A new DSLR, or new kit?

I'm thinking of buying a new DSLR. At the moment, I shoot with a Nikon D40 which is about 3 years old but it still works as well as ever. Do you think I should go ahead and buy a new DSLR (I'd most likely buy a Nikon D7000) or would I be better sticking with my D40, and spending that money on some new kit? (Lenses, tripod etc.) Thanks!

It depends If you get the new camera then you'll have to wait for new kit which is bound to be more expensive. Or if you get new kit for your old camera it will be cheaper, but you won't have the new camera. Do you want new kit or new camera? I'd suggest if you are happy with your current camera and there are no real significant differences with the new one, go ahead with the new kit. But if you think that the new camera would be alot better and you wouldnt mind not having kit and stuff go with that. It depends on what you would like to have.

There are good reasons for upgrading from a D40 (never the best entry level camera) to a D7000 not least of which is the new sensor and added functions. It's a totally different camera with far more capabilities in low light shots and dynamic range. Worth the upgrade I would think.

You are the best person to answer this question. Experienced photographers buy new equipment for these reasons: (1) to get better gear, (2) to replace a broken item, (3) to have backups in case of equipment failure on a critical shoot, (4) when they explore a new technique or subject for which their current gear is not suited.

#1 is not as frequent as you might think because the image quality differences are minimal once you get beyond the entry level category. The one exception is sensor technology. Dynamic range and low-light performance of newer cameras will be somewhat better than that of a three-year old camera.

So ask yourself: do you have any of these needs? If not, why not save your money and keep with the gear that you have? Or spend it on a photography class. You'll see greater improvement from that.

It depends on your existing lenses, what you want to shoot, and your personal shooting style.

If you've got some decent IF lenses then you're best off getting the new body, as your D40 is probably lagging behind a little bit in terms of noise control. The D7000 is a exceptional camera if you do get it.

A tripod for landscape and architechture is important, however can be omitted for other forms of photography. If studio photography is your thing then some mid-range strobes and triggers may be more useful. As long as you don't need high ISO or extremely long exposures you'll be fine with your D40, I've seen people produce some top class work with that camera and some well deployed light.