Purchase questions (beginner)

[EOSThree]

Wow I see. Why such a huge gap in price between the XT(i) and the 20/30D?

I was recommended to buy a 30D along with a 17-50mm WA lens. Here I'll quote what he said:
" I highly recommend my original setup, which was my 30D and my Tamron 17-50. Great camera, and a great walkaround lens. Total will run you $1400. In a month, youll forget you spent an extra $300, but you wont forget what is hanging off your neck. Believe me, do it right the first time. Stay away from kits. Look at my older posts, I was just like you.

As for CF cards, get an 8gig Transcend card from Newegg, and call it a day."

From a photographer on a car forum I participate in.

So you shoot with an XT? or a 10D? How long ago did you start shooting?

Is the 20D/30D that much bigger than a 350/400D?

The XT/XTi are being marketed as entry level cameras, they also have composite bodies rather than magnesium bodies. I think a lot comes from the XT/XTi are marketed as an entry level camera and the price reflects that. The XT and XTi can do about 90-95% of what the big boys can do.

If you are going to stay away from the kit lens then I recommend something along the lines of the Tamron mentioned, at least for range. I like my 17-40 f/4L on my 10D. There are a lot better lenses out there than the kit lens, and if my budget were tight I would step back on my body and get a better lens. This site and Photozone have pretty good lens reviews and would be a place to start research. This optical aid from Tamron will give you an idea what to expect from different focal lengths.

CF Cards. I wouldn't recommend getting one huge card like that. 2 smaller cards are better, with only one card you are putting all of your eggs in one basket. What if something happens to your lone card? Now where are you? 2 or 3 2gig cards or so should do you fine to start.

I have an XT I just purchased and a 10D also. Right now I am using the XT at work
(airplane) and the 10D everywhere else. I have to get the tripod plate to fit my XT and it will go in my bag along with the 10D. The 10D will have my 12-24 or 17-40 mounted and the XT will carry my 80-200 or 300. All of the shots in my gallery are with a 10D. I started shooting in grade school when I was given a 110 instamatic camera for my 12th birthday. I won't tell you how long ago that was, but the 110 will give you some idea.

I would guess the 10/20/30D is about 1/3 bigger than the XT/XTi. It's nice to have the size and ease of controls on the larger body. I was space(and price)conscious when I bought the XT, I thought it was a bargain when I bought it, and I still do, an 8mp body that accepts all of my current lenses for under $500 shipped! I haven't shot too much with it lately as work has slowed, but when I get back to the lower 48(tomorrow)I will give it a workout.

These were taken with the Rebel XT: