No. Simple as that. It doesn't matter if you choose a Nikon, Cannon, Pentax, Sony, or other brand. They all shoot photographs and often the difference is the only the person holding the camera.

A good photographer is likely to produce a good image even with a cheap disposable camera if they are challenged. An amateur on the other hand, will likely struggle even if given the most popular and pricey camera on the market.

Brands are often a matter of preference. It is true that some comparable models of different brands do perform better than others but this is often only perceivable in certain situations by highly experienced photographers and image editors.

The best way to decide on a brand is simply to experience the equipment yourself and go with what works best for you. If you have friends that enjoy photography, inspect their equipment and ask if you can borrow or just try it out. Visit local camera shops and see if they have demo models you can rent or at least hold and view. You can also find shops online that are offer rental services which offer cameras and lenses. It's best to get something you are comfortable with than something you feel forced to live with.

Brands like Nikon and Cannon are often the most popular in a crowd. Reason? They have built a reputation for quality equipment over the years and often offer the largest selection of accessories such as lenses, battery grips, protective gear etc. If you think you will want to use certain accessories, then this is when brands may become more important.

The operating system can also persuade you towards a certain brand. Just as computer users often choose a computer based on the operating system, cameras are no different. They all do many of the same things but offer the users different experiences as a result of menu navigation, file management, speed of operation and readability.

Personally, when it comes to DSLR's, I prefer Nikon. Reason being, I like the menu system better than most and the availability of accessories. I also like their above average rating for most of their lenses and camera body durability. Just my preference I developed over the years.