This question usually starts a pissing match between Nikon and Canon owners. Both cameras are good options. When I bought my DSLR I had to decide between Canon and Nikon. I had 2 deciding factors that made me choose Canon. Most of the people I know had a Canon so that means we could trade out lenses, flashes, etc. The second deciding factor was what I would be doing with the camera. I do a lot of low light pictures and at the time the reviews were saying that the XTi did very well in low light. My suggestion instead of a camera brand is to decide by what type of pictures you take and what your friends use so you can try their stuff to decide what you like.