The main feature difference of the XTi over the XT is it has 10.1 megapixel sensor and the XT has 8 MPX. The XTi also is black and has a larger LCD screen and improvements in internal processing. The XT1 is also somewhat more expensive. To begin with the 18-55mm "kit" lens is a great value and serves most basic needs.

thank you for your help

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I am moving up to a Dslr and was wondering what the difference between the Rebel XT and Rebel XTI was?
Any recommendations on what lense to get to start off with?
I am not a professional, just want to take pictures of the family.

The XTi also has a sensor cleaning system that shakes the sensor when you power up or down.

The basic kit lens should be fine, but for about another $60 you can get the USM (ultrasonic) version of the 18-55 zoom. Main advantage is that the zoom motor is much quieter.

The XTi is an excellent camera choice, but also consider purchasing an external flash since you intend to take photos of your family. The on camera flash is not powerful enough to reach more than 10 or 15 feet.
An external flash will add a nice catch light into the eyes and provide fill light to your people pictures.

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The XTi also is black

The XT and XTi both come in either black or silver, BTW.

And if you're planning to shoot in RAW mode, many of the on-camera processing features are of limited use anyway. Personally, I opted for the XT and spent the money I saved on off-camera lighting.

-- Tammy

Dell.com had/has the plain XT on sale w/ the lens "kit" for $510; I stepped up to DSLR yesterday (coming from a Canon A630 and, well, my Samsung 1.3 megapixel cameraphone).

I really like it so far; it seems like a great amateur camera. The funny thing was, the non-kit version was not on sale and was practically the same price! Even if you have better lenses already, you could put the kit lens on ebay or craigslist. Whatever, I'm sure I'll want something better eventually, but I'm having fun learning the lens that I do have.

There's always going to be something better than what you have, unless you're super rich and get the latest thing every few months. You can't get the XTi for anywhere near the price the XT is selling for.

BTW, my XT has a black body