My Canon vs. Nikon experience isn't based on SLR, but I've had both cameras as regular digitals and I was happy with both. I was always happy with the photos from my Nikon. I do believe my photos are richer with the Canon, but I think its because its a newer model... because based upon the image quality of my daughter's Canon, my Nikon was far superior. Did that help at all?

I want to also mention that I had a lot of issues with Nikon where it was sent back to the factory a few times, and not one issue thus far with my Canon.