There is no best DSLR camera out there. What's best for you might be crappy for someone else. I'd say the best camera would be one that is most suitable for your skill level. I have a Canon EOS Rebel T1i. It is simple to learn while still lets me take the DSLR quality photos that I want. At the same time it is advanced enough that I still have a lot to learn with my camera even after a year... and I take a lot of photos! By starting off with a beginner-level DSLR, it would be easier to learn the foundation/basics than if you were to start off with an advanced camera. If you decide that you are still really into photography after a year or so, then you can decide if you want to upgrade, and what kind of upgrade would suit your style of photos best. If not, then you'd have only wasted about $700, which is a lot less compared to several grand. I say this because I have friends (and know of many people) who thought they love photography, only to leave their DSLR behind several months later to collect dust.
A very expensive and advanced camera would certainly let you take very nice photos. But as a beginner, you probably won't be able to tell the difference anyway. Think of it this way, as an example: A Porshe is a very nice car, probably one of the best. But if you have just received your driver's license and you drive a Porshe, you are wasting the car's potential. Not to mention that advanced drivers would laugh at you and ask what you're doing with a Porshe!
CANON VS. NIKON?
I've compared Canon and Nikon and I personally like Canon better. I find it easier to learn, and for the same price/model equivalence, I find that I like Canon's specifications better. I am in love with my Canon EOS Rebel T1i, but for the same price that I got my T1i (last year), you can now get the T3i. So I would recommend that you get the T3i. I wouldn't go for the Canon EOS Rebel Xs, and
this video basically explains why. As for T2i, I'm sure it is great too, but you might as well go for the T3i since their price difference is not too great.
HOW TO FIND WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU?
1) How is the photo quality? Try the camera and see if you like the photo you just took with it. You want a camera that takes photos that you like. Doesn't matter how advance the specifications are. If it can take a photo in the speed of light, or if it is made with diamonds and won't melt in lava... but its photos don't look "right" to you, why would you want that camera? It is not the camera for you then, despite all these technical functions. You want a camera, not an advanced but useless device.
2) Where is the memory card slot? Assuming you've just come across something epic and you have just filled up your memory card and need to switch, it is probably better to have your memory card slot at the side of the camera. The Canon EOS Rebel Xs is bad because its slot is at the bottom. So if it is attached to the tripod, you'd have to take it off the tripod, change it, and then put it back on the tripod. By then, your epic something is probably no longer epic.
3) How does the camera feel to you? Hold the camera in your hands and make sure it is not too big or too small for your hands. You will be the one holding that camera - possibly for a long time at once. I personally don't like the T2i because it doesn't feel comfortable in my hands.
WHAT LENS DO YOU WANT?
Just stick with the kit lens for now (the one that comes with the camera). Once you know the basics and know what kind of photos you like to shoot, then you can go back to research on the different lenses.
THAT'S ABOUT IT... FOR NOW.
I hope this kind of gives you an idea of what you might want to look for when researching on the DSLR's. It is a long and confusing process but picking the perfect camera for yourself cannot be any more rewarding! It also helps to see what others say on YouTube, and also look at the video quality of the different cameras. You might also find this site helpful:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/camerasIf you have further questions, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck! :>
