If you have just started photography get an entry level camera - those that are not so heavy on the pocket. Make it a tool for learning the craft. When you have outgrown it, you upgrade to the more sophisticated one and the more expensive one. I am not a representative of any camera company but most photographers would say you can't go wrong with both Nikon and Canon. As I have observed Nikon has good lenses and Canon has good body, and for both Canon and Nikon, the professionals usually prefer the full-frame and expensive cameras. Full frame would mean more clarity of photos because of the size of the sensors of these cameras. The bigger the more area is allocated to capture the scene. Nikon and Canon have been in the industry for long and I'd say they are trusted brands. They have cameras ranging from entry level to professional ones. If you have a hard time deciding, you must read reviews. I read reviews from http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ and http://www.kenrockwell.com. Dpreview runs a series of tests and make an overall conclusion and score for that camera. They do not only do reviews on cameras but also lens.

With regards to the kit lens, make it a lens that you can use in almost all situations. Mine is an 18-135 mm. It can do wide shots and close ups without changing lens. Changing lens outside of home is a bad idea. You have to change lens in a non-windy, non-dusty environment or you'll ruin your next shots because dusts have landed on your sensors. Still others would prefer an 18-200 mm lens. It really boils down to what you really want. If I were new to photography I would go to the store and try them. It must feel comfortable too or you'll get tired shooting easily and that would reflect on the quality of your photos.

With regards to buying online or not, I would suggest buying it in person as in going to the store and buying the item. I can't really trust doing it online because of the value of the item. I do online shopping may times but with digital SLRs it is risky. I would be the one to go to the store to check the quality before paying for the item. Another thing I'd like to point out is after-sales. Warranty must come with the camera. Authorized service centers and repair shops must be present nearby so that when you want to have it serviced you will not have to wait for a long time or ship it back to where you bought it. Remember that shipping it is also risky. Nobody really knows how these couriers would handle the item.

With regards to accessories, the first accessory that you would buy is the UV filter that protects your lens from scratches and dust. With the UV filter you won't have to clean the glass of your lens because it is being protected by the filter. You will only have to clean the filter while it's on the lens protecting it.