Choose between Nikon or Canon?

So for christmas Ill be getting my first digital slr. And I don't know if I should get the Canon Rebel XS or the Nikon d3000 both are on sale at bestbuy in the 400's

Which has better quality? Works better?

I'm not a photography person but I know many people who actively participate in taking photographs as either a hobby or business (One of my friend's parents own a business studio that's pretty popular in the area). I have asked this question to many photographers in the past and most of them have claimed you can't get a better camera than a Nikon. I don't know why personally but it seems to be a pretty universal thing according to those I've asked. If you were to find out specifics about how they develop their technology you could probably find out a lot more about the specifics that go into making their equipment.

I own the Nikon d3000 so I can only speak on behalf of it and I LOVE it! It's a great camera, has several shooting options and my pictures come out clear & crisp & beautiful!

Both cameras are excellent. Neither is better. If this is your first SLR camera, don't buy from a big-box store. Go to a good camera shop with knowledgable people who will talk to you and let you try both cameras, side-by-side. Buy the one you most enjoy using and makes you want to make thousands of photos with.

Disclosure: I'm the owner of www.lenslenders.ca in Canada.