I've been using the Nikon D50 for just over a year, both in and out of the cockpit, and am pretty satisfied.
The Canon offerings are similar in price and quality, and are certainly worth considering.
I use the standard 18-55 lens mostly and have the new 70-300 VR lens which I rate very highly (hand held at 300mm and 1/20th usually works fine) although it's a bit too big for my cockpit.
The 18-200 VR lens is popular (if you can find one), and almost covers every possibility.
Below are samples from both lenses (not full res)
