The closest Canon option discussed here is the EOS 500D, with the 550D as the stronger but more expensive step up. Based on the answers, the 500D is the best fit if you want a sensible balance of price, still-image quality, and usable video.

The main advice is: don’t choose a whole system around one entry-level body. Camera bodies change quickly, but lenses, compatibility, and the support you get from friends matter longer. Since your friends use Canon, staying with Canon gives you practical advantages: borrowing lenses, sharing knowledge, and easier help getting started.

Between the 1000D and 500D, the 500D is the better choice if the 1000D already feels limiting. The 1000D is older, more dated, and lacks video, so buying it as a stopgap is likely false economy if you expect to upgrade soon.

Unless you have a specific need the Canon bodies can’t meet, switching to Nikon just for the D3100 probably doesn’t make sense. For casual video, the 500D should be adequate, and if your budget comfortably allows it, the 550D is the more future-proof Canon choice.