The people at Canon have really done a beautiful job making a very beginner-friendly D-SLR. Right out of the box, I was able to take beautiful, frame-worthy photos of my children. The value was amazing. Compared to other brands, the Rebel XT far outshone the rest at this price.
I generally use this one as a "point-and-shoot." I really like the fact that it takes the photos of my two small children (just turned two, and ten months old) INSTANTLY. Digital point-and-shoots take so long that the girls have moved by the time the camera takes the picture!
Overall, great value for the price, great beginner camera all around. I'm impressed.