What's your budget, is there any particular kind of shooting you want to do, and are you looking for a brand new or a second hand camera? I think in the long run your lenses will be where you spend the money, not camera bodies. I won a second hand Canon Rebel Xti four years ago and it's still going strong and has given me no issues. I bought a 50mm lens which is great for all purpose stuff, and then upgraded to a slightly bigger one a year or so later. Personally I think I like prime lenses better because they give me less options, but if you're unsure, you could always try renting one - I've used this place and they were great.

I'm not sure I would say I was an expert on anything, but I guess I know a fair about about art history, vegan cooking, French Dadaist poetry and Britpop - so nothing useful.