Started out in 2003 with a 1.2 MP Vivitar, Later on transitioned to Fuji Finepix 2650, then a Fuji Finepix E510, Fuji Finepix S1000, then graduated to entry level DSLR with my current Nikon D40. Since the purchase of the D40 I have become a ‘self taught’ photographer. I typically shoot in full manual. Unless I am in a hurry, I switch to Aperture or shutter priority. Less thinking involved, really.
I have come to love Nikon and plan to always use them.