I think it's similar in some ways. There's no real reason you can't use both -- or, of course, something else entirely -- but it's simpler to pick one and stick with it. There's a lot of purchasing accessories (lenses, everything else) involved, so it's a substantial investment.

I just happened to get given a Canon years ago and started building from there. I don't feel strongly pro Canon or anti anything else.

i guess it could be compared to mac vs. pc...

i have never owned a nikon dslr, but in the past, canon was clearly ahead.  i don't think that's the case anymore, nikon definitely caught up and they have  cameras with awesome specs that i have never tried.

having said that,  i wouldn't trade my canon equipment for the nikon equivalent. i'm a canon girl. that should earn me an endorsement, haha.

My guys at Calumet and I were talking shop the other day, and if I knew what I know now after a few months as a Nikon user, I MIGHT have more seriously considered going Canon.  Canon supposedly has a wider mount, which makes manufacturing fast glass for Canons easier and more affordable.  If you look at the choices of fast primes for Nikon vs. the choices for fast primes for Canon, Canon wins that contest.  However, even with the smaller selection of fast primes (and by fast, I mean faster than f/2.0), I'm still happy with my D80 and I'm already planning to get the D700 at some point in the next year.

I also think Canon's across the board high ISO performance in general can look better than some of the more affordable Nikon D-series cameras.

Hey daba, I think I need at least 120 or so more assignments, OK?

haha Gabi. 120 more assignments that'll probably only take a few years!

Thanks for all the info guys. I don't forsee myself buying a camera too soon, but I've made more impulsive decisions before. Even though we have a ton of photographers there are still shows I attend where no one is covering.

--------------------------------

Actually looks likethe D90 is on sale at Circuit City:

Nikon's still unofficial D90 DSLR may have been pulled from Target's website after making a brief appearance a few days ago, but it looks to be holding steady at Circuit City, where you can now get your pre-order in for the expected price of $1,299.99.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/nikon-d90-now-up-for-order-at-circuit-city/

Nikon D90 Official: First DSLR Ever With HD Video Recording

whoa...