Shot with Nikon today...

I really like my 20D, but the build of my D700 is definitely much better, except for the popup flash and battery door. And after using the D700 since the beginning of January I really like Nikon's control layout, but honestly it's no better or worse than Canon's. Once you get used to shooting Nikon the Canon control layout feels weird. If I went back to the 20D for a few days then the Nikon would feel weird.

Both take nice images

No, it's actually like this:

PS consumer: Canon XXXXD, Nikon D40, D60
consumer: Canon XXXD, Nikon D40X
prosumer: Canon XXD, Nikon D70-D90
Upper end prosumer: Nikon DXXX
professional: Canon XD, Nikon DX

SF Lights wrote in post #7363950
No, it's actually like this:

PS consumer: Canon XXXXD, Nikon D40, D60
consumer: Canon XXXD, Nikon D40X
prosumer: Canon XXD, Nikon D70-D90
Upper end prosumer: Nikon DXXX
professional: Canon XD, Nikon DX

I wouldn't put the 5D with the D3... The 350D would compete with the D40/D60 so I don't know why the XXXXD and XXXD is seperate.

I had a D200 before I switched to C and really liked its fit, finish, and feel. I would imagine that the D300 would be as equally nice.

The D40 and D60 are the lowest point of entry level, not having any AF with certain lenses, and they're more compared to the Canon XS which is the cheapest build of all Canon DSLRs.

D700 is a great camera.

SF Lights wrote in post #7364336
The D40 and D60 are the lowest point of entry level, not having any AF with certain lenses, and they're more compared to the Canon XS which is the cheapest build of all Canon DSLRs.

but the Rebel XS has AF with all EF lenses. Its built isn't really that bad, its around the same if not the same as the Rebel XSi.

timnosenzo wrote in post #7363476
I agree, I have a friend who has had a D70 and moved to a D90, and it's no great shakes IMO. I agree with Suzie that the higher end bodies are nicer, but I really don't get why people gush over Nikon ergonomics. Really nothing to get excited about.

The buttons are right there, you don't have to press one and then another.

I agree with you. I had the D300 for less than two weeks and wasn't impressed. I mean sure it was heavy and sturdy feeling, but the rubbery buttons and the overall appearance in my opinion is UGLY. I don't like the mounts on the Nikon, the little aperture lever thing, just the thing overall I don't think seems to have a nice smooth look/feel like a Canon.

But it was a very nice camera none-the-less, just not for me!

I agree the build quality of Nikon really stepped up with D300 & D700, but my friend who shoots with a D700, his arm start hurting after a long day of shooting....funny my little canon is nice and light.

rvissers wrote in post #7364627
I agree the build quality of Nikon really stepped up with D300 & D700, but my friend who shoots with a D700, his arm start hurting after a long day of shooting....funny my little canon is nice and light.

Your friend needs to start lifting weights

My D700 + Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 is pretty close to the same weight as my 20D + 24-70 f/2.8L. The Nikon body is heavier but the lens is lighter.

If anything, I like the grip ergonomics of Canons over Nikon. Not the battery grip, the body grip itself..just feels more molded

Just to rock the boat a little...

I came to a 5D from a Pentax K10D. I LOVE the 5D's image quality, focusing, and so on. However, it literally feels like a toy compared to the Pentax.

The K10D is built like a tank and its ergonomics are second to none, but I still won't be going back - I'm a full frame kind of guy.

Dmab wrote in post #7364707
If anything, I like the grip ergonomics of Canons over Nikon. Not the battery grip, the body grip itself..just feels more molded

The Nikon grip is certainly different to Canon's. For the D700 there is a depression for your fingertips so that the camera feels very secure in your hand. It almost gives you confidence that you can dangle the camera just by the fingertips and not worry about dropping it. Frankly I prefer it but can understand why some would like the smoother Canon grip.

Assumer wrote in post #7364476
D700 is a great camera.

+1. My 50D is like a toy next to my D700, both in build and functionality