I think it's all about preference. They run the same-ish in price, have similar glass available at similar prices, and produce about the same quality of photos.

*I* picked the Canon because when I held them both and tried them out, it felt more natural in my hand. Most of my friends who shoot one or the other say pretty much the same thing.

So, if you're ready for an SLR, go to a good store and ask them to let you try them both out.

- Madelyn / Slytherin

PS: Ooh, you're local to me, right? Go to Pictureline. Seriously. That place rocks. No I don't work there. (I live near it though.)