Canon vs. Nikon

[Boy]

...and in general I was told that the Nikon was a bit sharper than the Canon.

actually it's been shown that nikons generally have a more pronounced in camera sharpening algorithm - which would explain the difference seen across the board i.e. with different lenses (since sharpness should be a function of your lens and not your body.)

 

[SPZ]

Canon has the best chip. Nikon has the better glass. Canon favours yellow, Nikon blue. Overall, I prefer the Canon.