i go with the 500d, aka the canon rebel t1i.
When it comes down to a DSLR camera. its gonna be about camera lense, full access for manuel settings, comfort, and east of using.
but i like the rebel t1i, has live view, 15mp, and hd video cording.
there are some sites that can let you compare cameras side by side try to google it.
Im gonna get a DSLR for my 21 bday too, in july