Aureolin recommended that I got the Nikon D5100 and I have not regretted it. Although I had the experience of a more complex Point & Shoot beforehand, having a DSLR was a completely new experience to me, too. In my opinion, your photos improve over time with it, as you learn more about the camera.

I've heard that Canons are your best bet for videos, though.

I very rarely have to charge my D5100. In the summer I was going out from sunrise until the very last bus of the night on some occasions and I think I went about three days without charging it - and I'm rather trigger happy and take between 3 and 5 shots of one bus as it approaches (to ensure the destination display comes out).