Nikon or Canon? (professional cameras)?

I'm looking for a good PROFESSIONAL camera.
i didn't like my handheld nikon, but i LOVE my handheld canon.people tell me nikon professionals are better, but i'm so much happier with my canon. Is there a difference between professional & handheld? Should i stick with canon or go nikon?

& also, i'm not a photographer, i just love taking pictures. So i 'm looking for something cheap with good quality.

ps, i have a canon powershot sd1400is if that helps!

CANON! The best!

If you're looking for a Digital SLR and you're not a photographer, then i suggest that you buy Nikon. They're a little bit cheaper and the quality of pictures are very good. I don't have nothing against Cannon, but usually they are a more expensive and as a amateur photographer you won't see much of the difference in picture quality.

If you're looking for your first Digital SLR then Nikon D3000 or D3100 is a good choice.

Professional cameras start about 4 grand. A decent entry level DSLR would be the Nikon D3100.

It really is down to what fits in the hand better, what menu system you can understand better.

It is very difficult to buy a poor DSLR these days, and at any given price point Nikon and Canon models are fairly evenly matched.

I use Canon very happily, I know plenty of Nikon users who equally, are very happy.

Decide on budget, decide on what's more important (Canons have an edge for video, Nikons have an edge for low light use) but most importantly, get hands on. A camera is a tactile thing, all the AF points and megapixels don't mean squat if you can't hold if comfortably or if you find the menu system confusing.

Here's the thing about Nikon. Their point-and-shoot cameras are no way near the quality of their dSLRs. Don't use that to judge Nikon. Their dSLRs are really good, as good as Canon but bear in mind that all dSLRs are basically the same, any brand, any model.

DSLRs are handheld too although you can mount them on tripods. Point-and-shoot cameras can be mounted on tripods too.

Strictly speaking, if you sell a picture, you are a professional, not the camera. It doesn't matter what camera you use as long as you get paid.

DSLRs start at around $500 if that helps.