Professional Camera for Christmas?

I'm looking for a new camera for Christmas. My parents have agreed that I can have one as long as it is not too expensive.

I like the look of something like the Nikon D40, but it doesn't have to be this model.

Anyway, I would like a good quality camera like the above, but I don't want to pay the world for it.

If you could help it would mean a lot!

Thank you!

Added (1). My parents say that I have to contribute half, so I really have to say that the camera can't ideally be more than 200pounds, if their in a good mood, perhaps they could stretch to 230pounds.

The D40, D60 and D90 are all excellent models. It really depends on how much your parents are willing to spend.

OH MY GOD how are you going to carry around a 200 pound camera!

A 'Professional camera will set you back 5 or 6k, depending on what Currency.

Have a look at the following.
http://www.dpreview.com/.../pentaxkx/
The K-x is an excellent price at the moment and has everything you need.

Also, the d40 is not as good as it is made out to be and is now obsolete.

[stand by for thumbs down]

Any digital SLR or 4/3 system camera can produce professional results in the hands of an experienced photographer. The so-called "professional" cameras that sell for $5000 are not necessary if you have the skills. An inexperienced photographer, in fact, is more likely to make a mistake in camera settings on these complex instruments and will actually get worse results.

Another way of putting this is that it's the photographer who is shooting at a professional level, not the camera that is professional. So any entry level digital SLR from the major manufacturers has the quality to give you professional results. Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony -- they are all used by professional photographers. Pick one that feels right.

Whatever you can afford, I would say go Canon or Nikon as they have the most upgrade options when and if you decide to move on up the later or expensive equipment. Just go on their sites and look at the low end models, then when you have picked out one from each brand that you can afford, go to a camera store and try holding each one in your hand to see what you like the feel of better they are very different.