Hello everyone :-)

First off, let me say that I am a complete beginner when it comes to cameras with lens. The most "advanced" camera that I've ever had in my life is Sony's plain digital camera. I know absolutely NOTHING about digital SLR cameras with lens, and I need some honest help and recommendations on what to buy.

Needless to mention, I don't know what all of the terms I am seeing in the names of lens cameras mean, for example: f, mm, MP, ED, AF-S, EF-S, DX, and what-not ... God, this is too complicated to me! Yes, I have looked over the Glossary section of this website, but being as a I am: a complete novice, these explanations don't help me much for now. (Well, the only term I know is DSLR - digital single lens reflex.)

I am not some professional photographer who knows how to play with the camera, so I need something simple to use. The pictures I intend to take with this camera are regular pictures of people, landscape pictures, and pictures of tiny objects. I want to be able to take pictures of objects as small as tiny insects, close-ups of plants/flowers, etc ... I also maintain 3 planted aquaria where I keep a variety of freshwater fish and plants. I'd like to be able to take detailed close-up pictures of my fish and aquatic plants. It would be good if the camera could take good quality photos of fast-moving objects, but it's not absolutely necessary.

I am particularly partial to Canon and Nikon cameras because I've heard they're "the best". But, of course, it may be untrue for all I know. Which camera brands are best in your opinion and why? Which camera brand and model would you recommend to me? (If possible, which Nikon and Canon?)

What amount of money should I prepare for such a camera? I realize somewhere between 1,000 - 2,000 USD? Is it possible to get a decent camera for around $500? Being a beginner, I wouldn't want to spend thousands of dollars on something I wouldn't even know how to use.

Is Nikon D40 a good camera? What is the difference between Nikon D40 with 6.1 MP and Nikon D40 with 10.2 MP? And what does MP mean anyway? What does 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G mean in this camera?

I apologize for so many silly questions. I would REALLY greatly appreciate some learned and honest help. PLEASE help me!

Thank you,
Venus, NY