The Best DSLR Camera?

hands down Cannon, i have afriend who is a Professional Photographer and he will not buy anything other then cannon and has been in business for 40 years

There is no "best" DSLR. Both the Nikon D40x and Canon's Digital Rebel XTi/400D are good entry-level DSLRs. Unless you're buying the best-of-the-best there's always going to be something better than it and it's always going to be missing something. The D40x and XTi have their share of weaknesses but they are so minute that first-time owners and novices won't even know what they are. The best way to find the camera that's best for you, especially when the budget is tight, is to check them out and compare them side by side at a store, read reviews, and look at samples.

And, to boggle your mind with even more options, here are some other good cameras in the same class you may want to consider:

- Sony Alpha A200, A300, A350

- Olympus E-410, E-510

- Pentax K100D, K100D Super, K200D

Read some reviews, look at samples, and read user opinions at:

- http://www.dcresource.com/

- http://www.cameralabs.com/

- http://www.dpreview.com/

- http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Most people would agree the top end of the big three are very impressive... Oly, Nikon and Canon all have great cameras. after all is said and done each has it's limitations and drawbacks, look at your style and needs. What ever your choice, next year it will be a distant 2nd, or 3rd.

Nikon has always been the first choice for those who make their salary based on a perfect shot... Canon still there and getting better... Olympus after being mocked for it's "small" m1 is still doing well now with the e3.

you can't pick wrong... just learn the camera inside and out and feel the picture as it unfolds in front of you. Learning how to take pictures is far more important that the equipment...

A master needs only a pinhole camera to produce art.

I have the D40x and I am very happy with it. Its my first DSLR. Its not huge or heavy so its more fun for me to use. It takes really good photos. I think you need to go check them out to see which feels best to you. I really wanted the D80 and when I held the D40x I knew that was the one for me.

I have read and seen many comparisons have been made between these two units. I purchased the Canon. I suspect most would agree that Canon has an edge with the quality of their optics.

Good luck

here is a link to a site with good camera reviews

http://www.dpreview.com/