For shooting basketball games you can do a bit better than the D40 even though it is an excellent camera.

I recommend that you check out these 2 cameras:

Nikon D5000 12MP DSLR Digital Camera w/18-55mm VR Lens – $659
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom lens – $549

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 2 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the “add to cart” button to see the actual price. Both of these cameras also have a 2 lens kit deal.

Both cameras can do HD video which may be a nice bonus with your interest in basketball. Both cameras are excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. The Pentax is especially strong in the higher ISO range and that can be of very strong interest if shooting in low light situations and needing some decent speed shutter speeds to freeze action like basketball in a gym.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com
References :
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d5000,pentax_kx&show=all

http://photo.net/pentax-camera-forum/00VJSI

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

http://www.buydig.com/shop/home.aspx

http://www.adorama.com/

The D40 with two AF-S lenses is a steal at$450, jump on it.

Actually the CCD in the D40 can do something NO DSLR with a CMOS sensor can do… sync with flash at shutter speeds over 1/250th of a second. IF you use an external flash on the D40, you can sync up to 1/4000th of a second, something not even the $8,000 Nikon D3x can do. CMOS sensors actually cost less to produce, hence the move toward them by camera makers. Almost all the professional video cameras still use three CCD’s to record their images at 24, 30 and 60 fps

I don’t know where you got the idea that a CMOS sensor is better than a CCD, but it is not. The user will see no difference when comparing images shot on a CCD or CMOS sensor.

A friend and colleague of mine uses his D40 when he shoots NBA and NCAA games to extend the reach of his 300 mm f/2.8 lens. His other cameras are D3s cameras.

Link to his D40 in action.

http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=4135
References :
Editorial, sports and fashion photographer

1. Listen to Foto Ace – he knows what he is talking about. I’m an experienced photographer and on this forum I have received great information from him.

2. CMOS sensors are cheaper to manufacture and aren’t really "inferior" to CCD sensors – just different. The Sony PMW EX3 "XDCAM" high-def video camera uses three 1/2" CMOS sensors with extra circuitry to eliminate the "jello effect" when panning too fast – these cameras are used at the USC Film School which should give you an indication of how good they are. CCD sensors are probably better for video cameras but they cost more and use about 100 times as much power (so a bigger battery is a necessity if going into the field – like news camera people. The better video cameras tend to use CCD sensors but its not the sensor – its the "total package" that makes for a great camera, especially the lenses. Put a terrible lens on a fantastic camera and you will get terrible results no matter how good the camera is.
References :