Canon Rebel XTI question?

Question

I love taking photographs, and would like to grow as a photographer. I am looking at the rebel xti, but I don't want to get a camera that is to difficult to use. Is this easy to use, but at the same time, will let me grow?
Should I get the lens that most often comes with it? I read some reviews and it seems like the 17-85 is good, but expensive.... What makes sense?
I take people pictures mostly, (my baby, family, ect) but would like to be able to use it for other things.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Before buying the Canon you might want to do a little research. Canon offers Image Stabilization (IS) in its lens line, which adds to the cost and weight of the lenses. Others, like Pentax with their new K10D, build IS into the camera body. The K10D also accepts all Pentax K-mount lenses from back in the days of film. There are other manufacturers who build IS into their camera bodies. I suggest choosing 3 or 4 manufacturers, getting their brochures, and doing a side by side comparison. You might search for Steve's Digicam site for the same comparisons.