The debate around these camera is full of vitriol, immaturity and general hatred. That aside, it seems that the Xti is the superior camera for image quality. However, it'll cost you more..

For under $800 I purchased a D40 (not the x version), with the kit lens and the 55-200mm VR with enough extra money for memory, two cheap UV filters and a handy bag. For me the introductory camera should be used to teach me the principles of photography, with the principles of photographic technology coming second. I prize lessons in composition over lessons in focal point use or the benefits of higher megapixels. Hence, the D40 is perfect. It's light, portable and just a generally pleasant camera to use, with enough functions and features to teach you about photography and in a few years teach you about WHAT IT LACKS. Learning how to take amazing pictures without every feature is difficult, certainly, but it pushes YOU to be better, rather than pushing your budget to buy a better camera..

If this isn't your personal philosophy, no problem. You may want to grow into the camera's capabilities quicker, and for that the Canon Xti seems like a much more appropriate choice. As for lenses, the D40 and D40x do lack the in-camera motor, so please be cautious. My lenses are more than enough for me to make quality pictures. Heck, best photographer I ever knew used a Digital Rebel (300D was it?) with the kit lens. His photos were pure artistry.

My guess is the Nikon AF-S line (lenses that can be used on a D40(x) will expand - hopefully in time for me to realize I need them..

Whatever you choose, I would suggest not purchasing the D40x unless you plan to do a great deal of cropping or very large prints. If you want that high megapixel number, which I was never really sold on, you're going to thirst for a lot of things the D40x can't provide you with too. There are a billion posts over in the Nikon forums specifying what exactly those are. Just seems odd to shell out for 10mp and still carry the reasonable inadequacies of the D40 (reasonable considering the price)..

Hope this helps.Nikon D4055-200mm Nikkor VR / 18-55mm Nikkor (Kit lens) / Enthusiasm..

I liked your comment about the d40. I'm in the same situation. Deciding what to buy. I'm leaning towards the nikon, never had a new camera, so I do not have any old lenses laying around that won't work..

I was set to get the d40....however I was debating between the dx40 and d80. My friend who is pretty smart about cameras said the dx40 would be better then the d40 because the more megapixels thus being better allaround resolution.I'm not looking to print out billboard size prints...but he stressed even small prints would be better with more megapixels......gee....hope I did not start something here!.

I would settle for the d40 with a 18 to 135 kit lens, then adding the 55-200. So, like the guy who started this thread....go for the d40? I'm a newbie too!!..

Go to a good store that will let you handle the cameras and even take some test pictures (bring your own card if you have themone for each camera as they use different formats). See which on e you like the feel of. Have the sales person show you how to use the menu on each and see which is more intuitive for you..

6 mp will get you very good photosespecially if you are not doing large blow ups. 10 mp does let you "crop" more, but I've had very good luck shooting 6..

All these are good cameras and will give you great pictures. Also, don't sell Pentax, Sony, and Olympus short. Canon and Nikon have the big names but the others have some great features. I especially like the Sony and Pentax anti shake systems. Sony A100 give you 10 mp with antishake for close to the price of the Nikon and Canon..

Take your time. Handle them all and see how you like their feel and their menus...

Ldavid1 wrote:.

I am undecided. Which would be best and/or easiest to learn camerafor a beginner, nikon d40x or canon rebel xti. This would be myfirst dlsr. Which would be easiest and least expensive to addextra lens. Your experience and advice would be appreciated.SgtDavidson.

You aren't providing enough information. Both have great affordable lens options and both are exceptional cameras. What type of shooting do you plan on using it for? (i.e. sports, low-light/indoors, macro, portrait, etc)Paul..

Thank you for you responses. You are right I did not tell you what I will use it for. I will mostly be taking pictures of wildlife and outdoor scenes.SgtDavidson..

D40X is nothign more than a a super cheap cameraa, intended to get those who have been thinking of upgrading their digital P&S into the DSLR market place..

Nikon is betting that a large percentage of the people who buy the D40x is not going to do anything other than use it as a P&S. For that, it is terrific and a better buy than a P&S..

For those who wil expand or desire more than one lens, or better quality glass, then the true cost of buying that cheap D40x body is going to hit them..

If wildlife is your thing, get a guality P&S or go Canon. Fast focusing and quick focus locks.Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..

If you price a D40X with 18-135mm lens vs. a D80 with 18-135mm lens at a place like B&H, you'll see that there's not much difference. But the D80 has a better viewfinder and an autofocus motor..

This makes me think that once you equalize the lens selection, a D80 may be a better buy..

Is the D40X there just to have something to match up against the 400D? ("Yup, the 400D doesn't have a pentaprism viewfinder, or a wireless flash controller, either.")..

Midwestshutterbug wrote:.

D40X is nothign more than a a super cheap cameraa, intended to getthose who have been thinking of upgrading their digital P&S intothe DSLR market place..

Nikon is betting that a large percentage of the people who buy theD40x is not going to do anything other than use it as a P&S. Forthat, it is terrific and a better buy than a P&S..

For those who wil expand or desire more than one lens, or betterquality glass, then the true cost of buying that cheap D40x body isgoing to hit them..

If wildlife is your thing, get a guality P&S or go Canon. Fastfocusing and quick focus locks.Dave Patterson.

Dave, you seem eminently qualified to make your remark, but I don't understand why you're selling the D40 series so short. I've read a bunch of opinions like yours calling the D40 nothing more than a glorified P&S, while others have seen it to be much more than that. I'm far more convinced by the latter crowd. What makes you think the D40 is simply for the P&S crowd? The D40 CAN handle more than one lens, and better glass. Simply because the body is affordable, light, comfortable and easy to use does not, I think, entail a camera incapable of use by thoughtful, creative photographers. As a D40 owner I am indeed biased, but I like to think my curiosity, research and eagerness to attempt more advanced photography is anything but a mere inkling of curiosity by a P&S troglodyte..

P.S. The CHEAP D40x body is not necessarily cheap to all. Please choose your words more carefully. A post-graduate student like myself invests a lot of their spendable income on what is to you apparently a nothing more than a toy..

Cheers..

Nikon D4055-200mm Nikkor VR / 18-55mm Nikkor (Kit lens) / Enthusiasm..

GarrettBB wrote:.

Simply because the body is affordable,light, comfortable and easy to use does not, I think, entail acamera incapable of use by thoughtful, creative photographers..

True as demonstrated by many manual-focus 35mm film SLRs (which had large viewfinders, good screens, and good focusing aids)..

A thoughtful, creative photographer can certainly get good photos out of a D40 or D40X, but those cameras throw unnecessary obstacles in the way. Neither fully supports autofocus with "normal" (35mm f2/.0) or "portrait" (50mm f/1.4 & 85mm f/1.8) primes. If I understand correctly, the camera will indicate focus but you have to manually adjust the lens..

Of course, D40/D40X owners can always hope that Nikon will come out with a set of revised prime lenses that include focusing motors in each lens.....

GarrettBB wrote:.

Dave, you seem eminently qualified to make your remark, but I don'tunderstand why you're selling the D40 series so short. I've read abunch of opinions like yours calling the D40 nothing more than aglorified P&S, while others have seen it to be much more than that..

I'm not anymore, or any less qualified than anyone else. I;ve been folling around with Slr's and now DSLR's for 30 years. or is that one year, 30 times? See what I mean?.

I'm far more convinced by the latter crowd. What makes you thinkthe D40 is simply for the P&S crowd? The D40 CAN handle more thanone lens, and better glass. Simply because the body is affordable,light, comfortable and easy to use does not, I think, entail acamera incapable of use by thoughtful, creative photographers. Asa D40 owner I am indeed biased, but I like to think my curiosity,research and eagerness to attempt more advanced photography isanything but a mere inkling of curiosity by a P&S troglodyte..

First off, P&S can wonders in teh hands of someone who knows how to use it to it's fullest capabilites. Gary Friedman, Author books for Minolta\Sony Camera bodies took a P&S to China and accomplished supectacular imagery with it..

More than I could do with any DSLR..

My biggest problem with both the D40 & the D40x is the missing features. That horse has been beat to death & simple google will tell you whats what..

P.S. The CHEAP D40x body is not necessarily cheap to all. Pleasechoose your words more carefully. A post-graduate student likemyself invests a lot of their spendable income on what is to youapparently a nothing more than a toy..

Yes, to me, it is a toy. Little better than a point-n-shoot. I admit it..

I would rather have a point-n-shoot in fact. That's not snobbery. It;s a truth, for me..

What is so wonderful about this world is we are different, with different needs and wants..

BTW< I remember "After-College"- 2 T.v.'s, one for sound, one for picture, 4 chairs, no couch, and plastic china. Oh yeah, remember it well.My own college kid don't know how good she has it, living at home..

Though, to be honest, I prefer plastic glasses to this day. Just tired of sweeping up broken glass. Tupperware bounces!.

Enjoy your camera. It;s a good one. Don't let my opinion change your own. My Nikon buddy would say you got it right and I'm the screwball.Dave PattersonMidwestshutterbug.com'When the light and composition are strong, nobodynotices things like resolution or pincushion distortion'Gary Friedman..

If you are interested in wildlife photography you will probably be looking into a long telephoto. You are limited to the new, expensive, ssm lenses with the 40 where the D80 would let you shop the used market and second party lensesgiving you a lot more options...

If you are interested in wildlife photography you will probably be looking into a long telephoto..

In that case I think it is common cause that Canon have a significantly wider choice (and are a bit cheaper) than Nikon..

If you think you will get seriously interested in photography then you will find that the body is probably the least important part of your equipment. Both Canon & Nikon bodies will do fine. The real choice (and expense) comes when you buy long lenses..

So for example if you take 400mm lenses which are needed for birds etc, Canon has a choice of four lenses including zoom at that length. Great choice, even if you are not there at the moment...

Midwestshutterbug -.

I at least appreciate the candidness. And yes, those college memories are all too vivid to me. Haven't had a functioning television in two years, heh.Nikon D4055-200mm Nikkor VR / 18-55mm Nikkor (Kit lens) / Enthusiasm..

Ldavid1 wrote:.

Which would be easiest and least expensive to addextra lens. Your experience and advice would be appreciated..

Nikon took out the autofocus motor from the d40 and d40x which means you need to buy lenses that have nikon's faster motors in the lens. These are about the same as Canon's USM. This means that Canon would give you more options for lenses and their lower cost lenses. The XTi is for you...

Isn't a dust reduction system important, especially for someone new to using a dSLR? The Canon has it, the Nikon does not.gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailbMy digital camera BLOGs: Panasonic TZ3, Canon SD700 & S2http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/index.php..

Perhaps, but there have been some muttering about it being ineffective. Can't find any clear test results on the subject though.Nikon D4055-200mm Nikkor VR / 18-55mm Nikkor (Kit lens) / Enthusiasm.

My old Nikon 4300 Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/Garrett.Bredell/PSArchive..

Jerdog wrote:.

I was set to get the d40....however I was debating between the dx40and d80. My friend who is pretty smart about cameras said the dx40would be better then the d40 because the more megapixels thus beingbetter allaround resolution.I'm not looking to print out billboardsize prints...but he stressed even small prints would be betterwith more megapixels......gee....hope I did not start somethinghere!.

I hope you don't mind if I comment on your friend, who is an idiot. Get a new advisor, as he will preach about other urban myths. .

The D80 is much better in many ways. But the D40 is a bargain if you don't need a lot of lenses..

Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1CATS #25PAS Scribe @ http://www.here-ugo.com/PAS_List.htmHomePage: http://www.1derful.info'I brake for pixels...'..

GarrettBB wrote:.

Perhaps, but there have been some muttering about it beingineffective..

Hmmm, if it was effective, is it a desireable feature in a dSLR, especially for a novice who may not want to tackle cleaning sensors. Do you know if the Olympus cleaning system is effective..

Thanks..

Gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailbMy digital camera BLOGs: Panasonic TZ3, Canon SD700 & S2http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/index.php..

Gail wrote:.

GarrettBB wrote:.

Perhaps, but there have been some muttering about it beingineffective..

Hmmm, if it was effective, is it a desireable feature in a dSLR,especially for a novice who may not want to tackle cleaningsensors. Do you know if the Olympus cleaning system is effective..

I have read that the Olympus system is the only one that is slightly effective. All the others basically did nothing..

Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1CATS #25PAS Scribe @ http://www.here-ugo.com/PAS_List.htmHomePage: http://www.1derful.info'I brake for pixels...'..

Thank you for all your replies. I guess the most important thing is which camera is the easiest for a beginner to learn and be able to get decent picutres of wildlife. I live at the foot of the Smokies and will have opportunity to photograph deer, bear and many other animals. I will also be taking pictures of trout streams and waterfalls. I am undicided between the nikon d40 and the rebel xti. My budget will not allow me to step up from this price range at this time.

I know I have a lot to learn, but figure first I have to learn a camera for dummies.SgtDavidson..

I think either camera will be a fantastic way to get your feet wet and that you won't go wrong the decision you ultimately make. From your posts, it seems like you intend to use your kit lens for a while, so the lack of an in-body focusing motor in the D40 may or may not be that critical to your final decision making. I think there may be other more important factors to consider in your purchase..

As someone else had pointed out, the best thing might be to go to a camera shop and try both of them out. Check to see if you prefer the feel and handling of one camera over the other. Find which camera you prefer adjusting common things like aperture and shutter speed. While you ultimately have to be satisfied with the end image quality, I think one's personal preference, in terms of "feel" and ease of use, determine the experience of capturing said images..

I really don't think you'll go wrong with either camera, but you may find the experience of using one over the other more pleasant. Good luck...

Off topic but you are a post-graduate student and you say this hobby takes up a lot of your income? Aren't post-grads supposed to be earning quite good money? At least I hope so since I would like to be earning enough to at least buy decent camera equipment and not have to eat at McDonalds everyday once I get my PhD...