going D-SLR please help

[joeverzosa]

I'm about to take the next step and buy a beginner D-SLR set-up...I was thinking either a Nikon D60 or D80...Will these any of these cameras be overwhelming to a beginner in SLR or should I start with a D40...Please keep in mind I would like to hold on to the camera for awhile (I still have and use my Minolta Dimage Z1 which I have had since early 2004)...I'm going to take some digital photography classes at the local community college, so I would like to have a good camera...Thanks...