What exactly is the difference between Canon and NIkon's DSLR shots?

This is not a thread to make a debate for which is a better brand. I just want to know what's the difference between these two brands in taking photos using a DSLR. I know there's some difference on their photos, but i really can't tell what it is. What are the advantages of canon in their DSLR photos? What are the advantages of nikon in their DSLR photos? I don't mean disrespect but i don't want answers like "canon is better" or nikon is better". Yeah we already know! If its possible i want some decent answers. Thanks in advance.

Added (1). AGAIN. I just want to get your opinion on which you think the difference between their photos. Like what DR. Iblis say here. For example "nikon has a more saturated image and canon have a 'softer' image".

Place a hard copy side by side & tell me the difference. If you "know there's some difference" but can't tell what it is, then you *don't* know.

I'm not sure that anyone can put the differences (if there are any, on the final product) on paper.
What i mean is that both do the job well and yes technically they use different chipsets and CMOS sensors but at the end of the day the final picture that is printed or viewed is the same.

Its like comparing two brands of wrist watches. Lets take TAG vs Omega. They each use different parts and wheels and cogs inside the case but at the end of the day, they tell the time. I'm sure the user does not care of the parts inside the watch. They only care about the time of the day to quit work and have a beer…

From my point of view, the pictures are not different. It also depends on the camera capabilities, and how the settings are placed. It's really the way you take the picture, and how you want it.

The brand!

The companies have been leapfrogging each other for years. Nikon's recent D3X and D3S have put it in the lead for best image in extreme low light condition from the flagship cameras.

Canon is winning in sales overall. Their entry level DSLR's are extremely popular but the difference between the two's entry level camera's is more about options, how the camera feels to everyone, menu options, etc. Not a huge difference in image.

I do like Canon though but Nikon, I admit, is equal.

Its like coke and pepsi
like Lamborghini and Ferrari
like BMW and Audi
like any two companies that make the same type of product in different ways.

Neither is better, neither is worse.

The main difference is simply their ergonomics- their shape and control scheme.their performance is pretty much equal, and as underbridge said, they are playing leap frog with eachother. Nikon has the best camera currently, but that can easily change within the next year.

there's a subtle difference between how canon and nikon take their pictures by default.
Nikon seems to have a more saturated image, and Canon seems to have a "softer" image

Neither is better when it comes to producing excellent images in the hands of a competent photographer.

Sometimes you have to use the camera your employer hands you. Other times you have a choice. The key to great images is the skills of the photographer. Period.

Unless you look at the embedded EXIF data, you can't even tell if the camera being used is a full frame or APS-C sensored camera.

Professional and most advanced amateurs shoot in RAW, which means there's really NO difference between the two in terms of images.

The only time you might see a difference is right out of the box on auto mode… But if that is your style of shooting, then getting a DSLR is a complete waste of money. Decent photographers adjust color, saturation, sharpness, contrast, and quite a few other things in post production. This makes any debate about the differences in images coming out of the cameras based on brand completely irrelevant.

If you're trying to pick nits, then the way they do noise reduction. At higher ISO settings, you'll start to see the difference. Be sure to compare like models.

Otherwise, you'll find differences in ergonomics, features, and lenses (mount evolution, compatibility issues, … ).

In the end, I doubt that you could tell the difference between the images unless you're talking about shooting at very high ISO on the high-end models.