Which camera do you prefer or recommend?

I'm getting a camera for my birthday which is on the 20th and I want either a nikon or a canon.
Which is better? What would you recommend? Any other brands would be nice too.

Either is fine but I prefer Canon.

Consider whether you need a tiny camera or a bigger lens. Cameras with bigger lenses (e.g., G12) will take better pictures, but you might be more likely to have a little pocket camera with you when you want it.

Nikon. Preferably the nikon colloid compact edition. I have one. Works like a dream

Neither one is better than the other. They each have strong points and weaknesses but they come out neck 'n neck.
I prefer Canon, but I wouldn't be upset to find myself using a Nikon. I know the quality will be equal to my own cameras.
It really depends on what kind of camera you want: point and shoot, DSLR, Bridge… And what features you want and need in it.

World wide preference, as stated by professionals in all countries, tells us there's really only two brands of true cameras - Canon and Nikon.

I would suggest anything in the Canon Rebel line. I own two of them, the XS and the t1i, both are excellent. Now dslr cameras have very high technical quality standards and aren't cheap. But any camera in the Rebel line, well taken care of, will last for many years - perhaps decades.

The Rebel cameras start at $500 and go to about $950.
Here's a good place to shop. Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Canon 100hs
canonusa.com
walmart and radio shack have it

It's not just a question of brand.

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/best-camera-for-me.html

Both cameras are very capable, and do receive good reviews. They both have similar features, and are direct competitors. What I would suggest, is seeing which one leans towards the types of photography you will be doing. For general photography, I don't think you will be better with one over the other.