I have always used a Kodak easyshare too and just recently bought my first SLR. I bought the Canon Rebel and love it. I suggest spending the extra $100 and buying it. Plus, when you buy at Best Buy they offer an accident plan for a little over $100 for four years that is very worth it.
After owning our camera about a month my husband fell on some rocks while we were on vacation and my camera fell in the water. We took it to Best Buy, they sent it in, three weeks later I got a letter saying it couldn't be fixed and to go get a new camera. The only real set back was that they didn't have one in stock. For a few hundred dollars more I was able to upgrade! With the accident plan once you use it you have to purchase it again, but I got a camera that was over $600 for less than $350 when I did the upgrade! Very worth it!
Love my new Canon! Nikon is cheaper and when I talked to the people at the camera shop they said there isn't a lot of difference, so personal preference! I hope this helps!