For my quick story read below or skip to the ***
I looked on dpreview.com and went to a few stores today and figured this was for me. I fell in love with the 20D but then remembered i am a rookie and would not be able to use it to its full potential. I also liked the Nikon but could not find one for me.

*** Here is when AWPhoto kicks in. Why or why not should i get the 350D? Who is using it? Can i see you pictures with "stock" lens? What other camera is there to look at?

How is the Nikon D70?

Personally the features offered on a 350D is almost the same as 20D. So being a rookie or not, both camera probably has more capability than your skills for now of course.

If you have the cash, and you're pretty sure that you'll make use of the DSLR and not let it sit collecting dust (I don't know anybody that has a DSLR that doesn't use it honestly), go for the 20D, better construction than the 350D and slightly better AF along with a few other things. With the 30D also announced, the price of the 20D might drop a bit more also. Buying the 20D vs the 30D you're not really missing out on much as the improvements on the 30D are only a few (spot metering, 1/3 ISO stops, ISO in the viewfinder but the resolution stays the same).

As for the Nikon, if you're price conscious, you could look at the D50. Does 95% of the D70 and it has cleaner images than the D70.

One thing I would point out, if you do make use of the camera, the Nikon does not offer a factory vertical/battery grip. There are aftermarkets but it's not really a clean design IMO. The Canon does provide a grip albeit it's not cheap.<ul><li><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&amp;cameras=canon_e os20d%2Ccanon_eos350d%2Cnikon_d50%2Cnikon_d70&amp;show =all">350D/20D/D50/D70 comparison</a></li></ul>

I was curious about the Canons you're looking at, but it just didn't click for me. My best advice is to continue with either the Nikon or Canon if you already have a few lenses for either brand. Also, pay attention to the smaller details about the camera. How does it feel in your hand? Do you like the menu and how you have to adjust your settings? Also, you've always gotta consider price. Everyone has their own limit.

If anything, go to a professional camera store and don't be afraid to ask questions! It also doesn't hurt to read up on the cameras (either in a magazine or online). To me, these small details led me to the Nikon, which I've been enjoying incredibly!

If you want some sample pics, I can post them for ya... just let me know.

You're asking about the kit lens, which tells me you probably have a budget in mind, and with that budget you're thinking primarily about the body, and the lens is a secondary consideration. But, you should really look at it the other way around. The lenses are where you should (and will) spend your money. So stick with either the D50 or XT (whichever one you decide is the right choice for you), get the kit lens (only because it's ineexpensive, and it will allow you to gain enough experience to decide what the next lens should be - more reach, wide angle, faster for better low light performance or narrow depth of field).

but i didn't get the standard kit lens. i went for the more expensive 17-85 ISU. it's an excellent lens IMO. [note: i have seen this lens offered as a kit with the rebel in some places]

pics on my site - click the wine glass photo below.

and some recent work via the link...

i also bought a 70-300 ISU to take advantage of double rebates. but i'm not happy with it and i'm seriously considering selling it.<ul><li><a href="http://marsavius.net/photography/images/2006_02_25/">Bethlehem Steel 25-Feb-2006</a></li></ul>

Bah. The 20d and 350D don't do anything fundementally different. The 20d is a bit faster and has a few other features over the 350d.

If you think you'll be serious about it, you'll save money in the long run by getting the 20d. Plus, the 20d should be discounted now.

The D70 is also a fine choice.

<ul><li><a href="http://bobatkins.photo.net/photography/digital/eos_digital_rebel_xt_vs_20d.html">XT VS 20D</a></li></ul>