[Gripster]

Get the 40D + kit lens, then save the rest of the money while you learn technique. After a few months, the lenses you need (want) will become evident. If you can, get some books (Rick Sammon has a very enjoyable and readable guide to SLR photography) and some lessons. It's amazing what you can learn from others.

If you're brand new to SLR photography, then any entry level Canon or Nikon will do - even with kit lenses the pictures will blow away most compacts if proper technique is applied.

Don't listen to anyone that tells you to buy Nikon or Canon. Go to the store, play with each and see which one works best for you. I recommend Canon, but then I chose Canon because it worked best for me, but at the time I could have chosen either. Some how the Canon just felt better for me.