Any of the top shelf models from Nikon or Cannon, will take outstanding images. Were I starting with a clean slate, I'd choose whatever body was most intuitive for me to operate, and one whose ergonomics were most compatible with me. The top quality gear is all so close, performance wise, that it all boils down to the same determining factor as most every other endeavor.....the user! Just as a center hit with a .250-3000 is better than a gut shot, with a .458 Win Mag; a well composed, properly exposed/focused image taken with a cheap point and shoot, is better than an image made with the finest equipment in the world, using sloppy technique. Don't sweat the whole brand thing. Buy what you like, and then, most importantly, learn how to use it, and go out and have some fun!
My two pennies.
Jeff
