I too, am an OLY guy.
The 2 features that are outstanding and exclusive with the olympus line is the pixel mapping and the auto dust removal features.
Olympus top shelf glass is affordable! the 28-108 2.8/3.5 focuses to 6 inches and costs $500.

I'm a Canon guy and I love my XT, but Ronk makes a very good point about the cost of the glass. I just picked up a nice 28-135 IS lens for my camera for only $425 and I love it. But it's only a 3.5-5.6 - the 2.8 L glass which I really want runs around $1,600. On the other hand, both lenses go on all of the other new Canon bodies also.

Thanks for the info. However i would love some additional input about the cameras themselves. Perfomance wise. everywhere i go i get diffrent opinions each time. I tired out the REbel XT and i fond its a great cam, but im still hesitating between it and the OLympus E500. The E500 comes with two lenses for an extra 100 $ than the Rebel Xt with only one lens. Thanks again, and plz help me decide lol

Aww, we can't help you decide. All we can do is relate our own experience and impressions. Both cameras are excellent systems. The real differences are in how they feel to you. In the end, you've got to do what the rest of us did - pay your money and take your chances.

Have fun and Merry Christmas!

EVIL EVIL people lol, now i have to actually use my brain . Lol. Just kidding thanks for your input. Wish you all Happy Holidays!! As soon as i decide on a camera and buy it ill put some pics up so you could critique them. ;o)

Speaking of pics dont be shy to comment on mine in the general pictures formu under the same screename.

I have had lots of time searching through reviews and information about digital cameras trying to finally decide on one brand. Personally I have just decided to go with the Olympus. The camera body is so solid it blows the digital rebel out of the water. For me the grip was perfect. As I held the Canon I realized my larger hands would be cramping up with the small grip. I have had nothing but great experiences with my Olympus lenses and cameras. The only company making an extensive line of camera equipment made solely for digital format. I have noticed many nice touches with my equipment. I've upgraded the firmware in the body, lens and flash. When Olympus comes out with an even better body I feel confident that I'll be getting that as well. The quality is beyond compare when you consider the price. I am a big canon fan but I just cannot see the gigantic expendature on the lenses when the Oly are inferior to none. Frankly I'm waiting for them to make a professional body that is weather resistant and am just collecting my lenses and equipment of which I'd only be able to get a third if it were Canon. I was a Minolta guy and in search of a new d-slr , Olympus won me over with their look towards the future as they built a ground up digital system. I'm happy with my Oly experiences over the last year.