Too many cameras to choose from?

Ok, so I recently asked a question about which camera I should buy (DSLR)…
But i've noticed that most of them said (and I read other articles as well) Pentax K-x Digital SLR, Nikon D3100, Nikon D3000, Nikon D90, Nikon D40, Nikon D60, Nikon D5000 and finally Sony Aplha A2xx.

So I was wondering, out of all of them which one will be best suited for a teenager who is new to photography. I'm learning photography next year (as a subject) and I think it's time to upgrade from my olympus fe-360 to a DSLR.

I really love photography because I was playing around with my friend's camera the other day - I must say her CAMERA IS AMAZING, (turned out it was Nikon D40).
However, I was wondering if the cameras mentioned above will be better for beginners, compared to the D40.

Thank you!

Added (1). *Sorry my friend's camera is actually Canon 40D
not Nikon

You can buy the Nikon D3100 which has 14.2, Image sensor-23.1 x 15.4 mm CMOS sensor, Dust-reduction system-Image sensor cleaning, Airflow Control System, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required), Image size (pixels)-4, 608 x 3, 072 [L], 3, 456 x 2, 304 [M], 2, 304 x 1, 536 [S], and many more features.

The best thing to do is go to a camera store (not an electronics store) and hold, look at, and try the different brands and models within your budget. You don't have to buy at that store, but you can get a better feel for the camera when you can walk around with it and actually shoot instead of being tethered to the display stand, PLUS the people working there will be able to answer your questions and help you learn the camera. Most camera shops also offer weekend camera courses.

You are the one who will be using it, so get something that feels natural to you with easy to find controls. Both Nikon and Canon are great brands. I went with Canon because of the way it felt in my hands and the layout of the controls. You will miss shots if you are constantly fumbling with the camera.

Go to http://www.yellowpages.com and type in camera and your city, state to find the camera stores near you.

I agree! However, that is the GOOD news - there are plenty of cameras to choose from. To choose the camera you really should use, however, decide what you are going to do with it. Will you be doing primarily landscape work? Consider a larger format FILM camera like a Pentax 67 (ignore this if you have tiny hands - this is a pretty BIG & HEAVY camera). Canon, Nikon, and Pentax all make nice cameras. The Pentax cameras seem to have the highest "entry level" ratings but the Nikons and the Canons also have excellent lens assortments. You should get your hands on one of whatever camera you think you like and see if you like the way it feels in your hands. Read the reviews on the cameras you are interested in. There's a HUGE photo trade fair this week in Cologne, Germany called "Photokina" and new gear is announced there so I would wait a while if you can and see what comes out. Be sure to check the "IQ" - Image Quality - ratings of these cameras. Ultimately the answer to "which camera?" is in the lens assortment or in what you plan on doing with it. The Nikon D40 is available used but the Nikon D3100 is the replacement model and it is pretty decent. Remember that Nikon "DX" lenses are not the same as "FX" lenses too. For a great overview (but highly opinionated) view on what cameras to buy and why check out the website at the link below for starters. You can't take everything Ken Rockwell says seriously but it isn't too hard to figure out what he likes and hates and why. "Rocky" is the best known INDEPENDENT reviewer of camera gear in the world. He has his own personal "take" on things so keep that in mind too.

Hold up on buying that DSLR. Ask teacher. Teacher may require class to buy a 35mm (film) SLR. This is not crazy thinking. Many classes have darkroom developing.

Nikon D90 would be great as starters camera, that won't disappoint you when your photographers skill will grow up. You buy brand new one for under 150$ here:

http://www.stiwin.com/