The Nikon D40 with the 18-55 standard zoom lens is an awesome camera.  This is my first DSLR, I have been shooting Canon and Nikon 35mm for several years and was leary of converting over to digital. I love the rich colors that I am able to get.  It is a very simple and straightforware camera to use.  The Nikon instructional dvd that I purchased with the camera was very helpful in teaching me the controls and settings that the camera offers.

Being a very budget concenious person, the quality of this camera makes it a very affordable camera. I was even able to add a new Tiffen Circular polarizer...