a "system", not just a camera. That means not just one but possibly more lenses depending on your shooting needs, flashes and other accessories.  Both Canon and Nikon offer comprehensive array of photographic system for evey budget and need.

Picture quality and capabilites from both systems are about equal for all intents and purposes.  I recommend that you go to a seller that carries both lines and  check out both cameras to see how each feels in your hand and see how the button layout and the user interface appeals to you.   It becomes a matter of personal preference; in the end, you can't go wrong with either system. 

A friend once told me "if someone were to give you either camera, you would be happy with it.  Nikon and Canon are like Toyota and Honda.  Get one and you will be satisfied.  Only is this case it is more like Acura and Lexus.  I bought my first dSLR about 4 years ago.  Unless you are getting paid to take pictures any system will do.  Don't get caught up in all the blog, specs, and reviews.  Do learn how to use the camera.  An SLR will not take better photos than your P&S.  It will make it easier to take good photos if you learn how to properly use it.  Picture quality, focus speed, and shot to shot speed, and versatility are the strong points of an SLR.

I would take the Nikon D5100, because of it's good low light performance and amazing image quality.