My first SLR which my parents gave me (a long...long time ago) was an Olympus OM1, I dug it out the other day it's a real brick to hold. When I went shopping for my first DSLR, I started looking at Nikon and Cannon, the Nikon I found too big for me to comfortably hold and I didn't like the feel of the Cannon either. I ended up with an Olympus E500, then I upgraded various lenses and once you've done that, you're really committed to one brand. I have now upgraded to an Olympus E30... love it I also have a Panasonic Lumix TZ6 point and shoot which is a terrific little camera to keep in your handbag

For Film cameras I have too many to reliably list, but I STILL shoot my original 1978 Canon AE-1 (In great shape and still working). With DSLR's I have owned the Oly E-500 and when I was ready to upgrade I went the Canon route with a 50D and a few lenses only for the reason of I got a great deal on the package. Nikon really puts up a great product too, I have considered changing brands because I really like some of the features on the D3x series, but the cost to replace all of my Canon equipment would be horrendous! The canon 7D is my next choice.

I think at certain cost levels, ie 500- 1000, 1500-2000 and so on ....of the models, Canon and Nikon are fairly comparable in regard to build and photo quality,and for most it would be, like me, a choice of being "invested" in so much glass from one brand or another....

I have been pleased with my canon, it has done well for me and wouldn't see enough return on investment to change now...although if someone wanted to give away their entire Nikon D3x set-up....I'll PM you my mailing address! LOL