What would be a good DSLR for a beginner?

What would be a good DSLR for a beginner? I know i want the brand to be Canon or Nikon. I would photograph people and places. My budget is $700 including an optical lens.

Look for a Canon EOS 500D (which is sold as T1i in North America, Kiss X3 in Japan).It is an awesome camera for beginners and you can buy it within $700 with a 18-55mm kit lens.

Pentax kr, 55-300mm lens included for 650 at Amazon, I chose it over the d3100 which I've tried already, kr has a few advantages.

For $700 you can buy either the Nikon D3100 or Canon T1i/500D

For clarity, All lenses are optical and both the D3100 and T1i/500D come with a 18-55 mm lens

Beginner or not, ANY dSLR is good for a beginner whether the $700 entry level dSLR or a $8, 000 professional dSLR. You see, they all work the same and the learning curve is the same when learning how to use the camera to produce perfectly exposed.

Good DSLR in my View is Canon 1100D or Nikon D3100 DSLR

See difference between Canon 1100D and Nikon D3100
http://thenewcamera.com/?p=3699