I am a Canon shooter... I currently have a Canon 40D which will soon be upgraded once the new 5DIII comes out. But as for camera go, I guess it all depends on what you are wanting out of your camera. I believe, but am not too sure as because I'm not a Nikon shooter, that the D40 is pretty much like the rebel series for Canon. There are pros and cons with both Canon and Nikon, and personally I think that it would be best to stick with one of those manufacturers. There are some things I totally dig about Nikon, but I really love my Canon because it is very user friendly. Chances are I will probably only shoot Canon and never go Nikon, but that is just because the amount of money I have in my lenses alone isn't worth the switch to Nikon. If I were you just ask yourself what it is that you are wanting out of your camera, check the specs of each, and go from there. Nikon and Canon are great brands and have been around for a long time for a good reason. After you figure what camera you are going to go with make it a point to get a 50mm lens (Nifty Fifty)... They are one of the best lenses to go with. Prime lenses like the 50mm will be able to give you that low f/stop in order to the nice depth of field. I currently have the Canon 50mm IS 1.4 which is a GREAT lens. Then I shoot portraits and my son's soccer with my Canon 70-200mm IS 2.8L which is a very expensive lens but is the best piece of glass that I currently own. Feel free to ask me any questions that you might have so you can make the right purchase and feel comfortable with your new gear. But do yourself a favor and stick with either the Nikon or Canon brands... Good Luck...