Being top of the field Nikon and Canon are both ultra-usable.
But do realise this; such companies compete by
aiming at the other's weaknesses. So you will be not able to find equivalent cameras to compare.
Some examples;
5D Mark II vs D700
-
21.1 mpx vs 12.1 mpx; Canon wins megapixel race.
-
1920 x 1080 High-definition vs no video capability. Canon has an extra feature.
-9 AF points vs
51 AF points. Nikon wins with more focus flexibility (actually since Nikon has a more powerful focus sensor we could say it wins twice.)
-3.9 FPS vs
5-8 (With Grip) FPS. Nikon one can machine-gun.
We can see they are like apple and orange, landscape and sports.
450D vs D90
-3.9 FPS vs
4.5 FPS. Nikon somewhat faster but close numbers subject to buffer and add. factors.
-No video vs
1280 x 720 HD. Nikon has it.
-Real ISO 100 - 1600 vs
ISO 200 - 3200. Nikon can shoot in lower light if you willing to suffer more noise.
-I guess the D90 should be more expensive?
Budget consumer or bigger budget consumer?
Another additional general comparison example;
Nikon has built in CLS wireless flash system. Canon users need to buy a ST-E2 transmitter to do the equivalent.
But wait!
You cannot sync more than shutter of 1/250 on Nikon's standard CLS.
What if i like to shoot off cam flash in bright sunlight at super big aperture (like f/2.8 - f/1.4)!?
Then nikon also offer a transmitter with hyper sync at similar pricing which can control it's macro flash.
---
I loved my D70 trial days and 20D trial days. Now i own a 5D and find myself wanting a D300 AF system. I hope you get my message although quite technical!
