Which is the better camera -- this, or a Pentax K100D?
And how much of a difference is there... say if I have
access to Pentax lenses?

then get the pentax. a camera body is more or less just an airtight box with options to control the lens. its the lenses that make much of the photograph.

I understand some people are saying the XT (8MP) is better than the XTi (10MP), can someone please expand on this. Thanks

Yes, the lens make much of the photograph. Canon is known for its glass. But given you have access to Pentax lenses, I would say depending on your requirements, that the Pentax may have the lead in the decision.

I have the predecessor to the Canon Rebel XTi, along with 2 other Canon G-series cameras. Been very happy with all my Canon cameras.

because there's more to digital cameras than just the number megapixels?

#4 speaks the truth.

canon has great lenses, but be aware that good lenses can run you upwards of several thousands of dollars, even more depending on application. unless you want to invest in lenses (trust me, it's only a rich man's game), then get the camera for which you have access to lenses.

the other thing to be concerned about in digital cameras is the CMOS. both the XT and the XTi use the same DIGIC II sensor which is known for great quality photographs. I wouldn't say that the XT is better than the XTi, but with the major factors considered (price, CMOS, lens options), they're about tied in my book.

#1, neither. Go with a Kodak and you will be ultimately satisfied.

I understand some people are saying the XT (8MP) is better than the XTi (10MP), can someone please expand on this. Thanks

Compare K10 instead:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk10d/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk100d/

Your investment comes when you start purchasing lenses so have fun with the research.

Fan boys to follow.

Be sure to check out the forums at the linked site above (dpreview.com). Plenty of rabid fans of a specific company abound, but you'll get some good answers to your question if you pose it there.

Basically- I am a total photography novice, but I am going on a long vacation and want to take higher quality photos than on my SD450. For a sub $600 DSLR, what do you go for? D40, Pentax K100S, or Canon XT? Thanks again!

i want digital so slr's sux!

I have this camera. It is pretty good. Takes very nice pictures. And the price is decent too.

Basically- I am a total photography novice, but I am going on a long vacation and want to take higher quality photos than on my SD450. For a sub $600 DSLR, what do you go for? D40, Pentax K100S, or Canon XT? Thanks again!

#7 kodak? really? are you smoking something?

A DSLR is more then you need. Look into:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG5G

This will give you RAW to play with if you decide to go DSLR at a later time.

This camera is mocking me... I think its a sign to buy it

lowclouds = ellory? STOP SPAMMING! KBAN PLZKTHX

rosies - no a DSLR is NOT "more than what you need" because you haven't defined what the needs are. if you like photographs with incorrect depth perception due to limited lens focal lengths, if you like limited light metering capabilities, if you like having almost no control over how your photos come out and hitting a glass ceiling due to lack of said options, then yes, a DSLW is more than what you need,.

I have this camera. Very nice pictures and the price is good too.

NIKON