What Digital SLR camera should I purchase?

I take photography in school and outside of school as a Parks and Rec class. Christmas is coming up and as you can already guess I want a new camera. I was leaning towards Canon and Nikon. But of course not too pricey, at most $400. Your most likely to think that's impossible but I know it's not. I'm only a kid and my parents aren't going to buy me a $800 camera. What model would fit me?

Added (1). I have a Kodak that was purchased years ago, :P. That's why I would like something not too expensive but does the job. I often edit pics on Picasa, I find that program so amazing and simple.

Added (2). I have a Kodak that was purchased years ago, :P. That's why I would like something not too expensive but does the job. I often edit pics on Picasa, I find that program so amazing and simple.

Nikon is always a safe bet. Is there a reason you need a digital SLR camera? The simple point and shoots lately offer fantastic resolution and very reasonable. They also if you do a little checking most allow you to do some things manually. Most things with beginning photography can be accomplished with a point and shoot anyway. Digital SLR's are just way expensive.
If you must have a SLR, you may try and reduce cost by finding a deal on craigslist or ebay.

Sounds like your price sets the scene. The only DSLRs you'll get new for that low a price are Low-end Canons. It may work better if you save up for a bit and get a low-end Nikon.

So you're loking for a DSLR at around 400$.In that case, I recommend Canon EOS XS and Nikon D3000, but both are a little bit more expensive.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, quality and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!