suppose you cud push the boat out a little more and get the d80 , my bro has one tis pretty gud , got more than enough features !
then push it out even more and get the D90. I own the D90 now and love it. I have used the D40 all the way up to the 90, and I really like them all.
admitedly the d90 is briliant but im a student and im 18 my money goes on fast food and alcohol so unfortunately bit out of my budget
oh i know. The only reason I could afford mine is because a lot of it was a gift. Im planning on upgrading in the future (possibly). You should check out the D60 though
Was in the same position as you just a week or so ago, your best bet is whats known as an 'advanced point and shoot' it looks like a DSLR but it far cheaper.
Have a look at the fuji film finepix range, many of those will be perfect for out on trails and action shots. I went for the fujifilm S1000FD as it has 12 optical zoom, 1/2000 to 8 seconds shutter speed, sports mode for getting that awesome mid air shot. They range from £100 upwards.
Have a look, hope it helps you somewhat.
Chris,
Edit:
Heres a shot or 2 from the first few days of playing with it, still getting used to it.
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Ya i am using one right now just temparily,but all the photos in my photoghraphy albumare with a s1000.