entry level, I think one can't beat the nikon D40.
Go look at Ken Rockwell's site and read up on the D40. Although he probably owns hundreds of cameras, he still shoots most with a D40. If its good enough for him its good enough for us. Keep in mind that you will buy a base model camera and then extend it further with lenses. so you eventually end up investing in one brand only. So choose carefully. Also keep in mind the performance of baseline dslr's at higher ISO's. Read up about it a bit. No use in shooting at 3200 if the shot is horrible.
I cant say much about canon, as i never owned it.
Love nikon however.
I'll go for a D40, very cheap, my 2c