what are the major diffs between the XTi and the 30D?? Looking to buy

Have a Canon EOS Elan camera with a few lenses and want to get a digital SLR. Not clear how to decide between these two models (or, should I wait for some other model?) My husband said the 30D was heavy when he went to a store to look at them.

Valorie --

They are about the same camera on the inside; both the latest models offered by Canon, and both the third generation of a wildly successful line of cameras. The 30D is aimed at people who expect to really put wear and tear on a camera -- it has a metal body and is somewhat heavier. Canon also enables a few extra functions in the software, mostly aimed at the "serious photographer" crowd. The 400D is part of the "Rebel" line, which is aimed at a value-conscious serious photographer. The Rebels have a poly-carbonate body (plastic, but seriously durable plastic) which is lighter and a bit smaller (I think) than the 30D.

When I bought, I didn't have the choice -- I had the Elan 7 film EOS, and bought the 10D several hours after it was announced (I'm an early adopter :-). It was and still is a great camera, and I don't mind it being bigger and heavier since I take it on hiking and camping trips, so it needs to take some abuse. I would definietly have liked to have a lighter camera in some of my longer trips, though.

Unless you are going to knock it around, I would save my money and go for the 400D. You'll be *thrilled* with how cool digital is in an SLR.