What brand is better for SLR cameras, Nikon or Canon?

And what is the best macro lense for whichever brand you suggest?

Both are good see for yourself, compare features and shoot anything in the store and compare results.

Both out-do eachother with ever round of new releases.

truth is, Nikon and Canon are equals in almost every way. They are the best camera manufacturers (not counting the specialist camera makers)

as for lenses, they have pretty much the same lenses at about the same prices, but macro, you can get an 85mm, 105mm, anything up to 200mm. Whatever suites your fancy, all of the lenses are high quality and will do what they need to do without fail.

best would be for you to go to a store and see for yourself which brand of camera seems to fit better in your hand, is easier to use, and simply which one you like better.

It's an age-old question, like Coke vs. Pepsi. Both are quality products, so the only way to really decide is to go to the store and try both. See which controls you like better, since image quality is going to be pretty similar. I think Nikkor lenses cost more than Canon, though, so keep that in mind.

Both are good but a bit different. All currently available macro lenses will outperform you.

But, you're american so of course you will need the best. I say nikon D7000, Nikon's 105mm or 200mm macro lens. And the R1 closuep speedlight system.

Both brands have their pluses and minuses - it is what your needs are that determine what you should get. Nikon for durability, Canon for DSLR video.

Macro for NIkon: the 200mm f/4 "Micro" - its legendary, considered the best in the world by some and the reason I want a Nikon.

Macro for Canon - the 180mm macro lens.

Define 'better'

Both Canon and Nikon limit functions on their entry level cameras, for instance if you want to try HDR you need bracketing, entry level Nikon's don't have it. Even with a Canon its 'clunky' with 3 menus to set.

Nikon also limits the lenses you can use on entry level DSLR's if you want to retain auto focus.

Both use image stabilisation in the lens which means you have to pay the extra every time you buy a lens.

There are only two entry level DSLR's that offer All the functions and image stabilisation where it should be in the camera and that's Sony and Pentax. With Pentax you also have the advantage of more modern up to date sensors which makes a difference too. At the last count there were 336 different lenses you could fit to a Pentax and that's just Pentaxes own make and just the K mount lenses. All will work as expected, all will be image stabilised.

Canikon isn't the only game in town, they're the most expensive systems to buy into by far, but they're not even the best these days (unless you need a full frame sensor).

Both Nikon and Canon make superb Pro level cameras, but at mid range and entry level they are very much a 'cut down' version.

It depends actually. I've actually heard from many people that it is the sound of the shutter sound. You think I'm kidding but actually that is true. Alot of people believe that if you love the click sound you will like that. In my opinion they are the same. People may say different thing, but its how you like it.