You cannot fail with
Nikon or
Canon. check reviews on
http://www.dpreview.com/
If you want to save some dosh, you can buy pre-owned kit. This can be done safely by going to reputable dealers. I have bought second hand lenses etc and have had no problems... touch wood.
I have just bought my daughter (Leaving Cert student hoping to do photography) a preowned
Canon 350D (I bought the same camera in NYC last year) with 3 months warranty from
Bermingham Cameras on Burgh Quay saving a few hundred Euro. They did me a good deal too on a camera bag, filters etc. They have a good selection of pre-owned kit at present, including a
Canon 400D (updated model of the 350D). See
http://www.berminghamcameras.ie/store/index.php?target=categories&category_id=207
Check out too for reviews, advice, equipment for sale etc.