I'm looking to buy a digital SLR camera, but which one?

Looking to start getting a little more serious about my photography hobby and I need some advice on which SLR camera is best. Nikon, Canon, etc? Any other details you can share that I should look for would be great. Also, where is the best place to buy one?

Opinion, go with the Canon line. Multiple lenses for any occasion. Comes with proprietary based software that makes pic clean-up a breeze. I recommend the 50D, it's a good split between the novice and pro lines. Easy on auto and can be configured manually for those custom shots.

Canonusa.com

Basically, it would be up to you on what one would suit your needs. Both Canon and Nikon are great cameras. Both has their pros and cons. What I would suggest is go to a local camera store if you have one around you or even best buy. Take a look at both and pick them up and see how it feels in your hands. Also, do a lot of research. You can google on them and read all the reviews on both. See what the pros have to say about them. It also depends upon what you want to take photographs of, portraits, landscapes, close-ups, etc. A big factor too, is how much money is in your budget. Sure someone can just say buy a Nikon or Canon but you need to know more first before you do and have to make the decision.

So again you want to:
Go to a camera store, ask the salesrep questions about each one. Feel them in your hands.
Read a lot of reviews.
What is in your budget.
Then you can make the right decision on what you would like to get.

I recommend an entry level canon with 2 kit lenses. The best place to buy is at your local camera shop. Ask them to match or beat a deal you find online. If it breaks under warranty it's a lot easier to have somebody local to handle the repair rather than send it away and wait for weeks.

I would recommend Nikon D3100. On my own experience in the short week since I purchased the camera has been extremely gratifying. For ease of use, IQ, form factor (it won't weigh me down), etc. I feel as if the D3100 was a great purchase. Highly recommended to other newbies who want to get involved with digital photography at a reasonable price - as well as experienced photographers who need a reliable, easy to carry backup.