What current camera is similar to the Nikon D40?

I'm looking to buy my first SLR camera and have heard great things about the Nikon D40 but I just realized that it's not sold anymore. Was it replaced with a new model? Or what is a similar camera that is out now?

The D5100/5200 are its direct replacements. The D3100 and 3200 are cheaper versions.

The Nikon D3200 and D5200 are the two cameras that replaced the D40, but they have CMOS sensors, so do not have some of capabilities of the D40 (higher flash sync shutter speeds).

The D40 is still a nice camera. If you want the newest out there, look at a D3200 or D5200.

There still are a few out there for sale.
http://www.amazon.com/...zon.com/s/

For similar money you can get the updated D3100/D3200 or D5100/D5200. I'd get the D5100 since it is on sale and is an excellent camera.

Well I won't buy Nikon unless I've enough money to buy a D90 or D7000, as D3xxx and D5xxx series don't have built-in autofocus motor. So you'll have to buy G lenses and AF-S labelled lenses which are quite expensive. With a motorized body you can buy old, much cheaper AF lenses so that's a long term investment. Consider buying a used body or go for Canon or Pentax. Sony's not for me but you can check that out too if you want action photography.

Nikon D90 is an out-dated model (unfortunately) but you won't regret if you buy that as that is the most Popular camera in the filckr community atm. D7000 by Nikon is a great deal and If I was at your place, I would either buy a D7000 or a Canon. Canon has expensive bodies but quite cheap and better lenses while Nikon has cheap bodies and expensive lenses but that's not really a problem as you can buy third party lenses for Nikon mount such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina etc.

Buy anything that suits you best but my strong recommendation would be that you buy a motorized body.