NIKON OR CANON CAMERAS? - 1

Which brand do you think is better?
and what cameras would you suggest id buy in a $100-$500 price range?

Added (1). RE: what PROFESSIONAL cameras would you suggest id buy at a 100-500 price range

Nikon all the way baby, get a d3100

There's no such thing as a professional camera in the $100-$500 price range. There's also no such thing as a brand being better than the other. Nikon and Canon and other brands are just as equal, with the difference being specialty, audience, etc.

Canons that can be found in that price range:
XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T3, T1i, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D

Nikons that can be found in that price range:
D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, D70S, D80, D3000, D3100, D5000, D100

Take your pick. The only way you'll be dissatisfied with the outcome of your image is because of your knowledge of photography and/or creativity. The camera you choose has nothing to do with the image you produce.

Canon or Nikon- both are the top most selling camera brands in the world (each holding around 30% or so of the camera market)
I prefer Nikon due to superior ergonomics, and the fact that I have been using them for the past 5 years.

there are no professional cameras in that price range. Professional cameras start at $5000 and go on up to $45, 000 for body only.

you can look at entry level DSLR cameras, such as the Nikon D3100 and Canon Rebel T3, both of which are a tad over your budget

Doesn't matter. It's exactly the same in terms of images. Take the one that feels good in your hands and that you find easy to use.

In that price range you can take a look at a Nikon D3100, a Canon 1100D, a Canon T2i and a Canon T3. If you're also considering used cameras then there's a lot more to choose from… Like Nikon D3000, Nikon D5100, Nikon D40, D50, D60, D70, D80, Canon 1000D, Canon T3i, Canon 40D…

EDIT: There are no professional cameras in your price range. You would need to spend a couple grand for a professional one.