Nikon or Canon and why?

Nikon D5000 or Canon Rebel XS?

Why?

Good experiences, bad experiences?

Canon is always the better option in my opinion. IT's just generally a more trusted company, especially in photography. I think their products are higher in quality, or maybe that perception stems from their higher prices. But my sister has a Rebel TXi, and she loves it. Nikon's aren't too bad either. But I would definitely go with a Canon if the price, functions and megapixels are the same.

I'd say both are great brands of camera. I have a Cannon and my mom has a Nikon. Both work well, however Cannon has TERRIBLE customer service. Maybe it's just in Canada or something, but it was very irritating. The lens on my camera stopped extending, so I called in. They blamed it on me for not treating my camera well when I clearly hadn't done anything wrong with it. As well, it was nearly 2 years old yet it has an error that may cost me as much to get fixed as it would a new camera.
So I later researched the problem, and it was extremely common amoungst the model I had. Unfortunatly Cannon won't address that.

So both brands are great, but I have come to hold a negative outlook on Cannon because of the hassle I received for a problem that I didn't cause with my camera.

I prefer the Canon Rebel XS though I have not tried the Nikon D5000. If you are starting as a beginner, I would say Nikon, and if more advanced Canon Rebel XS.

They are the same. The major difference is in how it fits in your hand. Go to a good camera store and hold both. Play with both. Bring a memory card, and shoot with both, and compare the shots on your computer.

The difference between a Nikon and a Canon at the same price point is so minute that it really doesn't matter

Nikon and canon are very similar in their products. The two companies compete and produce cameras that are almost the same. The d5000 and xs have no major differences and the price is about the same too. But i would say… Get a nikon maybe? You can't go wrong with either one