i went canon 500d w/ 18-200, wanted the d90 but budget wasn't there... its around 400usd more expensive compared to canon and i wasnt willing to shell out that much considering this was my first dive into dslr market.
so far so good! i really love the camera's ability to take great pics at night without the flash. i am also glad i got the 18-200 lens. pricey but well worth it.
in my opinion if you go dslr, nikon OR canon and you cant go wrong. rather, the lenses make a big differences as well.