[exuvia]

you should ask yourself some questions...



- "which size I'm going to print, at maximum?" This is actually what makes you choose between a high pixel count body and a medium pixel count body (aka: FF or DX).

- "I'm going to need high iso shooting?". If yes, go with a FF D700.

- "how much Depth of field handling is crucial to me? (portraits, for example)". If it is, go FF, otherwise DX is more than enough.



And now for the brands: as Edge said, feel a body in your hand, to decide the brand. Nikon has better ergonomics, but that doesn't mean Canon has something wrong. Nikon makes some better lens, as the micro series and the wide angle zooms (14-24 at the top), but they are expensive. Canon makes very good lenses too, and not necessarily cheaper.

About other makers: trust Tokina, less so Sigma (quality control issues).



I'm a full time pro nature photographer, and I am totally satisfied (up to 60x90 prints) with my D300 and D200. So, after all, what does matter is other than megapixel.