Suggestions for first DSLR?

[more head than shampoo]

I've got my eye on a Nikon D40 but I want some suggestions from the forum and not staking out my cash with a camera I don't like..
I've got some experience with point and shoot and i've always wanted to buy the "pro" cameras xD right now, my budget is $650 (doesn't have to be right on, i can fork out a couple bucks )and since this is my first DSLR...I'd like some suggestions.
For the use of the camera... I'll be taking pics of scenery (cause thats mostly minnesota! )
and probably some family pics and get some experience...

Thanks

also want to add a list of cameras i am considering:

Nikon D40,
canon eos rebel xSi
Pentax kx

Final decision is:

>>>Pentax K-X..Will add review soon :) w/ test shots and will update this thread with the link ! Thanks for all the input!<<<

(higlight to see spoiler)

Thanks for all the input everyone!

[candleman]

of those two you listed.... i'd take the Xsi
but its not a fair comparison, the Xsi is around the level of a D60

handhold the cameras you can afford.. and see which you like the most..

[more head than shampoo]

Originally Posted by candleman

of those two you listed.... i'd take the Xsi
but its not a fair comparison, the Xsi is around the level of a D60

handhold the cameras you can afford.. and see which you like the most..

thanks for the input, these are just current options i am lookin at so i dont forget
do you have any suggestions? I'm open to new ideas

[IABoomer]

Is there a reason you're looking at the older D40 and not its replacement, the D3000?

Given some info on the types of things you'd like to shoot, and if there are any special cases where one maker might be better suited than another will help identify where you might want to be looking.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Is there a reason you're looking at the older D40 and not its replacement, the D3000?

Because, frankly, the D3000 isn't good. It's also set to be replaced at Photokina.

I'd give it a few weeks if you can and wait till the end of Photokina.

[more head than shampoo]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Is there a reason you're looking at the older D40 and not its replacement, the D3000?

Given some info on the types of things you'd like to shoot, and if there are any special cases where one maker might be better suited than another will help identify where you might want to be looking.

no reason at all, it was on the cheap side compared to other dslr's, the reviews on cnet were leaning on the good side and i used the cnet filters for cameras $400-500 and put it to best ratings

[more head than shampoo]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Because, frankly, the D3000 isn't good. It's also set to be replaced at Photokina.

I'd give it a few weeks if you can and wait till the end of Photokina.

may i ask what the d3000 and photokina is?

[IABoomer]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Because, frankly, the D3000 isn't good. It's also set to be replaced at Photokina.

I'd give it a few weeks if you can and wait till the end of Photokina.

Okay, I'm curious. My in-laws just bought a D3000 and a friend of mine has a D40 which I've used quite a bit. What is it about the D3000 that you (or other reviews) find inferior to the D40?

[more head than shampoo]

Originally Posted by more head than shampoo

may i ask what the d3000 and photokina is?

oh nevermind, its a photo fair... my motto for electronics is to wait until they're 6 months old and buy them..because thats when the prices are most reasonable

[more head than shampoo]

also, is the canon t1i even comparable? I just heard about this tent sale which the prices are up to 50% off..i'm going to check it out tomorrow and was wondering if anyone else has any more input?