ecommons

I too started with an Olympus E500. The reason, I could get into digital photography for initially less money. I paid $800 for the Olympus w/ two lenses. A Nikon D70 body only at the time cost $1000

The problem with Olympus, is few manufactures make after market lenses and accessories for Olympus. Without competition, Olympus lenses are more expensive than Nikon or Canon.

That said, the camera you choose it up to you. Both Nikon and Canon are excellent products and both have great backup support and after market support. In our town, we have no camera store. Best Buy is it for upper end cameras. And, you get no support. If you are lucky to have a camera store, talk with tem. Some will let you take a demo or used camera out and shoot with it to get a feel of how the camera operates and works best for you.

Photographers are like Republicans and Democrats It's either Nikon or Canon and no compromise. Either will do the job.

I chose Nikon, simply because I have been using Nikon film cameras since the mid 60's and I had some older lenses that would work for me in a strictly manual mode.

Starting from scratch, I would choose what ever felt right.

sojourner52 Loc: Dallas

Of the two, I would choose a Nikon or a Canon. I've seen equally impressive photos taken with both.

moorehead Loc: Texas

I have been on a similar journey. After reading reviews, developing a scoring system (price vs function/rating) I went into my local camera store to buy a Nikon 5300. After much discussion w a great sales person, I walked out w a Canon 70D and Tamron18-275 MM lens. Came down to fit in my hands (big guy) and overall price/function. I nearly bought the Nikon 7100 but it was missing two features I really wanted--wifi and fold out/touch screen :)