I have the xti which the older model of the xs. To be perfectly honest I love it. I've thought about upgrading but can't get around to doing it because I'm so use to it now. In my opinion you can't fo wrong with a rebel. But my mom had a nikon which is a little more fancy then mine but for hobby shootingvyou would never see the difference. So check out the nikon and cannon and okay with then in the store and go with the one that feels comfortable. You won't go wrong with either brand
Here's some pics I've taken
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ames-P...07581642630442