NIKON D40 black + AF-S DX 18-55 mm Lens

In my opinion this camera is better than the d40x as it has a higher flash sync speed and is cheaper. The d40x may have ten megapixels but if you absolutely *need* 10megapixels for your work or whatever then you'll be buying a professional camera.

6 mpx is more than enough for what anyone needs.

with that out of the way let me say that is had customisable menus, decent battery life, is light enough and ergonomic to the hand. And I'm a leftie :D

This camera is as simple as a point and shoot digital camera, but give great functionalities like manual focus, exposure, shutter speed control for the serious enthusiastic. On most occasions the pre-configured settings selected by the mode dial gave excellent pictures, leaving normal person not to worry about white balance, exposure etc.
If you are more in the photography and know about all aspects can be controlled manually as well.

Only down side I found in this camera is that when the object is very bright, automating did not adjust white balance proper and resulted in normal digital camera quality pictures. On sunny day I suggest using setting other that full auto.

I strongly suggest a UV filter for the lens that will protect the lens.