I have since edited my thread title. As you can see, now I have axed out the Canon550D as I personally feel that the Pentax K-r is more value for money.
I am now also considering the Sony SLT A33 alongside with the K-r. Changed the title so that seniors with knowledge on SONY can give me advice.
(Oh, just found out that I can't change the thread title on the main page

this sucks, how to lure Sony and Pentax seniors into the thread?? lol)
So I did my research and apparently the A33 meets my requirements too! EVF is good cos I would prefer something with a VF after seeing how the small LCD on the Oly EPL1. Here comes the drawbacks:
- Poor battery life, estimatedly 270 pics (which I know can be solved with extra battery)
- See threads of "overheating" floating around?
- Limited Sony lens range and they look more expensive to me (or am I wrong?). I can use other brands like Sigma, right? Do I need an adapter?
- Seen some comments on the noise level, some were impressed, some say that it seems to be going down from ISO 1600 onwards. I have seen the pictures and it seems like the NEX5 produces less noise. Also, the K-r then wins the A33 if we are comparing ISO.
- No fun art filters (sounds silly i know. Also, I can surely use photoediting softwares, but the reason why I am getting a new camera is because I want to cut down on the photoshopping/editing, preferably do a straight upload for some series)
Will Sony continue to extend the SLT line? I don't want to be stuck in this situation where they decide to phrase out the SLTs after a while.
Thank you for the advices given so far, and for introducing other options like the Pentax and Sony to me. (well the bad thing is my research is never-ending and I have been doing it for days and close to a week already) If I had not posted this thread, I would not have opened my eyes to Sony or Pentax. Yuh, so typical newbie and ignorant right? Apparently all we see is Nikon or Canon, Nikon or Canon.
By the way I only learnt about the D3100 only because I saw the advertisement while watching tv. Advertising win. LOL