I originally posted this in the sports forum, but it was suggested I repost here. All opinions welcomed

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The basics:

First DSLR, come from a P/S background. Have a small boy who's a sports nut like his daddy (think t-ball and mites hockey) and want to get a camera that will allow me to learn/grow as a photographer. I'll prob be shooting a lot around the yard and portraits (baby on the way) but I want to be able to get great action shots when my son is playing ball or on the ice. The LL baseball pics that Old Timer posted are exactly what I hope to be able to produce someday

I am looking mostly at Canon/Nikon (I don't like the feel of the Olympus or Pentax in my hand) and my budget is 700-1000 and somewhat flexible. I have a bunch of gift credit on Amazon so the body and/or first lense might come from there.

These are the cameras I have been playing with at the shop and from the research I have done what I know about them:

Nikon D40/D60 - 3 points AF, No AF Motor, 3 FPS
Canon XTI with kit lens - 9 points AF, No IS in lens, 3 FPS
Canon XSI with kit lens - 3.5 FPS, IS lens
Canon 30D body - 5 FPS, very sturdy.

I have pretty much eliminated the Nikons.

I really like the 5 FPS on the 30D, but have read that the Rebels provide better quality images??

I like both of the Rebels, I'm not sure if the IS lens and 2 MP on the XSI is a large enough upgrade to warrant the added cost.

Maybe I should be looking at bodies anyhow since I am eventually going to be spending some good money on some fast zoom.

I'm hopelessly confused now LOL. Any help GREATLY appreciated thanks!