Canon 40D or Nikon D300?

I want to take pictures of family, landscapes, and sports. Which of these would be the best investment for a first DSLR? I am also considering going back to school to pursue photography and would just like a few opinions.

Thanks

Well I have been using Canon cameras myself for over 30 years so I pick the 40D, but that's me.

both are good
choose the one that fits your wallet

This is a simple choice. Nikon is by far a better choice for digital, since they ONLY make digital cameras, less two professional film cameras. As a photographer, you will have to manage cost effectiveness in order to make a living at it, and with that in mind, you will have to choose a brand and stick with it. Nikon makes more digital lenses than Canon and this means more shooting options, Nikon's digital processors are also optimized for landscapes and earth tones, and do wonders for skin tones as well. Canon is optimized for fast action/sports events, but you can find this same ability in Nikon with a faster lens. The 40D is almost outdated technology, and the D300 is brand new, but good luck getting a D300 anytime soon. They typically are backordered for months, because of such high demand. Also remember that unless you know how to manually adjust all settings from aperture to film speed (ISO), to shutter speed, you will have a harder time learning with the D300 as it does not have "scene modes" with default settings typically found on less professional models. Also remember that unless you have very deep pockets, whichever brand you choose (Canon or Nikon), will have to be the one you stick with, since the costs are too high to use both. I recommend a Nikon D80 to start out with before you invest 2000 dollars on something you are still unsure of or less than familiar with, and get an 18-200mm VR lens to go with it. if you do wind up going to school for it, then by all means save up and buy a D300 later if youre serious.

First of all if you are going back to school, you are buying the wrong camera. All the photo programs that know of (and I have a lot of contact with graduating student from many different schools) start out using film cameras, from 4x5 view camera to 35mm.

Second, if you have Nikon or Canon glass already, there is no reason to change brands at this point ... just not a good business practice (check with your accountant)

If "Live View" is important to you, read on.

Look on Ken Rockwell's website at the comment on the D300's "Live View"

"Nikon has outdone Canon at Live View because Nikon's AF system works two different ways while in Live View, while Canon's does not work at all."