Thanks Guys
After alot of research over the past 24hrs. I'm leaning towards either a Cannon 500D or a Nikkon S5000 - they seem to be pretty much on par overall, with the Nikkon being a little cheaper and having a better look/exterior build quality to it, but the Cannon 500D has the better digital video capabilty...
From what I've gathered both the Cannon 500D and 1000D are an update on the 450D, but alot of the reviews I read through still put the 450D at better than the newer 2 in some respects, but the 500D and the S5000 will most certainly be more than good enough for me...
I'll see which of the 2 will be a better purchase for me duty free from O/S and grab one
Thanks again to all for your input