I recommend the Canon EOS 40D with Canon's new 18-200 IS lens. You can also buy Sigma's stabilized 18-200 for a couple of hundred dollars less than the Canon. Second choice camera is the XSi/450D. Canon SLR's provide noise free images throughtout the ISO range. Nikon is starting to match Canon, but not with the D80. Hope this helps..

I am thinking about buying a canon xsi 450d - this will be my first dslr and wondered whether I need to purchase a lens with IS if the camera already has built in IS in the body!? In addition I have seem some advertised on ebay as a package including upto 5 lenses (which aren't IS) for a mere $987 is this deal too good to be true!??.

I was in this dilemma about 7 months ago. Canon XSi 450D vs. Canon 40D vs. Nikon D90..Finally, I chose Nikon D90. However, as most people would say, it comes to personal preference. I do believe that the Canon XSi 450D has a better price/performance ratio.

I would suggest for anyone in this dilemma to first, go to a nearby camera store and get a feel for the camera. Either of the three cameras can take great pictures, and all three does not have in-body stabilization. Canon and Nikon only makes IS/VR lenses, not camera bodies. The reason I chose the D90 over the others is, because of the grip, which fits my hand nicely. Other than that, coming from using a Canon S3 IS, I also shoot some video clips, and it would be great for me to have a video function (even though it's main flaw is the focusing ability).

As for the camera sold with lenses in a package, be sure to check the lens reviews at slrgear.com. Some of the lens that are packaged might be old versions or has considerable flaws. It's the lenses that makes a quality image, the camera body that processes the image, and the photographer that defines a quality image. Hope this helps on your decision. =).

Help!! I'm so confused!! I have a Canon EOS Rebel 300D. I want to upgrade to either the EOS 450D or the EOS 50D. I have the side by side comparisons but my biggest question now is, will my canon lenses and the Sigma lens that I have been using on my 300D, will they work on either of the 2 previously mentioned bodies? Any help is greatly appreciated..