Nikon D5100 for beginner?

I'm picking up photography and going to buy a DSLR very soon, my friends suggested me Nikon D5100, and some say Canon D500 is more suitable, can anyone tell me the difference between these models? Better still, give me some suggestion on which brand and model to buy as my start-off camera

Added (1). Ya, looking at some of your suggestions i think i want to add up some info. My plan is to buy one DSLR with good quality which i can use for at least 4 to 5 years, then i would decide whether i want to upgrade to semi-pro kit. So basically i'm searching for a DSLR with all the essential features of a DSLR camera, and allow me to improve my skill without the need to buy the body (i understand upgrading my lenses is a certainty).

I wonder why you're not looking at the D3100

It is an amazingly high resolution camera for under $1, 000

Actually ANY fully adjustable camera is good for a beginner, from a $50 used 35 mm SLR and standard lens to a $8, 000 Nikon D3X

ALL such cameras work exactly the same. It is up to you to learn how to use the cameras controls to pick the best exposure.

Here is how that works

http://camerasim.com/slr-camera-explained/

And this is how you balance the ISO, shutter speed and lens aperture

http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/

The D5100 is great, while the Canon 500D is 3 years old and isn't good compared to it. What about the Nikon D3100 and Canon 550D and 600d?

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

Btw, they all have the same quality, I'd personally get the 550D/T2i.

Recommend Nikon D3100

I'm not professional photographer. Before buying this I discussed some of my friends. Almost all suggested to go for Nikon brand. As per my budget, I purchase Nikon D3100 in 2011. I love this camera. Its very easy to handle, has excellent picture quality. I'm using this, since last 1 year, I have not faced any kind of trouble shoot. I would like to recommend this model, for new beginners.

D5100 is better than D3100 or Canon D500;
- higher resolution 16.2megapixel sensor with 14-bit depth
- high resolution (920k pixel vs 230k) display, articulating for hard- to-view shots
- higher low-light sensitivity
- faster performance (4fps vs 3fps)
- better battery performance (660 vs 550 images on the same EN-EL14 battery
- slightly larger and heavier body

I found it here for almost 10% discount:

http://www.amazon.com/...004V4IWKG/

You can also read this review from a user to make a better decision:

http://www.amazon.com/...OUNJOMVZN/