[twobjshelbys]

I have had two Nikon DSLRs. My first was the first serious one they had - the D100. It got demoted to standby body when I got my D700. The D700 is sold in the Nikon "pro" line and costs about $2500-$3000 for the body (prices are down, I paid $3K) two years ago.

When looking at DSLRs consider the frame size. The D700 has a full frame (24x36mm - same as a 35mm negative) sensor. The D100 has a 1/2 sized sensor. Why does it matter? If you are using a standard lens, let's say a 50mm (which used to be the standard lens for 35mm). On the D700 (and my F2) it's 50mm. With the 1/2 sized sensor the focal length gets multipled by 1.5 so the focal length is 75mm. Nikon has a line of lenses that are "tuned" for the 1/2 frame cameras.

Canon does have more cameras with full framed sensors Nikon.

If you do not have an investment in 35mm camera lenses then you should seriously examine both Nikon and Canon. But remember from that point on your future camera choices will be highly influenced by the lenses you have in your camera bag.

Low light is important and the D700 still is the best in the industry - I do not use flash in most of my pictures. I used to shoot a fair amount of bands (before I stopped going to the local place) and never used flash. ISO 200 - 6400 is all the same. No digital noise.