Nikon D40

[Chipmunk]

Hey, I'm approaching sixth form college, I'm doing photography and I need a DSLR. I have no job at the moment so I can really spend much on a camera but I'm not sure what to get. Anyone have good experiences of getting DSLRs from ebay?
I saw the D40 for quite cheap on Amazon but it seems really outdated. Has the image quality changed much since then? Does the camera really matter or is it just the lens?
Thanks for the help.

P.S. If you don't know me, I lurk.

[Dionysos]

Ive got the D40x or something, and I love it. Sure, you can get better for more money, but Im on a tight budget as well. The lense is quite important, but if you want something else than the standard 15-50 or what it is, be prepared to spend alot of money. I can upload some sample photos if you like. Overall, especially considering how cheap it is, I love it. You have to decide how much money you have and what kind of gimmicks you want

[Chipmunk]

I'd love some samples if it isn't too much trouble.

[Frips]

I have a Nikon D40 (got it used) and I love it. I have the standard kit which came with a 18-55mm lens along with a manual 80mm Nikkor lens that I got from a co-worker.

Samples (my flickr):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14229807@N02/

D40/60 photo pool:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/d40slr/pool/

[Chipmunk]

Frips, I really like some of those pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality. ha
You get it from eBay or something? How much for if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks

[Dionysos]

Ah now that you have some examples Nice pictures.

The only thing I dont like is that it hasnt got an integrated sensor-duster, but I was able to clean it myself eventually.

[punky]

Well, It's a great DSLR camera, and the image quality is really good too, especially if you can buy a nice lens with it too. And as you said it's not expensive at all! If you want to take a look at other good, but cheap DSLR's then the Canon D1000 could fit your needs too

[Frips]

forgot to reply, sorry.

I actually got mine from my father. I am lucky that he is a photo enthusiast, so every time he gets a new camera, I get the older one (1.1MP Sony Mavica 1.44MB disk memory, Nikon CoolPix 4600 [still in use, currently using it to document the construction of the Philadelphia Convention Center Expansion], a minolta that died, and now the Nikon D40) He opted to get the D60 to replace this D40. You can find some good new prices for around $400-$700, or used for cheaper.

I know Microcenter has a current Kit deal for around $500 (but you have to find a store, or have it delivered).