Hi, Jasan:
I've been following this thread - may I just say that ANY of the
cameras you're considering can produce stunningly good ... OR
stunningly bad ... pictures!!! As I've recommended to friends
and other newbies (and might I add without getting accusing
fingers pointed at me later!!!) give the modest D40 (no "X") a
serious consideration, and put a bit of cash saved on the
little SB400 flash unit!
Take a look at the "D40" tag on flickr.com, and any of
several reviews of the camera, e.g.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
to have different ideas of just what this "low-end" camera
can do! Even if you some day outgrow the camera, you'll
have developed good skills and get a feel and instinct for
what you'd like to hold and to do with your camera. And
all for a relatively low price.
As to where to get it from ... somebody did point out that
a good relationship with the shop folks helps, and this
immediately rules out the large department stores.
This is only a PERSONAL opinion - I'm happy with the
folks at Orient Photo having got a fair bit of equipment
from them with excellent, friendly advice - just a warning,
though: do NOT come across as a know-it-all, as it turns
them off, and you're then on your own, and become
basically "just A customer". Be frank, ask about warranty
matters, and "what happens if ...", and only buy if your
instinct says "Ok" and you're comfortable. Well, isn't this
basically the advice for ANY shop?! BEST OF LUCK, and
Merry Christmas!