DPreviews.com
seriously...people have such a hard on for pixel count. The amount oF MP only really matters when your making huge prints. I have the older d70 and it still kicks ass.

how does this compare to the cannon? i know nikkon is great but i have never own any of its product...only heard great things about it

This camera is great for beginners going from P&S to SLR as I have one myself. The kit lens is sufficient to start off with, but I do suggest you get yourself a cheap prime lens once you get the hang of the manual mode. No need for expensive lenses if you can't use them to its full potential. And no more megapixel does not mean better quality for SLR, better lens= better quality.

There is nothing wrong with 6MP CCD in an APS-C dSLR. It's often better than 10MP CCD when it comes to ISO.

If you absolutely feel the need to buy a Nikon, and don't want to look at the D80 or D90, then the D40 is better than the crap of the D40x/D60.

I would still recommend a Pentax K2000 + 2-lens (18-55, 50-200) + flash kit for about the same price though. But I'm an admitted Pentax fanboy for entry to amateur.

How did you get free shipping, do you have a coupon code? I'm showing $13 for 4-6 bus days to Michigan.