Worth the investment. Don't go Rebel Xti or Xsi - slow autofocus is the #1 reason for their many returns Pluses: Very high speed and excellent shooting capabilities in low lighting A wide range of lenses, reasonably priced. Lets you go pro or semi-pro without shelling $5,000 for the body. Why not Canon? You don't want to deal with their customer service, trust me (6months without a cam)

Why a camera bag? You've just spent $200, and boom, you fall on a puddle. That's it. No more camera. Pluses: Awesome rainprotection feature: zip pocket at the bottom lets you pull out this rain jacket for your bag. I fell in the mud with it, and tah-dah: nothing on the bag, nothing on the camera!! Save your camera from weather and clumsiness, AND never forget anything with its ton of pockets.