Confused about first DSLR?

In a couple of weeks I am planning on buying my first DSLR but I am so confused on which one to pick, at first I was leaning towards the Nikon D40 or D40x but now I have different thoughts about them both. My price range is from about $500-$700 dollars. I am an ameatur photographer with plans to do a lot of shots in the fashion/glamour photography field, I need a camera that will suit me, I might be planning to minor in photography in college but am not sure yet. I need a camera that is not overly expensive because this is my first one but I want a camera with an edgy side as well that will produce the most fierce frames it possible can. Can anyone help me without confusing my decision even more?

For your price range, the Nikon D40 is perfect. $700 will get you a D40 body with a 18-55mm as well as a 55-200mm lens.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-3-5-5-6G-55-...

Then add a Nikon SB-600 flash and you're on your way!
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.h...
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.h...

How well does this combo work for fashion and glamour photos? Here's a few samples I found on Flikr.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?cm=nikon%2...

You might also consider a used Nikon D70 or D70s. These cameras were very highly rated and dependable. I used them (and still do) for years with excellent results. They have more flexibility with autofocus lenses and more control of the creative process with more camera settings.

I hope this is helpful.

LOL, "fierce frames" is not a question about the camera, but about the photographer and how he/she manipulates light, shadow, and color.

In other words, go ahead and buy your D40 or D40x and then work on your skills. The edgy side and fierce frames will be up to you, not your tool.

"I want a camera with an edgy side as well that will produce the most fierce frames". That's like saying the hammer builds the house or the pen writes the book. Having a fancier pen won't make you a better writer.

Anthony is right.

Look here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamer...

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

cnet.com is a good place to read about SLR'S

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions