Chris,
Canon and Nikon are always leap frogging each other with each new model (D100 beat the D60, 10D may beat the D100).
As far as the optics quality, I believe the overall nod goes to Nikon. My friend who is a professional astronomer and optics consultant, puts his lens on a test bench, then field tests them on star fields. He is Nikon all the way, although he concedes that Canon does make several exceptional lenses, Nikon's quality rules overall.
Over the past few years I have been lured to the "dark side" of professional sports photography where the Nikon/Canon debate is an ongoing source of entertainment. Each brand and model has it's pros and cons, but the all of them can enable you to make great images.
Just about every lens Nikon has ever made will work on their DSLR's.
BTW, I believe Nikon reduced the price of D100 to compete with the 10D.
I have owned Nikon gear for 30 years, currently using a D1H and D1 (along with 6 film bodies).
Canon may have some features that I like, but I guess I will just have to settle taking images that place in photo contests, and are published in newspapers and magazines, with my "inferior" Nikon gear. :)
Doug Murray
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