If you're Christmas shopping for a budding photographer, or thinking of getting into photography yourself here are some updated recommendations for good beginner cameras.
As for the debate between Canon and Nikon, it's all about personal preference! However, Nikon's products do tend to run slightly cheaper than Canon.
Canon Recommendations
The Canon Rebel cameras are a good starting point. The most recent models are the T5, T5i, T6, and T6i.
Nikon Recommendations
Two recent Nikons include the d3300 and d5300, both of which cost less than $1000.
Some good sources for new and used cameras and lenses include: