I don't get the need for amateurs to go for the newest, biggest, baddest DSLR out there. For the purposes of most people, entry level DSLR bodies are more than enough since you get the main features that make them great [Lens systems, manual controls, better dynamic range, and lower noise - courtesy of the larger, less dense sensor]. The difference between an image from a D40 and a D3x wont' be dramatically different at the sizes that you'll be presenting them at most of the time. If you're struggling to pay your tuition, a $1800 camera shouldn't be on your mind. Saving the money for rainy days, especially in times like these, would be a much better choice.

Of course, if you're rolling in dough and the difference between $600 and $7000 isn't a real difference, you're allowed to get yourself a reward for your financial success. Get to it.

Keep in mind that we all got started somewhere. There was a time when we didn't know manual modes, didn't know how much of a financially-intensive hobby photography is, and didn't know one camera from another. This is a photography sub-forum on a website devoted to gamers. We could - and often do - get far worse than a question on a camera purchase. At least its not asking for critique of a MySpace-type picture.

I'm not here very often but recently, this forum has gotten pretty unpleasant. Definitely not the way to expand the community that visits this section.

Well said. Though I am one of those amateurs who went for a pretty good camera for my actual needs and ability and knowledge but I think that I am a fast learner and I can be quite careless sometimes so a larger and better built camera would be a better choice for me.
I wonder what kind of MySpace-type pictures you were referring too lol. I post some of my pictures on Facebook from time to time and they are the same pictures that I have posted in here . This sub-forum has become a bit unpleasant because there are a few people here who don't seem to be able to control their rage and don't seem to be able to accept any kind of negative comments. It's kinda boring when people take everything so seriously.