Always been a fan of Nikon (hence buying a D50). If you can still get the D50, which is a great camera I\'d highly recommend it. Failing that, D40 (although, I seem to remember it being more limited with the lenses you can use). If you have the budget a D80.
I can\'t comment about Canon, having never used one but I did agonise for ages over Nikon v Canon.
Macro lenses - I bought a Tamron 90mm, which is a true 1:1 macro lens.... it\'s also highly regarded as a portrait lens if that\'s your bag. There\'s also the Sigma 105mm, which again is supposed to be excellent.