Is there any competiton

What are your opinons as to the better all around performer between the Drebel XT and Nikon D70s?I know the D70s is more expensive due to a better kit lens but i'm looking to purchase a new Dslr and am doing alot of research between the two.thanks

Forget about the cost of the kit lens. Althought the XT has more megapixels, the D70 has better construction.

You're not going to get objective answers on a Canon photography forum. I'd suggest that like David said, ignore the kit lens, and price the XT with a lens like the Tamron 28-75 F2.8, or something that suits you better. Both are good cameras and will do the job, what you should look at are the availability and cost of OEM and third party lenses, flashes, batteries, etc, etc. The camera body's typically a small investment compared with the cost of the rest of the system, if you really get into photography.

The D70 will cause hair to grow on the palms of your hands. Your teeth will itch, and then there's the strange smell.

Other than that, they're pretty much the same.

thanks guys,If i get Drebel Xt body only,what do you suggest for a good walk around lens?

17 - 85 IS.

Depends on what your budget is. I think that 17-85 is $500-$600 or so. I've found the Sigma 24-135 f2.8-4.5 to be quite good and will give you a longer reach than the 85, but only a 38mm effective FOV at the widest, but does have wider appetures. You can get the Sigma for $300 or so.

Just get yourself the Tamron 24-75 f/2.8. You can defintely get around with that being your first lens. A great starter lens, and its very good quality.

Get the canon so you can join this fantastic forum
It really is up to you, but the canon do have LOTS of accessories, and it also means you can keep the lenses when you decide to move up.
The canon rebel XT is a GREAT camera, dont let anyone tell you otherwise!
Just slap a decent lens and sky is the limit..well, you can also do the moon, stars, planets...
K

Go into a shop and try both. Buy which you prefer in handling terms and according to budget. Canon and Nikon make some fine lenses and so do Tokina, Sigma and Tamron. You can pick and choose which you want for the money you have. They will both do a great job if you learn how to use your gear correctly.

I must agree that the D70 is well built. It is much bigger in the hands, although I have found the XT to be a fantastic buy. I really like the camera and would agree to go Body Only - the kit lens is a bit soft.

Value for money, I think that you are really hard pressed to find better than the XT.

As for a walkaround lens, the 17-85 seems almost too good to be true. The 600mm F4 comes to mind, if you are built like Hercules... But then again, you don't need to walk as far with 600mm!

Unfortunately, the Tamron is 28-75/2.8.
You can either accept that you lose a bit at the wide end or get the Sigma 24-70/2.8, that's a bit more expensive.

Best regards,
Andy