What is a cheap, yet modern digital slr?

I want one for Christmas. I was looking at the nikon 40x but i'd prefer to have a range of ideas.

I just purchase the Pentax Kx camera and could not be happier! It features an uncluttered viewfinder, the lens stabilization is in the camera body. You don't have to spend extra on each lens for this feature. Plus the Kx will use lenses from older Pentax cameras even film models, So you could possibly obtain an older lens at a great price. Shop at Amazon.com for best best price and service.

Here are a couple of things that i found reviews on Cnet. Hope these work!
( a price range would be helpful, but if your looking at the nikon 40x, i'll start there. )

http://reviews.cnet.com/...=mncol;lst Sony Slt-A55v

http://reviews.cnet.com/...=mncol;lst Canon EOS Rebel T2i

http://reviews.cnet.com/...=mncol;lst Canon Eos Rebel T1i

http://reviews.cnet.com/...l?tag=also Nikon D3100

and lastly http://reviews.cnet.com/...l?tag=also Nikon D90

All of these camera's are like that of the Nikon D40, but are somewhat cheaper. The are all great dSLR's and they should all be considered carefully by you.

Have a good time choosing!
Don't Tell Ema

The D40 is a better camera at a better price. D40 has less megapixels, but think 'quality over quantity' At higher ISOs used at low light photography, the D40 will give you better picture.

As for in-body stabilization, neither Nikon nor Canon, which are the two largest DSLR manufacturers use it. As long as you're not shooting telephoto, Vibration Reduction/Image Stabilization does not make a lot of difference if you can learn to stabilize the camera. The 18-55mm that is usually included in the kit is not telephoto. You can shop a lens with VR or IS built in.

I suggest you look at adorama, KEH, BHPhotovideo, and Amazon