oh and as for the nikon/canon debate - i think canons seem a little more on trend, but i much prefer nikon. i bought a nikon d40 myself, i love it to death ect, i tried whatever the beginner rebel is (the name escapes me) in best buy and i didn't like it at all in comparison. the nikon is just simpler, and i almost always prefer pictures taken with it, like on flickr and stuff.
on the other hand, canon point and shoots beat nikon into the ground. i just like nikon a lot more for dslr purposes.