I'm not a pro or semi-pro but I have been shooting for a while.
I prefer Canon. I find that the menu's and controls are easier to get to and use. I used to have a Nikon CP990 3mp cam and it was great but the shutter lag was too much. I upgraded to a canon Digital Rebel and overall I have loved it.
You can see my site at:
ipedog.smugmug.com
Point & Shoots are great, but if you plan on having kids or like shooting moving targets a digital SLR is the way to go. Take a look at the Digital Rebel XT. Thats a very nice camera that will last you for years and you can definately grow into it.
Good Luck