I was looking to invest in a camera probably buying it used. So I did want other options given to me. I just listed the d40 because it is what I am familiar with and what I use in photography class. But I have heard good things about canon so was wondering what to buy for my first SLR.

Are you kidding me? Look ANYWHERE, The D40 is the cheapest.

Well then you may want to look at Olympus E-410:

http://www.thecamerastore.com/products/catalog/digital-slr-cameras/olympus-evolt-e-410-body

It's extremely cheap for some reason but don't expect too much though lol.

I believe if you want to buy used the safest way is check out the camera store near where you live so you can go there and check out whatever used stuff they may sell course buying online doesn't seem very safe.

This post was edited by Futurama on Jan 11 2009 07:43pm

I know the owner of Thecamerastore in my area.
It's actually not "my area"
It's about a 30 minute drive down town.

Anyways, they don't really sell used equipment there.
They have like a really small section, and last time I checked the only had a few filters and other stuff like batteries, etc.

Plan on buying through eebay like everything else I buy. Ha.

lol ok I hope you know what you are doing
Just don't forget to take and post pictures after you have got it

The cheapest nikon DSLR I would buy would be the D90. Nothing against nikon, they make great pro cameras but they are far behind in the entry level section...

Ya think I am going to go with a canon rebel for the wide variation of lenses.

id say go with the cannon

The only problem I have with them is how much noise you get when using high ISO's. Granted I am using an old D50, but image quality is fine for anything other than that. A good lens will be more important than a good camera, as I doubt he'll ever need to print particularly large sized prints.