Ok, so to put the final nail in this b*tch, I ordered the 400d body from Dell. ($540 new). That was the best price I could find, for places that had it in stock (in black) and that weren't a sketchy warehouse in Brooklyn with a bad BBB rating.

I called a local camera shop looking for the 18-55mm IS lens used, and they said to keep checking, as they're starting to get XTi's in more regularly now that the XSi is out, and the XS is soon to be released. Probably could've gotten a used one if I was willing to wait it out awhile, but there are no guarantee's, so screw it.

Briefly considered the XS, which is meant to replace the 400d, but the live preview in the LCD, and Digic III processor weren't enough to keep me guessing about release date and price.

With the IS lens, the whole kit and caboodle will run about $710 before tax, not so bad. Unless the XS drops next week with the IS lens for the exact same price (which I doubt), I'm happy with it.

Now to just get to practicing.