Equipment Advice

As a newbie in the digital market world, I need some insight. I am looking to buy into an entry level DSLR. I have owned 2 previously. I shot with a Nikon D50 for about 8 months, but never left AUTO mode. I moved and sold it. I then bought an Rebel XTi, but sold it to help pay the bills. Now I am back in the market to get my fix cause I enjoy shooting, and want to expand on my basic knowledge. I have a few options.

#1 Buy a used Rebel or Rebel XTi and buy some glass.
or
#2 Save up and get a 30D with kit lens.

#1 to me seems like the best option. Entry level DSLRs and some good starting glass to learn with then upgrade later. I am only doing this as a hobby and maybe looking at doing this more down the road. I just miss having a camera with me and now at a point where I can save up, but not sure what to do. Any thoughts??

Sounds like solid thinking. The 30D is a fine machine but image quality between a XT/XTi and 30D is going to be identical. If there is a feature you need from the 30D by all means go for it, but if not, you are not compromising much with the XT/XTi and given the $$$ you save might end up with an all around better system.

I had the XTi for a brief while before moving up to a 1d... The xti is a great camera... small and very good IQ. I thought the 50mm f/1.4 was awesome on that camera.

Glass is forever, bodies come a go. Invest in the glass first, then move up bodies as you exceed the capabilities of your current one. That's the best approach (and one that i had wished I had followed more closely myself).

Mark