Suggestions for an entry level DSLR camera?

I'm looking into buying my first proffessional digital camera, i'm looking for an entry level dslr. I'm an artist, but i'm looking into photography and would mostly use it for creative photography.
Seems like the big competitors are Canon and Nikon.
I've been reading reviews and compareing cameras, it seems to me that the nikon takes a sharper picture compared to the canon.
Also "camera" is a whole other language that i don't really understand.
If you have any knowledge on cameras:
What a good one to get?
Anything i should look for when choosing a camera?

I'm trying to stay in the 500-800 dollar range.

I've had a Nikon D3000 for a year now, and I'm very pleased with it. It takes great pictures in full auto mode, but allows for creative flexibility. You can get one on Amazon for around $450.

I have a Nikon D5000.It is great. Easy to use and scope to improve with the purchase of new lenses. It is £400-£500 with kit lens (basic lens)… Not sure how that converts into your currency.

Pentax K-X or K-R
Nikon D3000 or D3100
Canon Eos 1000D or 1100D

check out those 6:)

I recommend Nikon D3100, it's one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners and it will still be a quality cameras when you learn some stuff and get more experiences. The camera costs a little more than 600$ and it's really worth the price. Good for those who are entering the world of DSLR cameras and those who already know what to do with these cameras. Really recommend Nikon D3100!

If you want to find other top rated and recommended DSLR cameras please check out this page to find the camera you want - http://www.squidoo.com/...meras-2011