I'm looking to buy myself a better digital camera because I'm really into photography. But the lens specifications confuse me a little. Basically what I want is something like the Nikon D40 or the canon digital rebels. I want it to have a lot of megapixels and a lot of zoom - for around 1,000 dollars, is there a particular brand or package that I can buy that includes a lens with a whole lot of zoom? Any recommendations? Thanks!

i dont know much about cameras but this i do know buy professional grade if you are serious about photo stuff. there are a lot of different options out there. if it where me i would buy a whole set up ready to go there or four Len's, and as much memory as it would take .
i have a panasonic and its pretty good for what i do. has great looking pics. but pro grade stuff is the best. good luck somebody will be by im sure that knows more then me.