In the market for a DSLR camera?

I want something that takes very good quality pictures. Video quality is also important to me. Price range probably between $400-$600. I really want something worth the money. I have been saving my money for a long time and I don't want to waste it. I heard the best are Nikon or Cannon. What is the best i could possibly get. Video is almost as important as image quality.
Thank you so much for your assistance.

Added (1). *Canon - my mistake

You say you have heard that Nikon and Canon are the "best" dSLR cameras

That is not entirely true.

They are the ones with the largest number of lenses and their professional level dSLR cameras ($6, 000 and up) are the ones used by pros, but if you are only planning on photography as a hobby, any of the current dSLR cameras are perfectly fine.

Of the entry level Canon and Nikon dSLR cameras, the Nikon D3200 and Canon T3i/600D are about the best

Here is a link that lists all the current dSLR cameras and how their sensors perform head to head.

http://www.dxomark.com/...or-Ratings

If you have done much research, you would see that All video is the same, restricted to HD, 720p or Full HD, 1080p

But before you make big plans using a dSLR as a video camera, read this

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/camcorders/cam-cam.shtml

If you want video, Sony are better than either - even for people who can spell, 'Canon.'