A few thoughts about the topics raised in this thread from a guy who's invested much of his discretionary time and cash into photography for 40 years:
1. Canon VS. Nikon is mainly a matter of personal preference, although occasionally one or the other releases a killer product that leapfrogs it ahead of the other. Recent examples include the noise-free performance of the Nikon D3 at ISO settings up to 6400, and the amazing image quality of the full-frame Canon 5D series for the price. Canon's Image Stabilization system is also remarkable, particularly the newer lenses with four f-stop capability. That said, think of the primitive gear that Ansel Adams and the other early greats used and you realize that shooting, not shopping, is what makes a great photographer.
2. Surprised that 4-wheelers who spend a lot of time in dusty, rainy, snowy, and misty environments aren't wanting weather-sealed bodies and lenses like the Canon 1D bodies, white "L" lenses, and their Nikon equivalents. Get enough water or dust into your DSLR, and you've got a doorstop instead of a camera.
3. The Buy and Sell forum at
fredmiranda.com: Specialized in Canon - Nikon SLR Cameras, Forum, Photoshop Plugins, Actions, Reviews, Hosting and Digital Darkroom is the best place I've found online to buy or sell used photo gear. There's a feedback system on buyers and sellers that greatly improves the likelihood that bodies and lenses will be as advertised. Great advice and image display forums on there, too.
4. The most succinct and accurate online advice on gear and technique that I've found comes from Ken Rockwell at
KenRockwell.com: Photography, Cameras and Taking Better Pictures . He's a Nikon shooter, but recognizes when Canon and other manufacturers get a product right.