I think the 400D with a 17-85mm lens is a good choice... I use the 17-85mm and think it's a cracking lens...

Not sure on your budget - but you can pick up the 400 with the higher spec 17-85mm for around £674 after a Canon cashback...

Canon 400D packages

Azz does like Nikons (no surpises there!)

But as everyone says - go out - try them - feel the weight and balance - see how they sit in your hand...

Both Canon and Nikon are good choices - and also think Olympus are another decent DSLR to consider...

Thanks again, I will go along and have a look and feel of the above tomorrow, then decide, you have made my choice a lot easier, I can tell you.

The 400d twin lenses deal looks good, it is not so much the money that bothers me, it is making sure I get the camera, for me, not to complicated, or too good for my needs.

Do I need an all singing, dancing camera, or is it better to move up in a few years.

I will let you know what I get,

You have all been great.

Have a read through this article on the 400D - may be helpful...

400D review

i`ve upgrade from film f55 dslr to D80 and loving it ! havent tries out the D40/400D so i cant comment on these but it get alot of good reviews and sound really good as a first dslr

Hi guys, thanks for all your help, decided on the Nikon d40x in the end, looks good enough for me to start off with.

Now all I need is to get clicking

Thanks again, you where great!!!!!!!!

Good choice! Hope you have loadsa fun with it!

Let's see your preliminary results

Looking forward to seeing your pictures