I know what you mean about the Canon models having less noise than the Nikon
models, but although I like Canon pics myself, there is something surreal
about their 'clean' images. All that noise-free photo stuff can sometimes
make a photo look quite 'bland' and give it a flat look at times, whereas
the higher noise levels in the Nikons seem to contribute something to the
overall look and 'feel' of the picture. There's a sort of more realistic,
textured look to the Nikon shots and I particularly like this in portraits
where skin and hair shows up looking so natural. It is also very evident in
landscapes where we see the likes of rocks etc.,. I also prefer to see the
'grain' in the Nikon skys, especially blue skies, whereas the Canon is very
pure and creamy. I am not a techie photographer, so don't have the knowledge
to word this any other way, but these are the things I notice when comparing
the two makes of camera.
I do like both makes, but they are just different....'not
better....'different.

J.