For a serious amateur / hobbyist photographer, I would only recommend Nikon or Canon brand digital SLRs. They're both top of the line (with prices to match on some models, but also some models which are reasonably priced).

If your friend just wants a decent point-and-shoot for snapshots, though, I have to say that I loved my Fuji FinePix (don't remember the model, but I'm sure it's been replaced by a newer one by now anyway) before my sweet toddler broke it. (GRRRRR.)

As for accessories, I think Cade has a good list there: Whether you go Canon or something else, you'll want to make sure you've got extra batteries and/or a charger, a big ol' flash card or two (*especially* while on vacation, unless you bring a laptop you can keep dumping the pics onto), a lens protecting filter is nice, and of course a bag to keep everything together.

Fun, fun! Now I want to go camera shopping! :-)

I have two digital cameras, a simple point and shoot, and a Nikon SLR. I like the convience of a point and shoot when I'm out running around like last weekend. Sometimes I even carry both cameras.

But I love the photos I get from my SLR, I can really fine tune the photo to what I what with all the available options. I recommend the Digital Photography Review site for good reviews and recommendations on digital cameras, plus news and forums. Enjoy shopping around and taking photos with your new camera!

I love my Lumix, but it's not in the same class as the Canon Digital Rebel Xti; the Canon is a LOT more camera. The Lumix is also obsolete; I think the current equivalent is the FZ7.

If your friend is seriously considering the Canon, he might also want to consider the Nikon D40 or D80 (the D80 is more expensive). I looked at the Digital Rebel last fall, and ended up getting the Nikon D80; it just fit better in my hand.

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