[Leonidas]

I wanted to buy a Konica Minolta DSLR because I’ve had a Maxxum since the 80’s and already own several good lenses. But, like Sarah pointed out, KM went out of the camera business and I’m not sure what Sony is going to do in regard to supporting the technology or doing repairs on existing equipment.

Canon was appealing because of the full-frame sensor bodies in their line (like the EOS 1D or 5D), the huge variety of lenses available, the fact that they seem to be very aggressively trying to capture the digital market, and the Rebel XT 8 Mp seemed like a high quality camera to start out with. Having owned the Rebel for about five months now I have to say that I’ve been extremely pleased with the camera’s ease of use and its range of functions. The only down side has been weak performance in freezing indoor sport photography in less than ideal lighting. That may be a function of the telephoto zoom lens I went with (middle of the line instead of very good quality) and most reviews of the Rebel admit that it’s not a great low light performer.

Currently I am still playing with the Rebel while I also learn Photoshop Elements. But I am already thinking about which camera I want to buy next because I always considered the Rebel as a starter. I did not originally consider the 30D because it had been on the market a relatively short time. I chose the Rebel over the 20D as a starter mostly on price. If my choices had been between the 20D and the 30D I think the 30 would have won out. Ultimately, I think I will upgrade to a full frame sensor body and the choice will depend on what is available at that time.