Which is the best entry level D-SLR Camera?

I am planning to buy a new D-SLR and have finally shortlisted the following

1. Nikon D40
2. Nikon D40x
3. Cannon Digital Rebel Xti

I need help in finalising product.

The 3 main difference between Nikkon D40 and D40x is the resolution (6MP and 10MP) and the FPS (2.5 and 3.0) and ISO range (200-1600 and 100-1600) and there is a $200 price difference also!!! Does the technical differences above cause any impact on the quality of pics taken? Is 6MP good enough for a large size image without degrading the quality?

What I've read about the Cannon rebel xti is that the default lens which ships with the kit is not as good as the one which ships with the Nikon. Is that true? Moreover Cannon lens are more expensive compared to Nikkor lenses (Incase I go for lens upgrades at a later stage)..

And finally does D40 support VR lenses if I want to go for upgrades in the future?

Please keep in mind that I am just a beginner getting into SLR shots and only has a limited budget which I can strech only if abosolutely nessasiry!!!!

I've tried out all the cameras you've listed, and although the Canon Rebel XTi advertises more features, I prefer the Nikon entry level D-SLRs. You're right about Nikkor kit lenses being superior to Canon lenses, and that accounts for some of the difference.

If you're going with Nikon, I don't think it makes much sense to buy the Nikon D40x now that the Nikon D60 is out on the market. They are about equivalent in price, and the D60 has everything the D40x has and adds some useful and fun features. The most substantive among them is the inclusion of VR (vibration reduction) lens(es) with the kit. As for the difference in megapixels, unless you plan on developing photos larger than 13 x 19", you won't notice a difference. Check out this explanation of megapixels: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

If price is a serious consideration, I would get the D40 and put your savings towards investing in lenses. I think that you can get the D40 with the 2-lens kit for about $500, which is a fantastic deal. And even though the D40x and D60 improve on the D40 a bit, they are not major improvements.

My advice to you is to try out the various cameras you're considering in the store before making the purchase. You're feeling ambivalent now, but I think you'll probably have a pretty clear idea of which camera you prefer.

d40x. But the d40 is still good. i'd stick with a Nikon instead of a Cannon.

I have the Canon XTi and am very satisfied with it. I have heard that Canon has a larger selection of lenses than Nikon. You should go to a good camera store and try these cameras. Hold them in your hands and see which feels best to you. The D40 is being discontinued.

As long as you are making a big investment, I would go with either the D40x or XTI.

Since you said you're planning to buy a new DSLR, i think u should reconsider about your "list" of camera there and maybe try to take a look at the new Nikon D60 that is already available in the market now.Why D60? Because it is new, it has a dust reduction system that D40 and D40X doesn't have and it is amazingly cheaper than a D40X!!!(I'm not sure why...) and it comes with a 18-55mm VR!!! lens....so why go for something expensive that has less functions???......
I'm not really sure about Canon cause i'm a nikon user....

Why count out the Sonys? i think they are definately worth a look!
have a look at this page for a good scouting of the current, new lineup
http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotograp...

IMO you should also look at the latest from Sony and Pentax.

The Sony A200 is 10mp and has Super SteadyShot (image stabilization) in the camera body. You can use every Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985 on it and all will be stabilized.

The Pentax K10D is also 10mp and has the Pentax version of image stabilization in the camera body. Every Pentax K-mount manual focus and auto focus lens made since 1975 will mount to it - and be stabilized.

you said that you're a beginner on this.. im more of a pro-Canon user but the problem with it is that its not user friendly.. if your just starting out and you dont want to stretch your budget too much.. settle for a cheaper camera then.. lenses fot XTIs are expensive.. why not settle for maybe a cheaper Canon s5is or other brands the same as the features and buy tons of lenses and play around with them.. practice.. and have fun..

i have a Canon s3is right now but im planning to sell it again to buy advanced cameras.. just small steps at a time

If you are looking to purchase one of these cameras and stick with only what the box offers, then i would recommend the Nikon D40x. Nikon has very well-built and reliable entry-level DSLR cameras.

The Canon XTi is a very good camera, but the Nikon has a slight edge above it.

However, if you are looking to expand on photography by purchasing lenses, accessories and flashes, etc, i would recommend sticking with the canon. I am a fan of canon lenses.

it all comes down to preference. i would play with the d40x and xti and see which one is more comfortable and easy to use.

If you don't need the latest or near latest camera out there.
Go with the Nikon D40 (since it's being phased out) or Canon XT (phased out for the XSI). The lenses will still be usable with the later models.
Hell, there are people that are still using the Canon Digital Rebel and they're happy with it!

Take the money saved, put it away, save some more and get better glass down the line.