Nikon or Canon?

Nikon comes with 18-55 and a 55-200 lens, carry bag, 4GB SD card among obvious other acc. for $649. 3" screen
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11491511&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=8 7150&hierPath=79*83*87150*&lang=en-US

Canon comes with 18-55 and 75-300 lens for $669. 2.5" screen.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?prodid=11503561&whse=BC&topnav=&ca t=87150&hierPath=79*83*87150*&lang=en-US

They are both 10.1 MP and seem to be pretty comparable. Looking for any reviews you may have and lean me to one or the other. It will be an anniversary present for my wife. Looking for something to take really good pictures without breaking the bank and don't really need the professional stuff. At least not right now. This will be her first DSLR camera.

Open to other suggestions but would like to stay in this price range I think...

i picked up a canon 450 this summer. if it were me i would try to buy just a body only and then get your own lenses. the lenses they come with arent the best(but will look a ton better than your point and shoot). maybe check craigslist to find one with just the 18-55 lens and then get your own 200 or 300 mm lens.
i also like the canon editing software, i found it easy to use for someone like me that was just getting into photography. but i havent messed with the nikon stuff which is probably pretty good too. sorry im not much more help. but my experiences with the canon have been good.

Cool, Thanks Alan. I have a Canon point and shoot and I like it alot. It's small, does everything I want and has been reliable. Is there really that much difference in the aftermarket lenses? My wife is kinda in the same boat as you, with just getting into photography and all and I wonder will it really matter at this point to get the higher end stuff. My gut tells me it won't really matter, but not sure.

I've got a Nikon D40x myself. Personally I think it is a little easier to use than the Canon equivalent (rebel xti?), but I think the Canon has some more features/options that I would take over the ease. In the big scheme of things, you probably won't be able to tell the difference between pictures that come off the two. I'd go with whatever you can get the best deal on and/or whatever your friends have so you can borrow and swap lenses.

I would also second just buying the body and possibly going the ebay or craigslist route.

You cant go wrong with either camera.

Both are excellent entry level DLSR's.

Nikon D3000 has 11 AF points. Cannon XS has 7. (a small advantage for Nikon)

Nikon has 3" screen and the Cannon has 2.5". (larger screen is a bit nicer)

Cannon has live view and Nikon doesnt.

If at all possible try to go to the store and see how they feel in your hand. Your choice may come down to which feels more comfortable to you.

Definitely planning on doing that. Thanks.

Kinda liking the Nikon D5000 with the flip down view screen. Could come in handy.

The resolution of the Nikon flip down screen is very low compared to others.

There is a rumor out on the web that a D90 replacement coming early this year.

Nikon rumors...

http://nikonrumors.com/2009/12/22/rumor-nikon-dx-body-roadmap.aspx

I am thinking the D7000 has my name on it.

We just bought the Canon X1I bundle from Costco for X-mas and we couldn't be happier. Takes great pictures and nice video. I believe the only diff between the X1I and the XS is the pixel's and Video.

I also liked the Nikon but thought the Canon offered more of what we wanted.

E I have had the X1I now for about 6 months love the camera I have the tamron 18-270 lens, get one of those

Just an update. I went with the Canon XSi, came with a 55-250 lens, extra battery, nice case and a filter. Picked up 2-8GB cards as well. The wife was very surprised and loved it instantly. She'll use it tomorrow for an event she'll be taking pictures at for a friend.

Good choice Ant!!!!!

See.....with the two options you gave us you couldnt go wrong!!!!!!

Have fun and enjoy.

AnT: Great Choice!!