Cheers again. There are some good shots there. My budget is slightly higher but I would much rarther spend alot less on one entry level than more for one what is in the same entry level bracket when this does get good reviews.

stormey. could i ask a question on your thread.

if i [or you] did buy a d40 what would be a good lens for doing portraits as i dont understand all the lens and their names and what they do

You and me both I am only just starting out and have alot to learn. No doubt you/me will get alot of help here.

The nifty fifty is meant to be good for portraits, although a decent telephoto like the 55-200 or 70-300 would give you nice blurred backgrounds too

Feel free to start new threads for each question - just make sure the thread title is descriptive of the question, as that way others will benefit from the threads too

50mm or the pref the 85mm are good for portraiture work

Zoom lenses are ok BUT if you want maximum sharpness then always go with a prime lens. Zooms can create to much perspective distortion...

As for OP - the d40 is a good cam to start on

Well, thats my mind made up, I will go and get it over the weekend. Just one last quick question, Is it user friendly, as the p&s I have now is a nightmare to change settings.

it will be once you use the manual

I actually found it much better than my old p&s.

It's aimed at people just getting into DSLRs and the manual and on screen help is very good imo

Its against mens laws to use the manuals. Never used one yet, never will

Azz, I guess that clinches it, Be ready for picture overload over the next few weeks.

You must read the manual Stormey - or you'll miss out on a lot. Luckily tho, it's actually a nice read and not a chore like most manuals.