I'm a Canon lover - best range of lenses and best value lenses...

I'm a Canon lover - best range of lenses and best value lenses as well (quality for cost). And I can use my older lenses on the Canon, such as Carl Zeiss lenses, with a simple lens adapter.

If money is no object then either will do and it comes down to what feels right in the hand. Very personal choice.

Nikon are starting to catch up to Canon in its range of digital lenses and camera bodies - so it then comes down to what feels right for you. If either camera body feels okay, then best to choose the lenses first (Nikon or Canon) and then buy a camera body that matches the lenses.

And if you're really getting into photography, don't forget the computer, photo storage (Gb drives), processing software (Adobe etc), SD or CF cards etc. If cost is a factor, Canon provides software as part of the package. I think you have to pay for Nikon software - not sure if that's still the case.