The Rebel XT is a very nice Digital Camera. If you are using it recreationally for your kids sports or whatever else comes along, it will give you great shots and be very easy to use. If photography is a passion of yours that you want to pursue above and then the 20d would be a wise investment. If you just want some great shots from time to time with a camera that is easy to use then the Rebel XT would be perfect.

Thanks, Preston! I think I will go ahead and buy the 20D.

What are the reasons you would say to purchase the 20d over the Rebel XT. 300 dollars is a lot imo are there really that much of a benefit there? I haven't gotten a chance to play with a 20d yet and I am wondering now if I shouldn't take the time to look at it more and get a feel for it.

I am currently debating about doing larger fprmat prints areound 13"X19" and I am beginining to wonder if the XT can provide that for me.

I have a 20d and I looked at the Rebel XT before I bought it. Im VERY happy withmy choice. Yes it is indeed more money...however the end benifts far outway the initial cost (for me). I am a semi pro photographer and do a wide range of photogrpahy from extreme sports (mountain biking, kayaking etc) to ultra fine macro stuff. The 20 is REALLY easy to use, has some great features and is well built. My biggest pros for the camera over ANY other camera are...8.2 megapixels compared to 6 MP. 5 shots per second compared to 2.5-3 shots per second (FPS) for up to 23 continous shots before it needs a break to write the data (I actually get up to 36 continous shots before it stops to write with a 2nd generation flash card). BUT if you're on a budget and want to also be able to buy a GOOD lens the XT would be a great choice. Id take it over most other cameras. IF you can though...20d every day of the week. Oh ya...Go with a Tamron lens as well. A good starting choice would be either a 28-75mm f/2.8 or 28-105mm f/2.8. Much less expensive than canon lenses and in multiple independant tests actually outperformed the canon lenses. Here are a couple of shots I got with my 20d. The bike is one of 8 shots I got as he came off a jump in sequence at 5 frames per second (note the frozen spokes). The rose was just behind my house at dusk with a flash. Doesnt tell you much without blowing them up, but for what it's worth.

Ive been using Canon's line of Pro-sumer digital
SLR's since 2000 and I have always been impressed
by their solid feel and performance.

This picture shows me holding my original D30 and my
latest addition the 20D with Speedlite 580EX.

Note the watch. Tissot's T-Touch, VERY cool! Latest
gadget!

Cheers.