I am 17 years old and have been wanting to get into photography for sometime now and at school i didnt have enough empty periods in the day to take the photography class. As i am a senior, i don't have anymore chances to take the class. I have been backpacking, canoeing, hiking, camping, etc. multiple times and which is what i will be taking pictures of mostly. Next August i am going on a backpacking trip for two weeks and will have a camera by then. I figure with my new job in the spring, my budget will be about $1,400. For an entry person such as myself, i am not to sure what camera is right for me and the for what i am using it for. I have been scoping at the D40 and D80 and the Pentax K100D super. I have read up about each of these and it seems as if the D40 is more for the beginner and as well with the pentax. If anyone knows more about these and which one would suit me right for the uses i will using it for, i would like some input. it will be greatly appreciated. possibly the Olympus E-510 also.