Anyone have advice for a great digital camera?

I want to start taking photography classes, and in the mean time I want to buy a digital camera. I'm looking at the Canon eos rebel, and a NIKON d40.
I would like to be able to take family pictures and newborn, and baby pictures. Just as a hobby.
Does anyone have any advice?

The D40 is an old model, with an outdated format and only 6.1MP. For about the same price you could get the new D3200 or the D5100. As for Canon, you can get the EOS Rebel T2i for about the same price as the Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i for about the same price as the Nikon D3200.
I prefer Canon over Nikon mainly because of the lenses, but there's little discrimination between the two companies. I would suggest going to a local camera shop and trying out the various models to see which you feel most comfortable with.

If you can afford it, get the NIkon D3200. That's a great camera that will serve your needs and giveyou very high quality images.

Being a Canon guy this brand is what I recommend.

For your classes and at a good price I'd recommend the Rebel t3 (1100D) = $500 or so depending on where you buy. This is a fully controllable dslr camera that will meet your class needs and will give you great photos - once you learn to use it properly and also 720 HD video.

Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera
see here for more camera: http://www.giveaway.co.za/Canon-EOS-60D-Camera/

I'm highly recommended canon eos rebel T3 12.2 MP
This camera and lens is perfect for photographers ready to make the move to digital SLR photography. The EOS Rebel T3 delivers beautiful photos and video, speed, simplicity and fun. It features a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor for richly detailed images and quick camera response. It has Canon's amazing 63-zone, dual-layer metering for accurate exposures and features Canon's Basic+ function, HD video recording and Live View shooting, plus a convenient in-camera Feature Guide.

Totally agree with first answer! I'd Like to vote, but I can't vote yet