Nikon or Canon?

Ok so the age old question Nikon or Canon?? It is almost like picking your political party, Republican or Democrat. I guess that would make Sony the Independent party... No one agrees and the arguments go on forever, but I don't care! I need to pick one so I want to hear some opinions. I have a Nikon right now (D40) which I like just fine but I would really like to get a more professional camera. My predicament is a lot of the photographers I admire use Canons, which I know doesn't mean much cause it's all about the operator, but still you know what I mean. On the other hand Nikon seems to have a more clear focused picture while the Canons seem to get a little grainy. Is this just me?? I don't know. Tell me what you think...

Canon 5D

This was taken with a 5D by Laura Taylor who's photostream I love!

Nikon D700

This was taken with a D700 and is from Cencula's photostream which I just found.