Here's an intersting write up on the Sony Nex 5 and the Canon competition.
In summary
Unless you absolutely have to have the tiny size of the NEX-5, the Canon 550D is the camera to go for. It outdoes nearly every other DSLR in its price bracket and is almost the same size as Sony's offering. It may cost you an extra £120 to invest in the Canon but the future-proofing is worth it. The capabilities of the NEX-5 will seem limiting after a year's photography but the 550D will continue to impress, helping your photography grow.
