Entry level DSLR, Canon, Nikon or Sony?

I need to buy an entry-level DSLR. I know that Canon and Nikon are the kings right now. I don't know why I always incline towards Canon but need to know about Nikon DSLR cameras as well. Now a days I have seen that Sony also jumped in to DSLR range, how is it?

My budget is 500-600$ only. I like Action/Sports, spontaneous, landscape and little bit portraits photography as well. I know, it depends upon lenses but need DSLR body that goes with me atleast 3 - 4 years.

Please help me in this regard.

Added (1). Thanks for your answers. How is EOS 450D?

For Nikon, the best entry DSLR for now is the Nikon D3100. For Canon, the EOS 550D is great to start with. However, both would go a bit higher than $600 USD with a 18-55 lens. You can choose to buy the Kiss X4 model instead of 550D because it's around $50 to $100 USD cheaper.

The above two models should last you for quite a few years.

Sony model, Alpha A380 is a very good choice within your budget, even with double lens kit (18-55mm)(55-250mm), you can get it within $600 USD.

That would be Canon EOS XS, D3000 and D3100 (but it's $650).

If you can, D3100, otherwise, XS. Stick to Canon and Nikon!

Here's a post "Buying a DSLR " - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Go With Canon Or Nikon.
I Hope This Isn't To Expensive: http://www.ryda.com.au/Canon-EOS-1000D-Digital-SLR-Camera-18-55-IS-Lens-p/eos1000dkis.htm Especially If Your Buying Other Lenses Straightway. I Got Mine Here But I Already Know I Want A 50mm Lens & Maybe A Fisheye: P
Also Look At Second Hand Cameras With A Few Lenses Included; If There Older You Can Get A Good One Cheap (It May Just Be 'Outdated')
Hope I Helped!

My advice would be to go for Nikon or Canon, even though they are a little more expensive. The simple and most compelling reason is their availability and wide variety of lenses and other accessories that other brands can't match.

When I started out, I bought Nikon (a D40x at the time) because I could borrow my friends' Nikkor lenses (though Canon was quite the superior overall lineup at the time).

You can buy Canon or Nikon or rent or borrow them just about anywhere. The other brands are simply more difficult to find and their only advantage, IMO, is slightly lower price tag upfront.

If you opt for Nikon, my advice would be to spring for the D7000 if you can make that stretch - otherwise the D3100 kit is an excellent choice as well. I'm not well enough acquainted with the Canon models to comment. Hope this helps!

Chris of chrisaram.com