The Nikon and Canon camera models don't line up exactly. The two Nikons closest in price to the 450D that Alex suggested (~$1500 with 2-lens kit) are the D60 (~$1100 with 2-lens kit) and the just-announced-two-weeks-ago D90 (~$1800 with lens).
Compared to the D60, the D90 has: much better high ISO (low light) performace; larger high-res LCD; direct buttons for most settings - ISO, white balance, metering mode, and a couple of others I can't recall; and will autofocus with older Nikon lenses that need a motor in the body rather than having one in the lens.
I'm not sure exactly how the current Nikons compare to the Canons; I do know that Grahame's D60 is smaller and lighter than Davyd's 450D, but don't know what exactly it gives up in terms of features. When I bought my SLR a few years ago, the Nikons had a much nicer user interface and general ergonomic 'feel' to them. The 450D seems a lot better than the Canons of a couple of years ago, but no doubt the Nikons have improved a bit too.
no subject
Compared to the D60, the D90 has: much better high ISO (low light) performace; larger high-res LCD; direct buttons for most settings - ISO, white balance, metering mode, and a couple of others I can't recall; and will autofocus with older Nikon lenses that need a motor in the body rather than having one in the lens.
I'm not sure exactly how the current Nikons compare to the Canons; I do know that Grahame's D60 is smaller and lighter than Davyd's 450D, but don't know what exactly it gives up in terms of features. When I bought my SLR a few years ago, the Nikons had a much nicer user interface and general ergonomic 'feel' to them. The 450D seems a lot better than the Canons of a couple of years ago, but no doubt the Nikons have improved a bit too.