Get the D40, dun worry if u are newbie. The kit lens is very good (sharp and fast AF) and if u are in tight budget, this camera suit u well and probably u can invest on 55-200VR if u can't afford 18-200VR but u lose the conveniency.

And the D40 is designed for consumer from PnS or prosumer. The JPEG processing quality is very good, better than D80, good WB and good ISO performance.