Camera choices, i'm on a budget and a beginner?

Canon T3, Canon 30D (or 40d depending if price is right), or Canon XSI -- any cheap Nikon suggestion would be nice too.

I'm a beginner photographer wanting to learn more, i have a Nikon l120 and would like a real DSLR

The nikon d3000 or 3100 they are great cameras for beginners because they are the easiest to work with while on top of taking great pictures.hey and say you get good all the lenses are interchangable so if you want a new camera and you already have lenses for the other one no worries they are interchangable, and also say you become a better photograper and learn that you want to open the apeture or control the shutter speed you can still do that. From what i know nikon has the best lenses while canon has better internal production. I have the 3000 and love it, it so easy to work with. Hope this helps

I'm a Canon guy so I can only comment on Canon bodies.

1st. The T3 is ahead of the pack on the list you've suggested. Better iso capabilities, newer, better sensor
2nd. The 40d's sensor is similar to an a 400d/XTI sensor. The only advantage the 40d has compared to those listed is it feels better in your hand and its a better build than your rebel series
3rd. The XSi I would say is the cheapest out of the bunch (used Craigslist)

If I were you, I would find a used xsi and use the rest of the money on a better lens. You'll hear this a lot! It's all about the lens! I wish I knew this before I went off a purchased a better body, instead I would have been more happy keeping the body I had, but upgrading the lens.