X2 ...also if you can, consider the software that comes with the camera for viewing and editing your RAW files.
I shoot Canon... and have Nikon envy at times... and I have friends the shoot Nikon and they have Canon envy. Grass is greener on the other side I guess.
I will say this (LOW-END VS. LOW-END): Nikon cameras have a better shutter sound and feel compared to the plastic CLACK Canon XTi and XS cameras have.
If starting with a Canon don't go below the XSi or T1i.