good deal or not

i am considering buying a canon xti and found this deal at best buy
is this a good deal? or not really. is there a better place to buy. i am leaning towards buying a package, body, or lens from best buy as i have $200 in gift certificates.

any recommendations?

The lens in that package is crap, but the camera is good. I have an XTi.

You can get the body from best buy, seeing how you have the gift certificate, and get a better telephoto lens from eBay or even from Best Buy.

Though, unless you plan to go to a football game and photograph the game/players, that lens should be pretty good for standard use.

Search for reviews and take your time before you buy.

Best of luck,
-AC

I don't know if you've looked on craigslist for a camera body, but I would check it out if I were you. I see them all the time for around $500 with a kit lense here in Hawaii. You might even be able to find a used 20d with a lense for less than the price of the xti at best buy. I've even seen 30d's going around $600. Definitely pick up a body and save your extra $$$ for glass. Money is always best spent buying the right lenses.

wheres a good spot to by glass from?

eBay is great if you know what you are looking for. Same with craigslist.

As far as stores, Circuit City and Best Buy have some stuff, Ritz/Wolf Camera isn't too bad, but usually have higher prices.

Local camera stores, (if you can find any) are great!

Best,
-AC

A good source for used Canon gear is the classified section at www.photography-on-the.net