As far as all non DSLRs' that was a good decision.  As for DSLRs' I
think both Nikon and Canon are comparable to each other differing on
some features and pricing on certain models.  The prices appear to fall
in between each other.

When the new D90 comes out I wonder how that will stack up with the
Canon 450D and the D40.  I expect it to compare nicely to the D40.  But
the new Canon 6D will probably knock the socks off the competition and
blow the moths out of your wallet.

I've been shooting with a G9 for a few months now, and can offer this
advice:

1. Read the manual cover to cover. This is a feature-rich camera and it
makes no sense for anyone on this forum to repeat what is already in the
book.

2. Shoot RAW and expirement: JPEGs are quite good up to ISO 200, but RAW is
still an improvement.

3. Use the gridlines on the LCD, don't bother with the optical viewfinder.
The viewfinder shows about 80% of what's captured, so framing with it is
useless.

4. After you've read the manual, step through the menus and customize the
camera to suit your shooting style.

5. Turn off the flash, unless you just can't get the shot without it.

6. Fire at will! When it doubt, press the button...

7. Visit the forums at DP Review where users will post photos with
explanations of the methods used.

Now go and fire away...