p.3 #1 · Once, just once, I would like Nikon to up Canon.
You need to realise that when you buy a camera, you're not just buying a body - you're buying a system and a photographic experience. You have many factors that may lead you to choose Canon, Nikon or even Pentax or one of the smaller brands these days. The lenses that are available, the camera's look and feel, its metering and AF, its sensor size, technology, screen size, ease of use, battery life, durability etc. And then there's the accessories.
You really need to use a camera and then determine whether you personally get good shots with the camera. Some people prefer using the Canon gear, others prefer using the Nikon gear.
Can I add fuel to the fire? I love the D2X - I'm a Canon shooter and the metering on the D2X, plus the sensor's resolved detail along with colours and the sheer ease of use that I would have never expected to find in a pro camera .. well, it's worth picking up and playing with.
But I still like the feel and features of the 1Ds II.