New camera purchase advice

[Swampa]

So I was given a Nikon FM 10 for Christmas from JR.com, but I'm thinking I don't want a 35 mm. I've been looking at other Canon's such as EOS Rebel and the likes. The gift is worth about 300 so I was thinking of throwing in another 200 and getting myself a nice slr. Can someone point me in the right direction for a good beginner camera in the $500 range?

Thanks in advance

[captainsling]

You can get a Canon Rebel XSi or a Nikon D3000 for around that price. Just depends on preference. I have had a Nikon, and have a Canon now, and feel the Canon is more user friendly.