Advice on buying a Dslr camera?

I'm planing to buy a dslr camera. This is going to be my first dslr camera. First of all, I'm not into making videos at all. I've been shooting photos with a compact digital camera, and now I need better a equipment. I'm into landscape, travel, Macro, little bit of action, potraits and normal other photography.

I'm a hobbyst, I need to improve my photographing skills, specially to take photos creatively. You know what I mean. I don't want to become a total slave auto focus. Anyway, I'm student and I have a budget problem too, My budget is around 500$. I've been thinking of Nikon D3100 (since lots of people recommend it), I have been interested in Canon rebet Xsi 450D which seems to be a good camera. Then I have found some good bargains for Used cameras Nikon d5000 and canon 500D.

So I need this camera in an photographic edge. To shoot artistic photographs. So now I'm confused. Cameras complexity doesn't matter. I easily get going with any tech stuff just within few mins.
btw, I'm planing to buy this camera for 1 or 2 years and then I'll upgrade to a better camera, now I need to improve and sharpen my skills, while taking good photos.

I really appreciate your advice.

I have a 450D (XSi) and it is a great camera but it was discontinued around 2 yrs ago. There may be old/refurbished stock about but beware that you may be looking at used equipment.

In you budget there's the Canon Rebel T3 (1100D) or the Nikon D3100.

You won't need to upgrade the camera body in 2 years! You will improve the quality of your photos more by adding lenses to improve your versatility. Buy a new camera now and expect it to last 4-5 years before you "need" ("want" is another matter!) to upgrade.

I have had my 450D for 3yrs and have no intention of upgrading the body any time soon. My upgrades will be to my lens collection.