The d40 can't compete anywhere near the 30D. From the little info you have given, I will recommend the XSI for its easy user interface, and Live View.
"Speediest" this is a quick google search for the fps.
"Takes the best photos" Very user specific, one person may think the d40 takes better photos than the 30D. They'd have to be on crack, but still.
Cameras don't take photos, photographers do. If you have no experience, you can take just as crappy picture with a 5DmkII as with a d40. If you have the eye and creativity, you can take amazing photos using any consumer SLR.
The body doesn't matter much in photography, except fps in wildlife, or sports. You will want to spend the majority of your $$ on some decent glass. Your lens will last you through multiple bodies.
Just wondering which of these is the speediest and takes the best photos?
Just wondering which of these is the speediest and takes the best photos?
Just wondering which of these is the speediest and takes the best photos?
As far as I know the D40 is restricted to certain lenses.
Where as with the Canon you can use any EF/EF-S Canon/third party lens.
Overall the Canon XSi is a better camera compared to the Nikon D40 IMHO.
The D40 is only restricted if you require auto-focus. It can use lenses without a motor in them, but then you'll have to focus manually. (Those lenses will meter just fine, but they only AF on a camera with an in-body motor, which the D40 and D60 lack.)
Seems a bit silly though?
Yup, that's why I bought a Canon XSi!
Cameras don't take photos, photographers do. If you have no experience, you can take just as crappy picture with a 5DmkII as with a d40. If you have the eye and creativity, you can take amazing photos using any consumer SLR.
The body doesn't matter much in photography, except fps in wildlife, or sports. You will want to spend the majority of your $$ on some decent glass. Your lens will last you through multiple bodies.