Digital SLR for beginner?

I'm asking for your help in deciding which kind of digital SLR camera to buy. I'm just getting into photography, so for amateur's what would you suggest? I was thinking about getting the Nikon D5000, but many of my friends have suggested Canon. I would like to spend no more than like $1000. Also, what kind of lenses do you think a beginner would need? I'd be doing mainly like on location type photography, so lots of outdoor type stuff!

For that budget, either Nikon D5000/D3100 or Canon T2i (there's a T3i already but your budget won't allow you to get it). For outdoor shooting, try to get a 18-105 kit lens alone or 18-55 and then just get either a 55-200VR or 55-300VR zoom lens (I'm talking about Nikon budget lenses here but there's also a Canon equivalent).
Nikon or Canon is a matter of preference. Personally, I'm using Nikon. There are better lenses out there but we're talking about budget here so, there you go.

Last year I was a beginner too, so I was wondering which camera I should take to be easy to learn in first stage… My friend bought Nikon D5000 and I bought Canon D500. I tried my friend's and I was really confused because I was using my Canon which is in my opinion easier… I have to say that Nikon has more options and buttons but I really like Canon more. I use the simple lens that came with my camera and I'm really happy. Both of them are excellent cameras!

On your budget I would suggest the following set up

-Nikon D3100 with the 18-55mm and 55-200 mm lens combo on Adorama 700.00
-SanDisk Flash 16 GB SDHC Flash Memory Card SDSDXP1-016G (High Speed for HD Video) 70.00
-Lowepro Slingshot Bag 70.00
-Extra Battery 30.00

Grand Total: $870.00

I would also recommend you pick up the 35 mm f/1.8 prime Nikon lens. Listen to Ken Rockwell, he is the man.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/.../d3100.htm