Well, when I startet out with DSLRs I had a Nikon D200 for a few weeks, which I got from Uni for the duration of a project (well, I also took it with me on holidays, because the person who was responsible for handing them out, then is a good friend). Well anyway, I really liked the D200, but I knew, that there'd be no way for me to spend that kind of money on a new camera body, let alone ~700-800 Euros, people wanted for a used one on ebay back then. As a student I simply didn't see a justification for spending that kind of money on something that was beginning to become a hobby.
So in the end someone offered me a 40D with and old, crappy Tamron Lens for around 400 Euros and that is how I chose a Canon. Looking back at that purchase now after almost two years I've got to say, that I still miss the D200s Viewfinder and AF System, since I consider both of them to be far superior to Canons implementation on the 40D, but otherwise I do prefer the 40D, since I find it to have a far superior button and dial layout. Also I find Canons Menu layout to be way better. So in the end I'm glad I chose the Canon, even though at first I did regret it, back then.