Currently Canon is also running a loyalty program that gives mail in rebate of $50 on XSI, T1i, 50D and few other DSLR models. So your final price could be as low as $570 for a dual lens XSI kit. Go figure!!! It cannot get any cheaper. So folks – go grab them before they are all gone !!

T1i with the same kit lenses is available with the same promo, but costs about $150 more, it still is a bargain around final price of $720 after the canon rebate.

Happy holidays!! If you took advantage of these offers, come back and post a comment if you found this useful.

Thanks guys, hope you make the right decision

The 3.5fps I've only used a handful of times to capture people and can't say I could use double that.

The rain-guard of the body could be useful – would be less apprehensive in humid climates. Though drops on the lens would ruin the shot anyway so why take the camera out in that situation without any protection then?

I was considering a D90 for the all-in-one movie factor but the reviews were not there to support that price-tag. I love the TZ5 for this. Takes high-def wide-screen movies and is a great point and shoot camera that fits in your pocket – you ALWAYS take a camera with you and when a giant DSLR does not work for where you're going, the TZ5 is the best backup – LOVE the camera!

Changing lenses was a big learning curve for me. Love the flexibility – HATE the changing and hauling of the extra stuff! I used the price-savings for extra lenses – you'll spend more on lenses than the camera anyway. Zoom lens is required!!! Stability control a must. I digress from choosing a camera.

I could use a tad more freedom for low-lighting conditions – most evident in high zoom-ranges. No issues/experience in a need for the faster shutter – all photos turn out great with the max on this. Battery life is a no issue – it's just fine. And with a battery grip (with the two batteries inside it) it'll amaze you – don't even bother bringing a charger on your trip!

So to sum up, the lenses will suck up more of the overall cost anyway – choose based on what you'll shoot. My biggest problems are now to choose which lenses to bring when there's a need to pack light for a small excursion. Again, hauling all this STUFF is a sure change from the Sony and TZ5…

Best of luck – no bad choices – just better ones.

Dilemma.. Any can help/?.. Its really a big headache.. Too bulky for me on a 40D, with lenses near to 1kg++ .

450D, price is comparative with 40D, but slack some features. Not too concern for on the difference of 2 megapixels tho..

Headache..

Are you sure that lens is an EF-S? I know they make and EF version…if its EF-S, then again, that lens won’t work on a 1D or any full frame.

As for myself, back in July 2008, I was debating (as most) between the two. I went with the 450D. Well, after 7 months of shooting, taking photo classes, shooting concerts, parties, portraits and what not…. I regret my decision. If I were to go back, I’d get the 40D. Construction is better (I have to hide my camera from any type of rain / snow), but more importantly, I would love the better low light pictures, which I love doing but am limited, even with fast glass.

The comparisons given here and the comments left by everyone have locked me into my decission.

I still have our 25 year old Canon AE-1 Program. Tried to put it up on Ebay the otherday to help raise funds towards the DSLR, but our eldest child is taking a 'FILM' class in collage, starting this week. Tha's about $250 I'm out, for now. Hard to believe that's all I might get for it. Very happy our daughter is persuing the old school film class though.

I digress- the 40D will surely be my choice. As of this date, the XSI/450D body only, can be had for $575. The 40D around $700.
I hope to steer clear of any kit lens and invest into, perhaps, the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS USM for the crisp portraits and weddings. Also on the wish list, (this will cost me either 3 weeks sleeping on the couch or a divorce), the Canon 70-200mm F/4.0 IS USM. (the 2.8 version is not as crisp)That's also going to cost me lot's of honey due's.

The FPS advantage I will get, with competitive swimming shoots and occasional golf swing colages that I make, will really open my creativity.

More rugged build, gotta have it!

Larger buffer- a must!

Although I would really like to have the rearview controls for the high tripod shots, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to give up.

I had considered the Nikon D90. Got spoiled w/ the video mode w/ the Sony F717. The reviews on the D90's video are pretty poor at this time, so why invest into it?

Sony's Alpha, a350 was a bit tempting with the tilt screen but had to many drawbacks compared to the Canons.

The 450d/XSI was nearly a lock-in until reading a few (hundred) reviews. Seems the majority buying the XSI are looking for something of good quality, great technology, lighter weight anad a bit more affordable. There's no doubt, that's excatly what they got.

So, I hope that since the previous postings, everyone has been getting some awesome, quality, stunning photo's! Hope to join you in the near future.

Cheers! And thanks for your words.

I am almost sure I will be going for the 40D. The reasons 1) Better protection from rain and dust as we do a lot of outdoor photography 2) We are looking for a second camera to join the 400D we already have and would like our equipment to be compatible. As Patt pointed out, we would have to buy SD cards for storage if we go for the 450D 3) Early in the review was this sentence about the focusing on the 40D "With the 40D, even the non-center AF points can be used to track subjects with greater precision". I have lost many a good shot through the subject being slightly out of focus and would deem this to be more valuable than the extra 2m megapixels.

I am going to visit Jessops shortly to see how the cameras feel in my hands and to see if I can haggle the price down a little further. The instore price today for body only is £629.99

I was also shopping between the 450D an 40D for our first DSLR. Ended up eventually getting the 450D for the lower price point and put the price difference into a decent fast prime lens. The 2 extra mpix is negligable.

But the most compelling reason for the 450D was the SD card and it being smaller and lighter formfactor which sits better with my fiancee's smaller hands. The 40D (as was the D80) was just a little much of a handfull for her.

Small hands = 450D, rest of us = 40D

I would probably still re-consider the 40D or its replacement again after seeing what sort of pricing impact the new Nikon "D90" will have on the 40D.

Cheers from Brazil and happy shooting!

Anyhow, cheers and happy shooting!