OP you have not stated your budget!
For beginner why dont you try the second hand route, If you could be lucky you could get a good cam. Its always a safer bet before you wade into the wide open sea. A lot of settings, and a jargon load of options to play with.
As for starters you could try your luck on Canon 350D, 400D, 450D. Try these cam to understand the basic usuage and what you could shoot with them. These cams too can get some of the best shots. Its not the cam that does all the talking.... its yous skill in capturing the right moment at the right time.
Not convinced still, you want to get something all new and shiny?
Get the Canon 1000D, Canon 1100D, else opt for the Nikon 3100D the fello TE'ians have suggested.
A good homework work be read a lot before you shop. See those youtube videos that tell s you more about your cam. How to's...... pretty much plenty of resource out there.
A good place to start is
dpreview.com.
Good Luck Shopping!