Canon 40D good buy in 2011?

Looking at a 40D(body only) with 8k actuations for $450. Good deal in 2011? Or would I be better off looking at something like a Nikon D3100

I want something to grow into and learn with

What's the best bang for the buck!

40D is a much more professional camera, with faster AF and more frames per second, better body, top LCD screen and a larger viewfinder.

On the other hand, years of differences bring better high ISO performance and video on the D3100. Both will be great to start and grow into, but the 40D is simply a camera made for serious photography, while the D3100 is more for those who don't plan on using it every day.

The Nikon D3100 wins by a large margin in this shootout.
http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D3100

More important is to decide which brand, Nikon or Canon. Go to a camera store and see which one fits your hands. That's the one for you.

I have divided Canon EOS 40D into two sections. The first is a brief summary of how I feel about the camera. The second is a detailed comparison of the 30D and 40D based on my experiences with both cameras. After reading this section you will see why I gave this camera a 5 star rating. I loved my 30D but the 40D simply blows it away.

- Canon 40D it is best camera.