I'm not an expert on photography yet. And many have suggested good advice already. FWIW, I have been using the 20D since it came out. Before that I used an A1. The camera takes great pictures. I have printed 24x36 picture without seeing any grain (pictures taken with the cheasy kit lens). So I think that 8 megapixel is fine. If you have limited budget, just get a 20D or it's little brother the Rebel 350 XT and then invest in good lens.