Okay, I have the reception and can chime in on the subject. The Canon Nikon comparison is like splitting hairs between Chevy and Ford. The following is my opinion and while I have owned and shot with both Brands, what's relevant to your purchase is that Nikon will typically offer lower price points on the body but the features are more limited down low. Canon will cost more but offer a bit more. I chose Canon for the main consideration on DSLR's and that's lens selection. Nikon is getting better and while both offer decent quality kit lenses, Canon still has a much better selection down the road, thus once you're on board with their product and expand, you'll have more choices in terms of good glass.
I'm not up on all the details regarding specific models but the initial insight I have and yet I'm a bit biased. If you're keeping to a lower budget, I'd highly recommend the Canon T3 or t3i. I'll let you line them up on dpreview.com in their side by side comparison for details on each.
If it's your first camera, spend a bit more and get the 18-200 lens. It's a decent lens with all around use from wide angle to moderate distance zoom and an all in one package that's very easy to use and carry around. I've shot with it as my brother in law has one and it works well. Many of the kit lenses will range in the 18-55 then 55-250 range and you'll find yourself switching lenses often if you're just a casual shooter. Both are decent again, for kit lenses, but the 18-200 has IS, is in the same category speed wise and optically speaking too.
There, I'm a bit biased but FWIW, you have my thoughts. Don't be afraid of used gear but given you're not buying a $3k camera, just go new. Unless you find a decent 50D or 7D for a good price but then both might be more than what you want to spend now.
PM me or hit my cell with any questions.