Should I buy a Rebel XT?

I'm getting tired of my camera because of the fact that anything over a simple ISO 200 appears super grainy. I also want a better camera.

Should I buy the Digital Rebel XT (not the XTi), and should I get some new lense with it? At newegg they have it for $619 + a 18-55mm lense.

I don't have all the money now, but maybe I will soon.

A friend of mine just got the XT about 4 days ago and loves it. I think it's a great starter (and probably more) SLR. I know some people don't like the 18-55 that comes with it, but I've gotten some really great shots with it. (But I love my "L" too).

I was reading this month's issue of Digital Photoraphy and they did a re-review of the good old 350D (XT) and their conclusion was that it is still an amazing piece of kit. Apparently 1 is sold every 9 seconds!!! I think Dell sells 'em for like under 500bux. Money saved can go towards some yummy lens.

The XT is a fine camera. Avoid the kit lens and go for a Sigma 18-50, Tamron 17-50 or maybe even a yummy Canon 17-55 - with IS.

I have an XT and might get a second as a backup. I don't think the workflow is so similar on the XTi and if I start doing weddings then I need two identical bodies.

the XT's a good choice. i have one and like it very much. i'd say go for it but do some research on here and get a better lens. after using the kit lens for a year, i found mine to be kinda soft and lacking in contrast and saturation.

check em used at B&H, under $400 i believe

Get XT (body only) + Sigma 17-70 or Tamron 17-50 2.8. If you want the kit, then opt for Tamron 28-75 or Canon 28-135.

the beginning of dec I got one from Dell for 566 with the kit lens, with tax, shipping etc

I am very happy with the camera, but the kit lens is not so great I already purchased the canon 70-300 USM IS and now I want something like mxwphoto suggested above also

buying a used one is a good idea, I have seen some good deals on here since for them the past few weeks

I'm completely fine with a used one. And from what I've read, a wise decision would be to get the body only. I still don't know what makes all the lenses great or not great, but I'll be doing my research.

Thanks for the suggestions + info

I told ya people here don't like that kit lens! There are many, many better lenses but personally I just think it's hard to beat at that price. I still think it makes a great extra lens.

I'm mainly looking for a good lens for bird photography. By the way, at what ISO does this camera start to make pics look very grainy?

I dont find it very grainy at 800, at 1600 you can notice it a bit more though

If your looking for something to do birds and you dont want to spend alot of money you may want to look at the Canon 70-300 USM IS I am pretty happy with mine. I just ordered the Tamron 2x SP AF Pro Teleconverter a few mins ago so that will give me even more zoom Its not going to be as clear as an L lens but its much better than what I was getting from my G5

I went from the Powershot Pro1 to my kit now (350D Sigma 17-70) WOW what a difference, you can see my comparisons here:

http://www.powershotpr​o1.com …m_posts.asp?TID​=1310&PN=1

You will love the new camera, im sure of it, however stay away from the cheap kit lens, better to put the money into something better.

Nick

You pick a lens for me Under $200 though and I will be super happy and will appreciate you forever!

kit lens is fine if you use it within its sweet spot. There are some really nice pix taken by the kit lens that will pale an L lens!