I am a college student so it would need to be somewhat inexpensive.
I am looking at the Nikon D40...but I checked around and there are places that sell it for $360 and others that sell it for $600--and as far as I can tell its the same camera can you help clarify? Seriously.....
The Nikon D40 is a very capable camera. Here's one review for it. Look at the long (26 page) review, especially the comparisons with other DSLR's.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40...
and another:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm
The prices you are finding probably represent different kits, some with the standard 18-55mm lens, some with a cheaper 28-80mm and some that are just body only.
Another factor is that some sellers offer cameras that are not officially imported by Nikon. In the case of these 'grey' market cameras, Nikon will not warranty them, nor will they repair them afterwards, even if you paid.
Here's one very reliable EBay vendor with great prices. Cameta only sells offically imported Nikon products, and offers new cameras as well as dealer demos for excellent prices. I'm linking you to the 'Buy It Now' prices (not auction). As you can see, the D40 with a 18-55mm, bag, & extras start at $469.95. The combinations and prices vary, but all are guaranteed.
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Cam...
Amazon.com has the D40 with 18-55mm lens for $509.94.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-5...
The other possibility for the lower prices you've found may be that the cameras offered are used. I personally just bought a Nikon D50 off of Ebay that was $380, with lens, so I know it's possible.
P.S. Here are some recent shots taken with that 'old, outdated' D50 that has the same resolution as the D40 you're asking about.
http://tinyurl.com/2l7saa
I hope you find this helpful. Try the KIR2KUNAT by sebastiani , enjoy it. i guess sony is da bst......i hv tried many bt da bst result cums frm sony only! Sony Cybershot with the face detection and anti blur, and it fits in the palm of your hand and comes in 5 colors. I suggest Kodak Easyshare V610.It is really fantastic. I found this website www.consumerdealsonline.com and found a bunch of different cameras at great prices. It's a wholesale site so you save 30-65% off the retail price for the same thing. the cameras that you find for about 50% of the price of other vendors are all SCAMS or GREYMARKET!!!
check the site with http://www.resellerratings.com/ The prize of the Nikon D40 varies.
If you are buying the body only it will cost you from 350 to 400
Or if youre buying the kit that includes the body with a 18-55mm lens, it will cost you arround 600 bucks.
I personaly loved the Nikon d40x, which is a remake of the d40 with 10.2 megapixels (4MP more than the D40).
It was my first DSLR after owning a sony DSC-S600 for 2 years, Iam also new at photography.
These are some examples of what ive done with my Nikon D40x. Its a great camera. Small. Handy. Cheap for amazing photographs. Good for amateur photographers.
http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/2...
http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs18/f/2007/1...
http://fc03.deviantart.com/fs17/f/2007/1...
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/1... | 
