The low price of the Canon 550d (Rebel T2i in US) and all advantages of Full HD Video shooting up to 30 frames per second is a great choice if you go to Canon ...
Canon and Nikon are like BMW and Mercedes, they are both great in this range that you are looking for, because I already had 4 Canon's and 3 EF lens, I bought the 550d and the Video and the Shooting is just fantastic, the LCD has vibrant colors and it's huge :)
It's very light and an excellent choice not only for beginners, but as well when you start to know a little better of shooting photos and you need a little more.
There are several magazines and reviews that put head to head both Canon's and Nikon's ... just go to a photo shop, pick up one in your hand and see witch you prefer more.
Key features review (youtube)
If you want to save more money and the 550d is a little out of your pockets range, try the 500d or 450d, a used model is very cheap and people are trying to sell them to buy the new 550d.
alt text http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/6/550d_review.jpg
(source: letsgodigital.org)
