Whats a good beginner Digital slr camera for somebody just getting into photography?

Absolutely the Nikon D40 (don't bother with the D40x or the D60; good cameras, but not worth the extra $$). I purchased the D40 as my first DSLR and have not been disappointed. It's a great segway from point-and-shoots to SLR cameras because it allows you to shoot comfortably while also having tons of features if you want to play with them. It is very light in weight and is fairly inexpensive for what you get ($499 w/kit lens).

Below is a lengthy article all about the D40. Ken Rockwell also has tons of great photography info for a beginner. Take some time to research and then get shooting!

If you are really looking for a cost effective entry level dSLR to learn you should take a look at the Sony Alpha A200.

Why you should seriously consider this camera :

1. It is the most cost effective entry level dSLR. Check out the prices yourself against the Canon 450D, Nikon D60. It even beats the Canon 400D and Nikon D40/D40x based on the features below:

2. It has a 9 - point Auto Focus system compared to 3 in the Nikon D40/D60 (Canon 400D/450D also has 9)

3. It offers spot metering whereas the Canon 400D does not.

4. It offers manual Kelvin colour temperature adjustments for more accurate White Balance setting. All the Canon and Nikon models mentioned above does not.

5. It has Super Steady Shot (SSS) that negates the need for VR or IS lenses to get image stabilization.

6. The kit lens focal range is 18mm to 70mm that is longer than the 18mm to 55mm offered by the Canon and Nikon models mentioned above.

7. The Alpha A200 already has wireless TTL flash capacity built into it. All you need is to purchase just one of the Sony flashes and you're good to go for wireless flash photography.

The precursors to digital SLRs. Try the Canon S5 IS, very sturdy, inexpensive "SLR-mimic" camera. It's good for amateur photographers, but it has a Digic III processor and has the same image quality as the Canon Rebel XT. Also, it has manual modes that mimic a real SLR.

Nikon D40, D80.
Canon XT, Xti, XSI . The xsi has live view, it's handy if you care to take night snaps (tripod) or portraits.

Have a look in a store, play with each camera a bit, you'll know what you like best right away.

Nikon D40 hands down. But the D80 is much better, I have one, it is amazing, but much more expensive.