The EOS Digital Rebel XTi is Canon's 10.1 megapixel "entry-level" or "pro-sumer" (somewhere between "professional" and "consumer") digital SLR for those who want to try SLR photography at a less-than-outrageous price. The XTi body can be had for under $1000, leaving you some cash to buy a couple of nice Canon lenses. Even at the lower price, it includes some of the features found in Canon's professional models, such as the Integrated Cleaning System (vibrations used to remove specks of dust from the sensor). The sensor is what they call "APS-C sized", meaning that there's a 1.6 magnification factor when you use standard 35mm SLR lenses. And the Rebel is completely compatible with all the great Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
As with any camera purchase, beware of any "package" or "kit" deals that include one or more lenses: those lenses are usually of relatively low quality (or, at least, have limited f-stop range that will make them less useful in low-light situations). If you're going to buy any package that includes a lens, make sure you carefully investigate the lens specifications separately!
