Looking to get a new camera as our 2 year old Sony point and shoot is nearing it's end. Looking to get a DSLR camera this time, as I tried a friends one and loved the feel of it. I would also like to learn more about photography etc.

I've looked around at shops, and talked with the parents into getting a
Nikon D60 with two lenses:
AF18-55mmVR
AF55-200mmVR

Or should I get them to get a D80 instead, go with Canon or buy another point and shoot?

Are you an amateur or professional photographer ?
To Me, DSLR camera is too expensive and bulky . Is 12MP really make a different compare to 8MP ? As point and shoot camera getting cheaper and megapixel is getting higher, there is almost no point in investing in DSLR unless we talking about making money to recoup some money back.
Most stuff you can manipulate on imaging program such as Photoshop.
I will go with Canon though, since it's will be my next point and shoot camera. The image quality is higher than my other Panasonic camera when I saw someone use it .

That's the thing. A professional 8MP can beat a 12MP point and shoot. MP only refers to how big you can enlarge the picture - a way to market the product. For example you might have 2 megapixel camera on a phone but the quality is poor. Who would want to enlarge a poor quality picture? A better quality one would be from a 2 megapixel digital camera...

I want to try start it as a hobby. Cameras fascinate me

Its all depending on preference. Meaning how it feels with your hands and if its comftoarble for you and other stuff. I know many professional friends who use D60's and D80's. Personally i rather get a D40 which i know best at. and i can kick the *boooop* out of my friends who have D80's or D300s

you dont neccesarily need VR, all it does it hold the movement out of your pictures. and sometimes VR can mess your pictures up if used improperly. i would say just get a straight out Nikon D60 and spend your money on good glass than the ones that come with the camera kit arnt so good. well thats depending where you're getting from.

I use a Canon Rebel 35mm film SLR lawl. and its broken. so its also time for me to move onto the digital generation. and i am thinking of purchasing a Nikon D40 or D60, or a Canon XSi, or a Sony A200 one of those cameras

if you have any questions on DSLR and cameras, i would be happy to help you. Im a camera fanatic and addict LOL, and it would be great to have a photography hobbyist here to talk too!