It's odd how Canon owners are always trolling and flaming the Nikon forums, yet you rarely see the oposite.
The reason for this? I guess it's just childish behavior. Part of it is generated by Nikon's "image" of being the best. So...from someone who made 120K in the last 4 months of shooting, allow me to set the record straight since I use BOTH systems. These DSLRs are tools to extend what YOU can accomplish.

Camera Bodies:
For the most part Nikon has had the edge due to superior build and handling. A pro knows handling is a top priority when it comes to making money with a camera. ALL DSLRs make good pictures in skilled hands. Period.

ISO Range:
Canon has held the in-camera edge for some time. It looks like this is about to end with the D3 and D300. So what? I can shoot a 30D or D200 at ISO 1600 just fine, as can any good professional. ISO arguments are hallmarks of the novice and pixel peeping camera hunters. People who actually make art and money with thier gear can do well with either.

Lenses:
Both Canon and Nikon make GREAT lenses. But Nikon holds the lead at the high end. PERIOD. For example, the Canon version of the 70-200 is inferior to Nikon's. I've used both. In fact I know 8 professional shooters working Canon and even they know the Nikon glass is superior. Nikon simply rules on the glass front. But that's not to say Canon lenses are poor. They are FANTASTIC and a working pro could really care less about minute advantages of one lens to the next. In the end being the "best" just doesn't mean much at all.

SUMMARY:
So? Who's better? Guess what? It's a wash. There is no "best camera." There are only talented photographers...the best of which don't worry themselves over camera wars. They're too busy making great pictures.

So....why do Canon owners feel the desperate need to claim their gear is "better?" Again, I think it's a perception that Nikon presents itself as the leader and owners adopt this badge even when they've acquired no skills whatsoever. You can even see this reaction among people on the street. The Nikon gear always gets more respect, but for no good reason.
Canon and Nikon are awesome cameras. But there are very few awesome shooters out there and few people on these forums can realize the potential of a point and shoot Casio, let alone a 40D or D200.
So it's all pretty funny much of the time. It's a lot like watching two 8 year olds argue about whether a Corvette is in the same league as a Lotus Exige, while they've got no clue about driving at all.
That's what we have (mostly) in these forums; guys who run about and buy a Lotus Exige, but have no ability to drive one.

Is this a flame?
Well, I really don't mean it to be. Maybe it can be a snobbish wake up call to some of you to take your cameras and start shooting rather than hang out in here trying to bash the newest Dxxx from Nikon or Canon. They are Cameras. Photography is about YOU and what YOU can imagine. That's the challenge when you pick up an amazing hunk of technology like a DSLR. Are you up to that challenge or would you prefer to relish your AA filter's benign behavior?


Cheers,

Thomas