Nikon 6.1mp D40??? Love taking pics want a good camera. Not a begginer but not expert either.?

I'm looking for a digital camera that isn't crazy expensive but does all the things I want it to. I still have my first digital Fugi film 4mps3100. Does a good job but I def. want to upgrade. I was interested in this Nikon D40 I've heard good things. Here is what I want out of a new camera
1. Clear proffesional looking pics
2. Faster shutterspeed than what I have. I push button now and it takes a long time to actually take the pic.
3. Good zoom. Like if I got OK seats at a football game I want my pics to look like I had GREAT seats at the game because I zoomed in on my subject.
4. I like to take still life pics, nice landscape pics, and candid pics of people. And sometimes evening pics.
5. My old camera if I don't have the flash on i get a VERY blurry pic because not steady enuff. Sometimes the flash bleaches subject I want the option of being able to leave it off and not worry about it being blurry I just like taking pretty pictures. What camera is best for me?
thx!!!

The D40 is a great entry level dSLR. You will need to invest in a telephoto lens (the kit is only 18-55mm). Depending on the lens, this could set you back at least couple hundred more. Or, you save up and buy the D80 which has a decent telephoto (135mm, equiv. to 216mm on a 35mm camera).

The only downside of the D40 (for me at least) is that the body is EXTREMELY small. If you have big hands, this camera is TINY. Go to Best Buy and ask to hold one. The D50/D80 are all bigger and have a better feel.

I have a Canon dSLR (300D) and love it. Canon makes some great models too, just a little more $ than the D40 for entry level.

d40 is an excellent choice

if you can afford the D80 ot really is much much better, and your zoom depends on the lens you get. 18-135mm lens is quite good, 135 is the zoom and 18 is how wide the angle is.

The D40 can not use older non auto focus Nikon Lenses because it lacks a mechanical coupling to the lens diaphragm. The D80 and D70 can use the older lenses although the exposure with these lenses must be made by trial an error - because the meter will not couple to non auto focus lenses. The D200 will couple to both the diaphragm and meter of the older non auto focus lenses. None of this will make a difference to you if you plan to use only auto focus lenses - but it keep in mind there a lot great used non auto focus Nikon lenses on the market, often at very good prices.

We've indexed about 50+ reviews for the D40, if that helps your research and buying decision at all:

http://www.reviewhub.com/nikon-d40-revie...

Good luck!