Carole
I have PM you

Always an interesting subject

I would say that unless you are planning on turning pro and shooting all day everyday then you need no more than the D40, the D40 offers more than most people will ever need. Unless you are planning on printing your pics more than 3 feet wide you don't need more megapixels than the D40 has. I have printed 18x12 off mine and the quality is there to handle that size.

I'd say get the D40 and spend any extra on glass, stay away from the D40x as the extra pixels aren't worth the extra money, dust systems don't really work. All that works is care in changing lenses and the odd use of a rocket blower

Thanks all Now I am even more undecided

400d does have a anti dust feature

I'm more than happy with the results I have got from my D40, But I do wish now that I had gone for a Nikon body with and inbuilt focus motor mybe a D80 a D200 or a D300. Saying all that Iam really pleased with the D40 and for the money I don't think you can beat it. next step D80, D200 or D300!!!!

I agree with Finbar - the D40 is a fantastic beginners camera, but there come's a time when you want the inbuilt focus motor.

If you are only every going to buy one or two lens, and none of them are going to be prime lens, then it is the perfect camera, and nothing touches it at that price.

I am still glad I bought it, tho, as I have stuck to my original plan of buying it and getting more lens until I am ready for a new body (that will also work with those lens) - and it will always be there as a back-up body

The 400D was the first to have a sensor cleaning! Others have followed.....!! I LOVED my 400D Carole it was super! I am a Canon person, I have had 2 Nikon compacts and they were fine for what they were, I dont think Ill have another.

If you're going to be looking at the canon 400D, i'd have a look at the Nikon D60. You get a more user friendly menu system (in my opinion), good if you're just getting into dslr photography, a dust reduction system, a VR lens if you get the kit, and as you get 10mp you get the benefit of being able to crop/enlarge photos without pixelation (unless you go really large).

the canon 400d looks to be around the £390+mark with a lens...
the Nikon D60 is about £60 more and you get to be on team nikon!

If you're looking at something a little less pricey, I'd go with the D40. and probably wouldn't look at the D40x as the price you'd pay for it, isnt far off the D60.

Thats what I cant get on with, the user menu on Nikons, my Boss's does my head in, I cant get used to it, but then I expect its the same for him on mine!

The Nikons are much heavier than the 400D, saying that my 40D handles great! and its heavier than the 400D.

I felt a bit stupid in the shop when i was trying the 400d... couldnt figure it out...
and when i got hold of the Nikon d80, the choice was made!... but i guess its because i'm used to them...