[remus]

I agree with the advice already given.You should go to your local photo shop and try the feel of both the Canon and Nikon.
A few weeks ago I joined the forum to ask the same question. Having been given the same sort of advice I went to a shop to try out the cameras.
Both were nice, but for me the way the Nikon D80 felt in my hand said this is the camera for me. One week on I am a very happy chap.
Also the D80 has a lcd display on the top to show some of the settings, which works for me.