dSLR: something big about to happen?

[seenew]

Ahhhh, thank you for the info. The Nikon with the kit lens is cheaper but this autofocus lens issue makes a difference. Think I'll start looking for a Canon XT. Sadly, $ is still an issue so the so it's the XT instead of the XTI. Besides, I do think that the info screen on the back of the XT is valuable though it does reduce the size of the LCD compared to the XTI. So, maybe an XT body and then look for an all purpose lens. Any suggestions?

The XT is the better buy, anyway. The difference between 8MP and 10MP is not noticeable, and you'll get more noise on the 10MP sensor.
As for a starter lens, definitely the EF 50mm f/1.8. Can't get any cheaper than that, and it's a top notch lens. Tack sharp, beautiful bokeh (out of focus areas), and fast.

shot with the 50mm f/1.8 (first two are film, the rest are on a Rebel XT)
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/48695701/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/48695642/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/41306670/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40890521/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40512040/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39892122/