Beginner photographer! Need a camera but what to get

I've recently fell in love with photography and am looking into getting a DSLR and with not knowing much about cameras and what's good for what so i need some major help! With all the different types of cameras out there it's hard to find out which one is best for me.i'm 18 and in college so a cheaper one would be nice. I'm into portrait like senior pictures and nature photography. I'm thinking canon unless you think nikon is better. But please give suggestions and a possible link for me to check it out.
Thanks!

Added (1). Things i'm looking for:
- good in low light
- at least 16 MP
- adequate frames per second
- deals that come with more than one lens

"- good in low light"… To an extent, that is more lens dependent than it is the camera body. A lens that is f/2.8 or better (the lower the f/stop, the "faster" the lens is by allowing more light into the camera)

"- at least 16 MP"… Forget the "mega pixel myth". More MP's does not mean better images. The sensor density has more to do with quality than the megapixels.

DSLR cameras come in three grades:

entry level (consumer) $550 to $1, 000
Semi-professional $1, 000 to $3, 000
Professional $4, 000 to $45, 000+ (Body only)

Both Canon and Nikon make nice cameras. The best thing to do is visit an actual camera shop (not bestbuy/walmart) and try the different models within your budget to see which feels the best to you. I bought a Canon for its ergonomics/feel/menu and control layout and a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reason… It is about personal preference.

The one thing to remember is to budget in extra money to cover an extra battery, memory cards, camera case, a USB memory card reader, and taxes (these can add another $200-$250 to the camera price for an entry level DSLR).

Also, most camera shops offer free beginner camera/photography classes (and free prints) when you buy a camera there.

Besides the local camera shops, B&H Photo is my online choice… Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&ci=6222&N=4288586280&srtclk=sort

Here is what a local shop offers for a multi lens kit… Http://www.schillersonline.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[product_guids][0]=84775e9c-a906-4b89-b6a1-98db8e8732d5 http://www.schillersonline.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[product_guids][0]=28810fa1-ee46-4956-beb2-a8ac6ad2d981 http://www.schillersonline.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[product_guids][0]=21cf440a-c527-43f7-a38e-5ab40bb5ec81

I would definitely think about either the canon eos 600d or the older version the canon eos 60d.personally i believe the 60d is better and many reviews agree, but the price of the 600d is significantly cheaper and the video on the 600d is supposedly superb. It all depends on your budget but here is a link to a fantastic site that always helps me
http://snapsort.com/...psort.com/
also here is a link to a top class site that gives you reviews and the best bargains you would ever wish for.
http://www.digitalrev.com/en/canon-eos-60d-digital-camera-dslr-body-and-canon-ef-50mm-f1-dot-8-mk-ii-and-transcend-16gb-class-6-sdhc-memory-card-10079.html

i own a 60d and it is superb
-it takes 5.3 fps ( frames per second)
-it has over 160 app-liable lenses and many filters
-it is 17.9 MP
-prices range from £680 - £860 (body only)
-HD movie recording
-ISO Sensitivity from 100 to 6400 (Extendable to 12800)

enjoy its never ending.

Based on what you said you don't need fast frames per second. If you do given all the other specs a Sony A560/580 will best right at home! You can buy cheap minolta lenses for them with good apertures like 2.8 or 1.4 and thats good for portraiture!

Look at pen tax too! They are giving you alot of camera for a cheap price! (K-R) or (K-X)