http://www.nikonchat.com/nikon-vs-canon-slr-cameras/

Camera help! NIKON VS. CANON?
I'm getting an SLR for my birthday and I need some advice. I do not know if going to a Nikon or Canon and my price range is $ 500 – $ 600. OPTIONS / ideas / opinions please?
Both, as noted Fhotoace are very large systems to use. Like many professionals use Canon and Nikon. You could get a few cameras from Nikon and Canon for the money. Now, you have to make a decision: what system you get. It is necessary to make that first decision. The Nikon D40 is a great camera. I own a personal, and I love it, but there are some drawbacks. Today is the camera cheapest digital SLR on the market. Would be a comparable Canon Rebel XS with live view, an IS lens, and ten megapixels. Personally, I would go for the XS, you get more of the money.This not mean, however, that Canon is usually better than Nikon. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-10-1MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B001CBKJGG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238379587&sr = 1.8 The Canon has more AF points, higher resolution, live view, and a lens that is equipped with image stabilization. The Canon is better
Battle of the Bokeh: Canon vs Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8