Canon Digital Rebel XTI or Nikon D40X?

[dragon rider]

Now that you've selected Nikon - I've used Nikons since 1970 and never had any reason to regret that decision - when you've got a few bucks in hand take a look at the 18-200 Nikon DX lens.  I have it on my D70 and my D200 as my "normal" lens.  It covers everything from a chipmunk sitting on a log next to you to panaroma shots of the area to a whitetail wondering what kind of [expletive of your choice] has invaded my turf now.

[Grant Sutherland]

When I first started, I eliminated the Nikon from my choices because they didn't have the CMOS.  I was looking at Olympus and Canon (Sony wasn't out yet).  Everyone that I'd spoken with and now tell everyone that asks me: find a camera body that suits your needs.  Then look at the body one better and consider that.  You want the best body that you can't possibly outgrow (your skill will improve and you don't want to outperform your body)  After that, you get into lenses.  Buy the best glass you can afford.  If you buy crap lenses, your photos will never turn out the best.  It's expensive to start, but if you do it right off the bat, you don't have to upgrade to match your new found skills.