Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
Either brand will work fine. You should go to a local camera dealer, and get your hands on all the models you are considering. One may feel better than the other, and the way the controls are set up on one may be easier for you to use. All the camereas you listed are very capable of doing what you want.
Take a good look at the lens and accessories you think you will want as well. You are buying into a complete photo system, and knowing what's available in that system is a good place to start as well. That being said, I'm sure both Nikon and Canon with have everything that you need, but it's still worth checking out before you buy into a system.
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
I've been a Nikon shooter since the early 70's and wouldn't consider anything else. But some one just getting into photography, it really doesn't matter because they are both high quality equipment companies. You just need to research each as to your specific needs and choose based on that. If you want the opinion of another dentist who is an excellent photographer as well email or PM Lionheart (Leon). He can certainly give you a professionals opinion.
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
I was basically in the same boat as you were when I was just starting and I went with Nikon. My reasonings were my Dad had some old gear that I knew would work with my DSLR, and I could use his stuff until I could get my own. I was actually using a Canon SLR at the time.
The biggest reason I went with Nikon is the cameras just felt better in my hands. The Canon cameras to me seem a little bigger, and they just don't fit right in my hands. My Nikon's do though.
On another note, for the sports company I freelance for we use Canon gear. Both excellent companies, excellent gear. You wouldn't go wrong with either one.
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
Flip a coin. Really, they're both capable of excellent work. At one time or another, one will have an edge over the other but it tends to go back and forth. Over time it all equals out.
I've shot Nikon for several years and don't have much equipment at the moment due to selling some of it, then soaking my DSLR and one lens over the summer. My flash will need to be updated to take full advantage of the current Nikon system. I did look at switching to Canon because I figured this would be the easiest time to do it, but I don't see any major life-changing advantage to doing it - especially with the D300 coming out.
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
All the cameras you list are good. For closeups of smiles you're going to have to investigate the lenses you'll be using.
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
No way to get help on this one!! It's all you!!
I'm a Canon fan.... but that is because of how comfortable it feels to me!
in any case here's a fun article:
http://www.thatsmymonkey.com/Pages/0204canonvnikon.html
Cheers and good luck choosing!
Marc
Re: Canon, Nikon Cant decide
Remember... it's the lens that matters, so set aside a pretty reasonable (up to 50%) of your budget for the lens. If I were you I would go for either the D80 or the D300 coming out. No point in getting the D200 with the improved model coming in. Nikon has some really top notch lenses, especially their telephotos; however, if this is for wildlife photography I warn you that the Nikon telephotos are more expensive than their canon equivelents, although I challenge you to find a better set of telephoto zooms out there. For wide angles Nikon has an even better selection than Canon. It is up to you, but from my experience, unless I was going to buy a 5d, I would go with Nikon/