So I was thinking.

Nikon D7000, packaged with their 18-105mm lens.

Or a Canon EOS Rebel T2i, packaged with their 18-55mm lens.

 

I currently have a Nikon D90 with the same lens. I like it. I was looking at it or the Rebel, and in all of the reviews that I checked out, I thought the Nikon had much better color and clarity, as well as less noise. I see the 7000 has a faster shutter, faster burst, more AF points, dual memory card slots, AF in video mode, and wider native ISO range.

Looking at the T2i, it looks like this still holds true, IMO. The Canon does look like it is a little cheaper, but I can pretty much promise that unless all you ever take are close-up shots, you will probably want a longer lens fairly quickly. Even with the 105mm lens, you will often find times where you'll wish the lens had just a little more zoom.

Keep in mind, these 2 cameras aren't in the same class even. The Rebel is an entry-level camera aimed towards people looking into getting into photography. The D7000 is an enthusiast/pro level camera.

Unless you already have SLR lenses for Canon EOS cameras, I would go with the Nikon.

 

1. You'd said you already purchased the D7000 on IRC.

2. This -

- is the truth. Even if you can get the Nikon at the same price point as the Canon, what do you need it for? Bodies are more or less whatever compared to the lenses you get, so get a decent beginner's DSLR, and if you're still interested in photography after a few months, start looking at lenses.