Also posted on digital SLR thread,,, wasn't sure where was best.

Ok, read most of the night last night after the kids were all tucked in. The information on the internet is amazing and I do believe I am absorbing some good thoughts and points.

I have decided to go with the Canon Rebel. Hopefully will be able to purchase this weekend! Very excited!!! And thankfully the store I was hoping to purchase from has a March Break Sale. Do you think I would be smart to go with what they are offering OR purchase the camera body and lenses separately. And and all advise is so much appreciated. This is what they are offering:

Canon Rebel XTi with a 18-55mm EF-S lens for $749- (50 off regular)
then they are offering and add on 75-300mm Telephoto zoom for an additional $199- (60 off regular).

Now my MAIN and possibly only focus right now is taking portraits... and really focusing on newborns and children. I have read that a Canon ER 50mm f/1.8 lens is amazing for portraits. I must admit much of the terminology is still lost on me. This is such a big decision... we will be using money that could be going to better places like a savings account, but also wishing to invest for learning/hobby and hopefully income potential down the road.

What else is a must right now.... a camera bag, extra memory card, extra battery, tripod, lighting??? What is the minimum in your opinions to start me off in the learning process.

Thank-you ever so much. Your expertise is invaluable to me.

you could get the XTi with the kit lens (18-55mm) and then buy the canon ef 50mm 1.8 seperately. i dont know what the quality of the 75-300mm would be but if i were in your shoes id buy the xti and buy the ef 50mm 1.8. they are extremely cheap:)
either way you cant go wrong with a canon:thumbsup:

hey I agree with rylan go with the xti and the 50mm 1.8 for portraits. Play with those for awhile before jumping into something else, after six month to a year you will know what you wanted.

good luch and have some fun shooting,

JT

Ah thank-you so much. For a minute there I was actually considering the EOS 40D... got a tad carried away for someone who is starting from the beginning... lol. Thank-you for grounding me. My husband has stopped off and found an even better price than I had... so went with the XTi, the 50mm f/1.8 lens, a 2G card and a filter... cheap thing 10- to protect the lense... sound right? Camera 649, lense 100, card 60 and filter 10. Pretty happy with that... even though I am shaking slightly thinking of the cost. But bursting with excitement to start this learning process. Thank-you ever so much for all your help!

The only thing I'd suggest is try a few shots with the filter on and then a few with the filter off. Compare sharpness. I've read that cheap filters can degrade the image.

Have fun and enjoy the new hobby.