I don't think you can go wrong, no matter what you choose; Nikon or Cannon. Both are top quality products, and the choice boils down to personal bias', and/or whether or not one brand possibly offers an oddball niche lens, that the other doesn't. Think ergonomics as well. Which camera body/lens feels best to you? Does using the controls feel natural to you?
There are so many things that are key to capturing a great image(composure, light, using good technique, etc..) that come way before what brand of gear you use. Kind of like bullet choice. You can use the best bullet made, but you still have to put it in the right place.
Jeff
