right im going to just tell you straight. If your serious and want a big kit with lots of lens and such, get a canon 400d. the nikon d40x etc are hindered by the lens issue ( only new lenses will work and they are expensive or cheap crappy ones) Canon have great lenses all the way through their range and the top end ones are argubly better than the nikon. IF however you want a fantastic camera and willing to stray from canon or nikon, get a pentax k10d. fantastic camera. weatherproof(rain, dust etc) good lenses available however dont expect the amazing telephotos like the canons, and you have all the sigma lenses to play with that are great. the K10d is a seriously good camera and now a bargin.( around 500 with lens) If your are serious about photography go with canon or nikon though as they offer better top end stuff, and if so i strongly suggest a canon 400d or even a 30d if you can stretch to it.