I am looking for an entry level Digital SLR that will shoot some great photo's but won't send me to the poor house. Even something used is OK. I was looking at the Nikon D40X. A little more than I want to spend. Anyone have any recommendations or input?
workaholic, First the D40 and D40X are Nikons baseline DSLR's and they don't get much cheaper in price except used cameras or refurbished. Second, you have to remember that once you get a DSLR you usually will have to get another lens or a few more accessories, which bring the price up even more, ie. I started with a $650 D50, and a year later I had about $3000 between the camera I don't follow Canon to know what they have to offer in this area, but can give you a quick run down on Nikon.
THese prices and approx. and from B&H Photo. Watch when you look at cheaper prices, make sure you stuff always comes with a USA warrenty. If it is cheaper it might be an import or grey market, which comes with no warenty.
New D40X w/18-55mm lens- $600
New D40 w/ 18-55mm lens- $500
New D40 w/ 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens- $575
Looking at Craigslist.com
Used D70S w/ no lens - $550 you would spend another $120for the 18-55mm
Used D50 w/ 18-55 and 55-200 lenses - $595
I have seen refurbished D50 for around $399 with no lens somewhere before as well.
With the D40 and D40X autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses, which are equipped with an autofocus motor. Older used lenses will work but you may have to use manual focus.
Out of the Nikons have listed the D50 is getting hard to find but is touted as the better camera, plus the D70S and D50 can use the older lenses.
Now if you still feel this DSLR stuff is out of your price range, there are a few really good point and shot camera that for the price are much more practical.
You can spend $300-400 dollars and have a 6-8 MegaPixel point and shoot with 10-15X optical zoom that has the manual modes like a SLR camera and get really great shots. SLR-like point and shoots are a great cameras that save you a lot of money in zoom lenses. These cameras can turn out pictures just as good as the ones you see of mine. Remember, its not all in the camera, I have taken some really crappy pictures with really expensive cameras!
Well this is my 2 cents or a little more.
Hope it helps.
NO! Unless you are printing posters, you're not going to see much difference between 6MP and 20MP. 
