Which is better, nikon or canon?

I want to buy a DSLR camera. Some of my friends would tell me that i should consider buying Nikon. But others would tell me that Canon is better. Any suggestions?

I would go Canon… More known.

Choosing a DSLR or any digital camera is always a matter of personal preference. Ergonomics play a big role in choosing, and all of us have different hands. Read the links below and I'm sure you will be fine.

How to buy a DSLR
http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Canon vs Nikon vs Sony
http://mansurovs.com/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony

camera side by side comparison
http://www.dpreview.com/...byside.asp

camera ratings:
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/

reviews:
http://www.cameralabs.com/
…
My personal preference:

for a DSLR, I prefer Nikon because the parts are easily available in my area, especially the lenses from third party like Tamron and Sigma, which can save me more money than buying the original Sony or Pentax lenses. Pentax and Sony lenses are just difficult to acquire in my area.

I would recommend the Nikon D3100 or D5000. They have a very easy user friendly guide that was designed for beginners.

for PNS…
I like the Canon S95 and S90 a lot. I prefer them than any PNS out there because both cameras can fit in my jeans pocket, which means that I can have a camera every time. An alternative for them, if the price is too high would be the Lumix FH20 < >, For extended zooms, that would be a toss-up between the Canon, Nikon, and Lumix.

That question is like asking southern guys what truck is better, I personally prefer Nikon, but thats because that is all I have ever used, so I'm familiar with them and I trust their quality.

I personally use Canon but for the entry level DSLRs I'd recommend Nikon. I've used both and I think it's a case of swings and round-abouts. Now if I can throw a spanner into the works… Before you buy either, have a look at the Pentax K-r.

No contest, both Nikon and Canon are tops. The one to watch is Sony - Sony aims to be No.2 in the world in a few years time, so will Nikon or Canon be demoted to No.3?!

Better try out both first… Nikon's friendlier, canon's a bit complicated. I use canon.

"Best" is the one which YOU decide meets your requirements.

This question is asked about 50 times a day. And you are going to get as many people saying Nikon as Canon. Why? Because that's what they shoot.

To really get the best idea of what will work for you, go to a store and try them out. See which one feels good. Look through the menu, hold the camera to your face, see what it feels like.

@John P-It will be interesting to see what this forum looks like if that happens. And especially if Sony takes #1.It'll be anarchy. I'm excited to see it.

Neither is better.

Either brand is equally good. Anyone telling you the contrary is a fan boy. Check with your friends to see what they have that way you can borrow some of their gear.

I like Canon but I can shoot just as well (after a few seconds of struggling with the fact that all the buttons are in weird places) with a Nikon.

I would recommend for Nikon, to be specific, Nikon D3100