What is a good Canon SLR camera?

I'm a photographer, and I shoot with a Nikon D40x. It's a good camera, but not one of the best one. So I was thinking on getting a D80, which apparently is one of the best SLR Nikon Cameras. But then I was lurking around, and I saw Canons are pretty goood too! I have never used a Canon, so I have no idea how well they take pictures, nor I dont know any of their cameras!
So, would anyone help?


++If you want to check my photos, www.Flickr.com/photos/MichelleOxrud

All Canons DSLRs are very capable cameras, then again so are Nikons.

Lenses are on of the biggest factors in image quality. Nikon along with other lens manufacturers produce a range of quality, from acceptable consumer grade to premium quality lenses.

This accounts for the difference in price of seemingly similar Nikon lenses. Spend your money on one of Nikon's premium lenses.

the canon digital elph power shot is the best bought a 7.0mp last summer love it. replaced a canon with a canon.

The thing with Canon DSLR's is that I don't like the build quality on their entry level lineup; As do many others. If you go with Canon, I would suggest buying the Canon 40D, mostly because it's better build, but also its stronger features.

The Nikon D80 is a great camera as well. Since you've already been aquainted with it, it might be in your best interest to stay with Nikon. Let me also suggest looking into the Nikon D200. It's a great, solid built camera with even more features than the D80.

In the end, the choice is up to you.

Not to put Canon down, but what do you need that is better than what your D40x can do? The D80 supposedly has the same crappy light meter as the D40 series. You'll get a few more pro features which helps in studio situations. The D80 and D200 can use older style lenses which is a big plus if you have lenses sitting around or want to buy second hand lenses.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/d200-d80...

If you're going to upgrade, perhaps the D200 is a better bet. Or, take a noticeable step up to the D300 which has new useful (as opposed to marginal or useless) features.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d300.ht...

Or, buy more lenses. They'll make more difference than a new camera body.

While you're still shooting with the D40x, take a look at Ken's setup guide for the D40. Many of the comments go for the D40x.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/use...

While you're at Ken's site, look around. He has lots of interesting articles.

you have some very nice photos. Well, if you're happy with Nikon then why not stay with Nikon. Canon's bodies feel a bit cheaper but the lens I believe are a nose superior. It's pretty easy to learn how to operate canons. However from seeing your photography you've gotten some good pictures from your d40x.

I use the Canon Rebel XTi and I absolutely love it! Most of the students at the Art Institute use this camera. You can find them for about $600 right now.

Other Canons you might consider are the XSi, 40D, 5D, 1D Mark III, or the 1Ds Mark III.

From dpreview's top 20 cameras:
#1 is the XSi (also called the 450D)
#2 is the 40D
#3 is the XTi (also called the 400D)

There is absolutely NO reason to change camera systems .. especially between Canon and Nikon .. they are both pro cameras.

The rule is this IF you already own Nikon's keep them and add to your system. IF you already use Canon's, keep them and add to your system

Actually the most important investment are the lenses ... DSLR cameras have to be updated every three to four years .. the lenses will last for decades ... just like our old 35mm SLR's

That said .. look at these links:


http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamer...
and
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

As Fhotoace says there is no reason to switch to a Canon. Don't get me wrong Canon are great cameras but you already have a Nikon camera and lenses.
Your money would be better spent investing in some good Nikon lenses. You will get much better results from a new good quality lens than you will with a new camera body.