I have been shoting with a Nikon D70 for over a year; the D70s is out now, but it is pretty much the same camera. I have been very happy with it, after 3 digital point & shoot cameras (each one was an upgrade).

In DSLRs these days, the Canons are good, and the Nikons are good. It is pretty much down to which one feels right in your hands, as the optics and electronics leave very little to choose between them. I like the Nikon user interface myself, and the ergonomics, but there are probably just as many who would pick the Canon. Both companies make some very good lenses (and some average ones). Lenses are where you need to spend your money.

I enjoyed the faster shutter response right away, the additional depth of field control, and the low-light capability, compared to my P&S. The avatar doesn't really show it to any advantage, but I was trackside at Goodwood taking 4 or 5 shots of every car that came by, and it would have been very difficult without the DSLR. Anybody know the car in the avatar? Bonus points if you know who was driving it.

Finally, be ready to do some post-processing on just about everything you shoot, whichever DSLR you look at. That is another adjustment from P&S cameras, you end up playing with Photoshop after downloading to the PC. All in all, it is more work, but I find it more rewarding.

Good luck.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue