I hadn't even looked at Sony Are you trying to confuse me

What I want is a camera that I can learn on, but is good enough to last a few years without me having to upgrade as I hopefully get better.

You sound as confused as me

I thought I definitely wanted the Olympus, but I am not so sure now

Do you have an idea what you want now ?? It is a big decision isn't it, whatever I choose has to last a couple of years at least,before I upgrade.

So far its either the 400D or the D60 but then I look at the D40 and think of the lenses I could buy with the money saved I can't really see me going for the D40 though. I will look at the Olympus and the Sony when I get a chance.

Like you I would like this camera to last a good few years before I upgrade.

Just get down to Jessops and spend some time handling the cameras to see which feels most comfortable

Right the D40 is out, so is the D60 I think

I do like the Olympus a lot, liked it in the shop etc. Like the double lens kit too.
Had a look at the Sony A200, found a couple of good deals on the net for this too.

And then the Canon 400D which is really nice, but haven't found many good deals for this one yet.

So I think it will come down to money, so at the moment Olympus or Sony

I don't think you'd go far wrong on the Olympus, Canon (or even Nikon) choices...

Personally (and it's my opinion) I'd stay away from Sony - they have a habit of dabbling in a market then changing their mind when they don't make enough money...

Nikon, Canon and Olympus have been around for many years, and probably will be for many years to come...

Sony may (or may not) decide to continue in the DSLR market in future - and if they don't - the lens availability may dry up (we're talking a few years not weeks though)...

Stick with one of the other three you've mentioned rather than Sony (Feel free to disagree with me though)

The D40 really is a cracking camera and if you're on a budget, with the money saved you can get an additional lens

Don't agree with Chris about Sony, they are a fantastic company, one of the few that manufacture to a consistantly high standard, no matter what the product - and don't forget they already make the chips that other camera manufacturers like Nikon put in their cameras and don't forget they bought Minolta, so their lens work too, as well as Sonys own, and Sonys Carl Zeis. But with regards to Sony, I would wait for the Sony A300 and A350 one of which has a 14MP censor and is still within your price ranges

I'm saying nothing about people who buy Sony Cameras.

I did say it was my opinion You are welcome to disagree.... but you wouldn't catch me buying a Sony... *Betamax Cough*