Digital photography

^ good analogy and valid point! I must admit, although a bridge camera is tempting because of lower learning curve, I do think a DSLR might be better to grow into gradually, non?

The learning curve will be *exactly *the same. Both will have auto and various other programme modes if you are inclined to point-and-shoot, and both will have full manual.

At this point you might not know if you plan to take your photography futher than the D40 (for example) and kit lens, but having the option to change lenses makes it a smarter purchase in my view. The only reason to buy a bridge camera over one is portability.