Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

I'll throw in yet another vote for trying them out yourself. Take your time if you have it. For example, you don't want to find out later that you have to wade through a menu for a setting you expect to change often. As you read reviews, make a brief shopping list of features you expect to be critical but might forget when looking at different models and their prices in a store setting.

Another said that if you happen to be new to modern cameras, check out brands like Pentax, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and others. They are definitely viable alternatives, each with qualities that make them stand out. But whatever you decide, you will quickly grow into it and it will be just fine.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If you want to take pictures, rather than joining a Canon or Nikon club, it doesn't matter. Decide what models you may want and do comparisons.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

No body's mentiioned it but you'll have a greater selection of lens with Nikon and Canon. You'll spend more on lens than bodies.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

So what's your point in answering at all?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Nikon Df (silver).

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

There are two factors in the decision that I have observed:
1. Those who have had a Canon body before (whether film or digi) seem to prefer the Canon "feel" and ergonomics;
2. Most Nikon bodies (except D3xxx, D5xxx and D7500) will mount and meter "legacy" lenses, that is the AI-s manual focus lenses and the AF-D lenses. This fact gives the photographer access to some excellent glass at very reasonable costs.

Full disclosure: I shot with Nikon film bodies and have owned only Nikon digital bodies. Of my 11 lenses, only 4 are AF-S.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Canon or Nikon...makes no difference so pick the one you like the feel and the location of the controls. If you go Nikon, I have the 5600 and my best friend has the 7200. The 7200 is the better camera although it is heavier and bulkier than the 5600 and the differences between the two won't matter to anyone who's not a professional. Again, handle both and see what feels best in your hands. There have been internet rumors about Nikon going out of business for years and they never seem to come to fruition. Even if they sell off their camera and lens line, someone will pick up such a lucrative business and continue to manufacture & support that product line.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

No body ever mentions Pentax. They invented the penta prism (hence the name). Many of us had our first serious camera the Spotmatic. Today the Pentax K-1 is the best bargain in the Industry. A pro level full frame at a crop frame price. Don't ignore it. Yes, it does not have the lens compliment of Canon or Nikon but most do not need 50 lenses

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

With respect the OP is not asking about boat anchors but quality cameras. There is nothing wrong with Nikon whatsoever and you likely know it.

Dennis

caljr Loc: Indiana

Do the research but don't limit your choices to just Nikon or Canon that are all manufactured in China or Thailand. I just got back from a 2 week Disney vacation and took my new Fuji and the camera was amazing and worked flawless. Always remember it's the eye of the photographer that makes the images dynamic not the camera.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Here's my answer to a similar question in another thread.

Here's what I did:
-Budget: no more than $500. (This was the most important criteria I had.)
-Searched for $500 DSLR's on eBay & Amazon in order to understand what I might get.
-Found some favorite models that I compared at cameradecision.com. I refused to have any brand preferences.
-Read plenty of reviews on the cameras I found interesting.

My priorities were; very good professional reviews, the highest pixel count possible, RAW format option, wifi, built in GPS, fair prices & f/values on future lenses.

Nikon D5300 turned out to be the final option. With my personal preferences, and budget, it was by far the best option. Price paid: $449 on eBay, including an 18-55mm lens, plus some other (now useless)-stuff in the bundle.

I've had the camera for some time now and I have no regrets on my purchase. On the contrary, I'm very happy with what I got for the money spent.

Later I've bought a 55-200mm(used) and a 35mm(used) lenses. A better flash, a good tripod, petal lens hoods, and some other stuff.

Your best option is probably not my best, and vice versa. It is not about the camera as much as it is about the photographer. Just as a good stove doesn't make a good dinner, right?

In order to update my knowledge I started off with Nikon D5300 For Dummies as well as Stunning Digital Photography by Tony Northrup. At this moment I'm reading Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System, which is my favorite so far.
http://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/
It was all well invested pennies.

Best of luck on your persuit of your best camera. ...and don't rush it to get one quickly. Take your time, i.e. weeks, to learn about your options and what you favor.

Examples of pictures I've shot are found under my name at 500px.com as well as at Instagram.com.

PS
I had the same procedure when I looked for, and bought, my sons camera. (He turns 6 at the end of July) The budget was no more than $80, had to be fully automatic, as well as having manual features to grow with as he gets older and if his photo interest persists. Best option: a used Fujifilm Finepix S8600 (it's a bridge camera), for $76 on eBay. 
And there are instructive videos on his camera on YouTube for him to watch later.

PPS

Here’s a different opinion on this issue.
https://petapixel.com/2017/03/24/battle-micro-43-camera-outsold-full-frame-dslr/

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Good advice but missing one thing. If you go to a camera store or even Best Buy. Buy the camera there. That's the only way they stay in business. Too many go there, try out the cameras and then order one from B&H, Adorama or Cameta or even worse, Amazon. If you want your local store to stick around, buy from them.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Get the one you like the most!

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

No matter if Nikon is history due to financial rumors or not, their cameras are not.

After 100 years of camera manufacturing there are plenty of very good, new or used, camera bodies and lenses to buy if one want to. Only time will tell if you are right, if Nikon will survive or not. However, if you have a crystal ball or the DeLorean from Back To The Future please do not hesitate to tell us more.

Note; the OP asked for camera recommendations, not for our opinion on the health of Nikon Corp.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Looking at what you need. It appears that you require a full frame camera to get the detail when you enlarge the photo. I personally use Nikon products and have for many years with no problems and very high quality cameras. I recommend either the D750 or the D810 from Nikon. I personally have a D810 because it is full frame and has 36mp. You should be able to get a very nice refurbished camera for far less than new. I also only buy older film lenses for huge discounts. usedphotopro.com is a good lens source.

Go to a camera store and see what fits you best. Take your time it is obvious on this list, Canon people love Canon and Nikon people love Nikon. See what fits you best. Make a list of what you need in a camera and then get the camera that fits those needs. Good luck