Which Canon is most like this Nikon?

Which Canon is most comparable to the Nikon D300s?
I was instructed to buy the Nikon D300s ($1, 600) for a class because it is "professional".

I'd rather get a Canon as advised earlier, although I'd like a newer model that is comparable to the Nikon as far as features. My biggest concern is that the instructor is going to show us how to do something & i'm going to have to pull out the manual everytime because my model will most likely work differently (buttons, etc) than the Nikon.

Here are some I found:
Canon EOS Rebel XS (too old?)
Canon EF-S
Canon 18-5515 Kit

The Canon 7D is in direct competition with the Nikon D300s

http://dxomark.com/...nd2)/Canon

As you can see, the Nikon D300s has a slightly better sensor performance at a slightly lower cost

Button layout is NOT a good reason for picking a camera system. Your instructor should show you how to use any digital camera, any student brings to class. Did you know that the button layout is different even between different models of the same brand camera? That means your costly strategy of changing camera systems will not help you much

With many pros moving from Canon to Nikon systems, stick with the D300s and let the instructor do their job

Don't ever buy a camera just because it is "professional." Anyone who tells you this is an idiot. While there are true "professional" cameras, the reality is their core functionality is no different from any other DSLR. FWIW, the Canon EOS 7D is a direct competitor to the Nikon D300s, priced similarly and mostly evenly matched for features and capabilities. I've shot both but, I'm not sure I'd recommend either as a first DSLRs.

The Rebel XS you've mentioned, sold with an EFs 18-55mm kit lens is perfect for a student or someone buying their first DSLR. The controls are a little over simplified compared to the D300s but, they'll work fine for someone just starting out or someone who just wants a small, cheap and capable camera. If you'd like to retain more advanced features like the ability to use sync cables, you'll need to step up to the 60D or possibly a used copy of one of its predecessors like the 40D and 50D.

If you'd rather stick with Nikon, the D3000/D3100 models are similar to the Rebel XS and its recent replacement. You could also look at other Nikons such as the D7000, D90, D80, D70/70s or the D200 if you want something that is even closer to the D300s but, cheaper. The D7000 might be hard to find (demand has been very high) but, some retailers may still have the D90 in stock as well. The D70/70s, D80 and D200 are all older but very good options as well.

Canon EOS 7d is comparable, somehow. But 7d is a faster camera than d300s, however, d300s beats 7d in image quality and ISO performance. But both are very close.

You might want to consider getting a good used Nikon D300s for the purpose of taking the class, and always being on the same page as the instructor.

Later on you can sell the Nikon D300s (for probably about what you paid for it) if you decide that you are really better off with a Canon.

If you are going to go Canon, the T2i has a lot of bang for the buck.

The canon 7d. Both are great cameras but i personally like the nikon because of its ergonomics (how it feels in my hands).