My first digital SLR camera, what should i buy?

Hi there, i am currently in the hunt for my first ever digital SLR camera. I have been using the canon s3 is for quite sometime now and i feel that i am just limited with the lens that it has. Kindly help me! I'm choosing between a canon 400d and a Nikon D40. Thanks for the help!

Canon and Nikon are both good choices. The D-40 just felt too small in my hand. I went with a Nikon D-70s and I love it. I found one used and in good condition. I probably saved $400 over the current D-80 model. I put that $400 in glassware and added more to that to get the Nikon 18-200 VR lens. That one lens should take care of 90% of my lens needs so it reduces the lens swap hassle and the dust on the sensor issue.

My advice is either camera will be good but as you study the matter, look beyond the camera to the lenses you will want to get. And go pick up the camera body somewhere and see how it feels in your hands.

since you already have a canon
stick with it

Since you are not already using an SLR, you will probably not have collected a variety of lenses. This will make your choice easier, inasmuch as you don't have sunk costs in one brand or the other, and are freer to choose either brand.

The other issue is that you don't say how the S3 lens is limiting you. From memory this has a x12 zoom and covers from about 35mm to 420mm (35mm equivalent). Getting the same coverage in an SLR will require something in the range of 24mm to 200mm. You will find that you can get a general purpose lens like Tamron's 18-200mm zoom, which will give you a 35mm equivalent of 27-300mm. This is not normally a kit lens, so it will need to be arranged separately.

I think either Canon or Nikon will give you good results. I know that this sounds like sitting on the fence, but I own both older Canon gear, and a spread of Nikon gear. Both companies made good cameras and good lenses. It really will be a matter of personal preference.

You should get the PENTAX Optio W30. It has TONS of features, VERY good picture quality, its sleek & stylish. And to add to all that, its waterproof! You can see the camera here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/pr...
I have had the PENTAX Optio W10 (a slighty older version) for a few years now and I absolutely LOVE it!

Take a hard look at Pentax K100D/Super when comparing against D40 and you'll find for same $$, pentax offers alot more bang for the buck

Get a Buyer's Guide published by one of the photography magazines. You'll be able to do side by side comparisons of various makes and models.

Then visit a camera store and handle the ones you like. Buy it from that store. Resist the temptation to save money by buying on-line. The staff at the store will be available to answer questions and offer advice. Its much easier to describe a problem or concern face to face than over the phone - if there is anyone you can even talk to.