Hey guys,
i've been looking at new cameras and i would really like to get the Canon Digital Rebel XT.

i'm FAR from a camera expert, but i'd like to purchase a camera i can really grow with, and i like what it has to offer.

i've done a bunch of reading.. but does anyone use this camera and have any anecdotal advice??
this would be a big step up for me, but i'm excited to learn and experiment with all the available lenses. it would be a massive step up in creative possibilities for me.

any thoughts are appreciated.

check out www.c-net.com
i use them for all reviews of electronics i am considering purchasing

thanks, i've already recieved some advice via pm and i welcome more

i think it's love...

I only have a Canon Powershot, but I absolutely love Canon cameras...

i agree about powershots; they kick most other point and shoot style digitals.

I can't speak for the XT but I have, love, and regularly use a Canon Digital Rebel . . .

Another positive experience with a Canon PowerShot. Great product.
And if you have a OSX, iPhoto just effortlessly imports the photos.

Was chatting w/Rob(Arevalo) and he says the Canon is top notch, or any higher end Nikon is tha bomb too...

cool, holla at him.. haven't been on Yahoo IM for a bit so haven't talked to him

i guess my mind is made up anyway...wish all decisions were so easy!

yeah i use a nikon D-70, i love it. I used to be a photo major and it is what alot my friends in the department used. I think it is a little bit more than the canon, but i bought mine about 2 years ago.........

nikon d70's are pretty awesome for the money.

I had a D1x for a job I had which was great. The battery didn't last very long though. Bear in mind this was in the earlier days of digital photography....

You can't really "go wrong" buying a digi SLR. The whole Nikon vs. Canon thing is mostly preference. I like Canons lens system better and the way the camera works, makes sense to me so that's what I use. The only mistake you can really make is with your lens selection. If you go Canon and only get the camera body with no lens, start with the "Fantastic Plastic" EF 50mm f/1.8 II. It's only 70 bucks and it's pretty damn good. When you get more serious move up to any of the L-glass lenses.

What program do you plan to edit photos with? Assuming you're from the city, I've been told B&H Photo are very easy to deal with and they're going to have the best selection. If you wanna save money on tax, check out canogacamera.com. They're based here in LA and they are great guys to deal with.

hahah!! on the up and up, thats exactly the sort of thing i needed to hear (about lenses)
and NO!!! i am not in the city!! NY is a big ass state
honestly i don't know what program i plan to download into... like i said, i hope to grow into this camera, but it will be a rocky start .
oh man... it's almost too intimidating.

my mom is big into pic taking and she's got a canon rebel digital slr and some of the stuff she takes, especially with the macro is amazing. for example:

WOW!!!! thanks@

Nah it's not intimidating at all. Do you have any experience with 35mm? Regardless, I recommend going to a book store and picking up "Digital Photography for Dummies" or something to that nature. I know the book I got for my GF even showed how to use photoshop to edit photos which was a nice bonus.

If you wanna compare cameras and see sample images others have shot look here http://www.dpreview.com/ That site is kind of "Canon biased" but it's still got great information on it.

thanks, i've been through a lot of sites. i understand how these cameras work, but the lenses are much more intimidating. (in terms of the sheer amount of choice involved)

thanks for the tips, i always read up thorooughly on everything i get myself into... especially when it comes to $$$$$$

Understandable. So assuming you're buying an XT, you'll probably just want to get the kit lens that comes with it. Use that first and that will give you a better idea of what you'll need/want. Keep in mind while zoom lenses are very versatile, Prime (or fixed length) lenses are much much sharper. I find myself using the 17-40mm L lens most often. With the 5D full frame I can really use the wide-angle to it's full potential. Some don't like the lens distortion it causes though.....i love it.