I know almost nothing.... need advice on buying.

[Papa Deuce]

A used Pentax *ist line camera with a few pancake lenses! Sorry, I loves teh pancakes.

Seriously though, if you want a cheaper DSLR line that has quality as good as any other, Pentax seems to look good and has HUGE possiblities for upgrades. If you want to go new, look at the Pentax K100D or Pentax K110D.

What does that mean? I saw it on BHPhoto, I think.

 

[smyth]

if you can get a D50 (discontinued) from somewhere, either a left over, or a barely used secondhand one, you would be better off, as opposed to the D40, in my opinion.