Les Jones

I think the rebel XT is the way to go, honestly.. Unless you really need the bigger LCD and the extra megapixels (the primary differentiators), it's not worth it, in my opinion..

Interesting article you may want to read here: http://www.dansdata.com/gz059.htm

I agree. I looked at both for a long time, and then bought the G6. It was between the XT and the G6. I talked to professionals about what I was doing and they said I would get just as good a picture from the G6, with all the control of an SLR, but with the point and shoot ability for more everyday use. G6 and not the G7 and I am glad I made that choice. A huge thing for me has been the swivel LCD. Unless you take all your pictures where you are positioned directly behind the camera, the fixed LCD is awful.

The real advantage of the XT is more lens choice. If you are not going to need a huge telephoto or macro lens, it does nto make a lot of sense. You loose certain nice previewing ability, etc.

Your choice, but for me I got the G6 with the kit on Ebay for about $400 ($800 retail) and it rocks. I am VERY glad I did not get the fixed LCD, no matter its size.

Cannon vs Nikon system is something you have to figure out on your own. I already own Nikon lenses, so that appeals to me more.

I opted for the Nikon D40 with two lenses.

Chris: I think I'd be OK with the XT. The extra megapixels aren't a big deal for what we'd be using it for.

Swanky: the G6 is nice. The G9 that replaced it is basically as much as the Rebel XT, though. The only advantage I see over the XT for what I'm be using it for is being able to use the LCD for framing shots. (And I admit I didn't know that about DSLR limitation until I read that CNET article.)

Top: Yeah, I don't have much opinion over which is best, much less informed opinion. I could go either way.

If my budget gets pressed I may go with the Panasonic FZ8 for $250. I've got a three year old FZ5 that I've been pretty happy with.

http://dpreview.com/ is sooo much better than CNET!

Agreed. I use DP Review way more for reviews, with Steve's Digicams as a second source.

I tried the Canon Rebels at CompUSA today. Nice! Forgot to try the Nikons.

I'm getting some pushback on price at work, but I hope I can persuade them of the benefits of the better lens and sensor on the DSLRs.

Go with the Nikon d40 two lens outfit. I found it at Ritz Camera with no sales tax or shipping add plus 10 % back if I used PayPal. It was a no brianer. I'm fond of all Nikon after 30 years of using them.