The Canon Rebel XTi is a perfect newbie camera. It's light weight and easy to use features make it perfect for the learning photographer. I've used mine for over 1 and 1/2 now and have no complaints about it. It's shooting rate and awesome auto-focus system make it amazing. I also like the width of the LCD display and I love how easy it is to navigate through all the settings and menu options on the camera. The flash is decent especially when you want to take night photographs, or sunsets, etc. Alot of lense options for this puppy as well which makes it perfect.