Recommendations?

I've been reading a lot over last couple of confusing weeks. From what I've read lenses are important so I want a good-great lense. I own a Canon Powershot S230 for years but it has way outlived its usefulness. I've borrowed and used Nikon 40D to take some photos of soccer and the pictures were OK (good) and it felt good to use. I looked at the Pentax K10D and liked the way it felt, sealed body (lots of outside pictures) and price but from what I've been reading a Canon or Nikon might be better for the sports shots due to the speed of the of the camera? Primary use is for sports (soccer, baseball, basketball) so outside weather. The rest for family pictures. Budget is up to $1200 for camera and then I'll think about the lense-I know these are expensive. I'm a geek but not a camera geek....yet.

I just picked up a K10D about 6 months ago and I love it. I am into mountain biking as well and it works great. In the time it takes to move your finger from the on switch to the shutter you can take a picture.as long as you are not using more than a 1 second exposure there really is no down time between pictures.I went out with someone who had just gotten a Nikon D70 and he was having a hard time getting the camera ready fast enough for the second rider coming down the hill. I spent $1300Cdn for the body and a 18-55 Pentax lens. The build is very sturdy, so no need to be too gentle with it. I haven't gotten it wet yet, but I hear it holds up to it's claims. It is heavier than some SLRs, but I personally am will to make that sacrifice for the extra durability. I also find the picture quality great. Take a look at the reviews on this sight people say a lot of really nice things about it.

Thanks Shooter, if its hearty enough for mountainbiking photos, I think the K10 is for me. I'm in no rush so I am going to see if price drops anymore after Christmas.

The K10D is a great little(?) camera with a ton of features.

If you decide to get the K10D then you might be interested in my blog Photography Rulez. It is a blog that currently is mostly about the K10D and it's features.

It should help you get a good start on using the K10D.

Tim

I think the K10D is a good one for the quality

I must say I do think the D40 takes faster pics in continuous but I am also quite sure it is close to double the price.

First off, Nikon doesn't make a 40D..Canon does.
I don't think there is a dslr that has any lag time between turning it on and taking a pic.
The time is measured in hundreths of seconds now and I don't think anyone can ever tell.
I would research and compare nikon d40, canon xti, and the k10d.