Fight Club - Budget DSLRs

The prolific entry-level market sees the two big contenders trading punches and dishing out pain, but is there a clear winner between the two or can there be no unanimous decision?

Nikon D3000		Canon EOS 1000D

£400 with 18-55mm (non-IS) kit lens www.nikon.co.uk		£370 with 18-55mm DC (non-IS) kit lens www.canon.co.uk
First impressions:
Like the previous generation Nikon D60, the D3000 looks the part and is immediately accessible. The 3in screen adds some muscular bulk to set it apart too.	WIN!!	LOSE!	The EOS 1000D is a little bit rough around the edges, it doesn't feel immediately comfortable to hand and could do with a finer finish and toughening-up of body.
In the ring:
With AF-S, it's the lens that has to provide the focus motor. Whilst this works relatively well, it will add to the cost of any future lenses you'll need to purchase.	LOSE!	WIN!!	Unlike the Nikon, the Canon has an internal focusing motor that will provide the necessary focusing for attached lenses. A tough all-rounder.
Shot at the title:
Whilst consistent, the Nikon's image quality is ever so slightly in the Canon's shadow for this round.	LOSE!	WIN!!	Canon oozes quality, and the 1000D continues to follow suit by providing excellent image quality.
Bookies favourite?
A sure bet for an initial buy, it's the cost of future lens purchases that provides the biggest price setback.	LOSE!	WIN!!	A wholly affordable and solid entry-level system. The Canon just about gets an extra strike in over Nikon's offering.
Special move:
Guide mode. The Nikon provides all the info you'll need to get snapping in a very easy-to-understand format.	WIN!!	LOSE!	Bantam weight. At just 450g the EOS 1000D is the smallest and lightest EOS camera to ever hit the shelf.
Sensor:
10.2MP CCD sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm)	DRAW	DRAW	10.1MP CMOS sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm)
ISO range:
100-1600	DRAW	DRAW	100-1600
LCD:
3in 230K-dot TFT	WIN!!	LOSE!	2.5in 230K-dot TFT
Viewfinder field of view:
95% approx	DRAW	DRAW	95% approx
Continuous shooting:
3fps	DRAW	DRAW	3fps
AF-system:
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000, 11 focus points with one cross type sensor	WIN!!	LOSE!	7 AF points, with one centre cross-type sensor
Stabilisation:
No, unless using stabilised lenses	DRAW	DRAW	No, unless using stabilised lenses
HD Video:
No	DRAW	DRAW	No
Conclusion:
WIN!! Nikon D3000		LOSE! Canon EOS 1000D