One other important thing to add to your question.

Canon has already shown a move toward full frame sensors which can change the long term outlook on what you get for lenses. The DX lenses or ones optimized for small sensors will not work with a fill 35 mm chip so if you want to invest in lenses, be aware of this. If everyone moves to the large CCD and you intend to upgrade your body, you will have lost if you bought lenses for small sensors.

But back on topic. I don't think you can go wrong with either camp. Canon was adopted early on by photojournalists but Nikon makes a killer product. It always comes down to the skill of the photographer in the end and some of these details are in the noise relatively speaking.