My ideal start up gear: Canon 40D and Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS lens.

At first, I wanted to get a canon 30D which has a more durable magnesium alloy body and more resistant to weather and dust, but canon announced 40D with some new cool features on April so I waited for it to come out. Just before 40D came out, Nikon announced the D300 which had even more cool features that the 40D does not have. So I then decided to just get the cheapest DSLR canon body so that I can start enjoying my lenses... 300D is now very hard to find, so the next available one would be the 350D (Rebel XT) as I was checking for the prices, there is only a $100 difference with the 400d, so I said why not go for 400d for now and make it a backup cam when canon comes up with their nikon D300 rival.

Since I already have a 70-200mm F2.8 non-IS Lens, I think this lens will cover most of my all-around needs. I'll be monitoring the price of Canon 400d and 17-85mm IS lens. At the same time I'll be waiting for the Canon "50D" and 55-250mm f2.8 IS lens, while monitoring the price of the Canon 40D and 17-55mm f2.8 IS lens...

As of Nov 22, 2007
Canon 400D body only
Aden: $569.99
Henrys: $699.99
Vistek: $749.95

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS lens
Aden: $569.99
Henry's: $599.99
Vistek:$599.95