You'd be better suited reading reviews and trawling a couple of the photography forums like POTN and DPReview. That said both Nikon and Canon have excellent entry level DSLR cameras. I started off on a Canon XS (still have it), moved to a T2i and then got a 5Dmk2 and a 1Dmk2. I also still covet my Canon Powershot S1 IS, 6 years old and still a wonderful camera so something like the G12 might be of interest.

First shot with my Sigma 85 on the 5Dmk2

Chalka-licious by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr

Canon 70-200L on the 1dmk2

Boardwalk Talk by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr

Canon 24-70L on the T2i

Eye, Always Focus Eye by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr

Sigma 30 on the T2i

Fade Away by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr

Sigma 150 Macro on the T2i

Word by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr

Canon 60 on the XS

Colors by Unregistered Coward, on Flickr