Well,
recently, most of my friends are into photography....
For instance??
Min is the one..
lian, shan kind of...
huann, he want to get into photography but he currently to get a DSLR to get into..

THIS POST IS FOR HUANN!

Well Huann, if u see this, please consider my POV...
Firstly, you don't have to get Canon 60D or Nikon intermediate level DSLR for now...
Just get a normal beginner DSLR first...
Although i also interested and wanna get a Canon 60D... However,
In here i suggest you to get a Canon 600D instead of Canon 60D because
600D is much cheaper than 60D...
i think you already know you will over budget if u choose 60D
600D and 60D actually don't have much difference...
The difference between these two cameras is:
i) ISO difference (a bit) [normally, ppl don't put high ISO unless forced by TOTAL DARKNESS]
ii) Production of Noise [60D > 600D]
iii) Ergonomics (hand feel) [60D > 600D]

Of course 60D is a better photo taking camera because 60D is more expansive...
what you pay is what you get...
But, Canon 600D is more than enough for you to take your daily life photos..
Unless, you gonna use your DSLR to earn money, if then, i'll suggest 60D instead...
But here now, you don't have any basics...
DSLR is very user friendly, that i know..
But on the same time, it's very tricky also..
It's not just about ISO and shutter speed like you said...
Plus, will you carry your camera around always?
So i think you buy 600D to learn all those stuffs first...
+ you have to learn editing also..
Even i can use my bro's 1000D very well until now...

Well of course 60D is much better camera, u also can use it to learn the basics..
THERE IS NO PROBLEM!!
the only problem is BUDGET!
all depends on your budget!
if you don't have a budget problem, get 60D!
if you do, get 600D!

Anyways, it's just my POV... you can choose whatever you want.. LOL..
Here is some link to let you do some research: