You'll find die-hard fans of Canon and Nikon but frankly, unless you're quite experienced and well educated, the differences between the two are fairly meaningless (when you are debating the virtues of f/2.8 in a tilt-shift lens, then we can talk). But I would agree that sticking with those two would be best (though Sony is making a pretty solid push). Their lower-end models (one or two up from the chaepest - Canon's T3i for example, are plenty of camera to learn on, better than the top of the line bodies from not that long ago.
DPReview is the (IMHO) site to go to for reviews, education, etc.
My best advice would probably be to get hands-on with both and see which is the best fit - ergonomics, button placement, logic, etc., are all personal preferences.
A class is a great start, and Bryan Peterson's books are what I always recommend.
Educational Resources in our very own Travel Photography Forum (which may be a better place for your post to not get lost).
Originally Posted by
DanJ
Another friend of mine, who sells cameras at a small chain in our area (and is also a Nikon), tells me to get the most megapixels you can afford.
About the worst advice I would ever give anyone. Like telling someone to buy a car with the most horsepower. Unfortunately upholding the stereotype of camera salesmen at chain stores.
I've had photos published in books, calendars, etc., with my 6MP 10D and 10MP 40D. Almost every starter camera today is 15-18MP. Frankly, that's more than you need, but it's a marketing gimmick.