I shoot with a Canon XSi and love it, but the best advice I can give you when looking for a DSLR is to go to the store, hold the cameras, play with the wheels and buttons, and see what you like. You're going to hate using your camera if you buy it and end up not liking how it feels in your hand and/or operates.

Canon and Nikon are the top two brands, but I also know people who love Pentax and Sony.

IMO, you can't really go wrong with any of these cameras as long as it's the one you like. Also keep in mind you're buying into the system, not just the body you choose.