Canon 350d or nikon d40x?

i have a canon 350d dslr and im not very satisfied with it at the moment,as it is firing blinding shots of light out of it when ever i take a picture in dark surroundings. (this is before the flash is actually triggered and the camera is focused)

i see that the nikon d40x appears to have a more comfortable handgrip,a larger number of megapixels (canon is 8 and nikon is 10).

i am just worried about the light coming from the flash as i do alot of band photography and i tend to blind them alot!

anyone willing to answer my question,it would be great help.
thanks!

Turning off the flash on a Nikon DSLR is very easy. I use that feature all the time, as I shoot NBA & WNBA games where flash is forbidden. I also use the same technique when shooting NCAA college sports, as nothing's more annoying that flashing cameras in an athlete's face.

The D40x, like all Nikons, has a great "feel" in the user's hands. I don't have one, but I love the D50 and D70's in my bag.

If you have any other questions, please just ask.

I tried the D40x at a store and I would choose it over a 350D. Its interface is MUCH simpler than that of the Canon's, and the buttons are very well placed. The flash is very good and doesn't make a huge circle on a semi-reflective circle. I haven't tried all of its white balance modes but the Cloudy mode that I use with my crappy digicam is very warm. The colors are off the hook.
Anyways, choose quality over popularity. I see people going like "Canon is the best!" But it's not. It's great, but not the best. Nikon wins this time.

Here is a link that may help you make a decision. It is too bad that you had to buy a camera that does not suit your style of shooting.

Here is a link that will help you:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

The blinding lights you speak of are from the 350d's Focus Assist Lamp.

You can turn it off using a Custom Function -- go here to see how:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS...

The D40X has an assist lamp too, and it can also be turned off.

Hope this helps.