Which camera SLR to get?

I'm wanting to get a canon by the end of this summer… I'm really not that educated about cameras but i really want that takes quick pictures & that has a nice focus…
i want a normal lense, so that zooms and focuses (that already comes with it) and i'm only willing to spend 400 - 500 $
any suggestions? And which is better. Canon or nikon?!

The two cameras that fall in that budget are the Nikon D3000 and canon Rebel Xs

take a look at both and decide which ones feels better in your hands