I can't bring myself to recommend a Pentax K100D + 18-55 kit lens for even $100 less anymore, so why would I recommend this lesser system? Heck, a Pentax K10D + 18-55 kit lens was cheaper just 3 months ago, and Canon Rebel + 18-55 kit lenses have been cheaper too.

This is a great camera. It's amazing how much difference a quality camera makes to a non-photographer such as myself. Very easy to use and the pictures it produces are astounding.

The only problem is that you can't use lenses without built-in motor. So no of the older lenses will work. Pentax cameras are backwards compatible even with the manual focus lenses.

Nice camera, though being discontinued (along with the D40x). It's being replaced by the newer D60 that has the upgraded 18-55mm VR kit lens.

I have to second #4.

The new Nikon D60 comes with the VR (vibration reduction ~ in-lens image stablization) lens, which is almost twice the price of the prior non-VR (DX II is about $120 v. the VR which is around $200). With the newer D60 body + 18-55 VR lens "kit" not being much more than the D40[x] body + 18-55 DX II "kit", you really shouldn't be looking at the D40[x] kits at all.

I have no problem with Nikon glass. One year ago, the VR lenses were a rip off. But now the 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR lenses will run you less than $500 total, whereas it was difficult to find anything VR under $500 alone. Unfortunately, even though the D60 body + 18-55 VR + 55-200 VR is under $1,000, Nikon continues to cripple their entry-level body in the D60, so I can't recommend it any more than the D40[x]. I mean, it's 2008, and just "medium level features" are in every entry-level camera except the Nikon entry-level (D40/D60).

So if you're going to go Nikon, consider a used D80 or consider spending more on your lenses and body. Like a D300 with a better wide angle and telezoom option. Of course, that'll run you quite a bit more, but if you're a Nikon fan boy, you're going to be disappointed with the crippled D60 (let alone D40). I wish Nikon would "wake up" because no matter how many dollars they throw into marketing, no many how many retail outlets they pay, their getting diminishing returns with such a gap in basic features.

Especially when they've dropped the price of their VR lenses, and still produce some of the best semi-pro and pro equipment, period. Kinda sad, but that's their profit model -- to get you to upgrade.

Ack, just wait for the Nikon D90 ...
http://yourphotoarchive.com/laugh.htm

You can use older Nikon Lens' BUT you must manually focus it.....

The D40 can be bought at Amazon at this price as well (sans 4gb card)

The BEST deal is the 55-200mm VR Zoom lens through Amazon .. its like $220 New but the sweeter deal is the refurbish models that Cameta sells through Amazon for $150 ... This is a GREAT lens with VR ! this gives you 18-55mm then 55-200mm at a good price...

Until the 18-200mm VR becomes more affordable anyway...

Good camera. I bought body, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm VR lens, extra battery, UV lens for $580

The D40 does not has exposure bracketing and only a very primitive 3-point focus system. If you want a easy of use "Auto" mode DSLR, this might fit your need. It sure takes good pictures.

Great product. Circuitcity has rated it 4.8/5