[anti]

Nikon may not have alot of lens choices (which isn't exactly a problem imo), but the lenses they do make are of top notch quality.

I would say it's between the d70 and the rebelxt, but i havent used the minolta (let alone seen it being used). i dont hear much about it and i dont see it being used/talked about as wide spread as the rebel and d70. Both the d70 and rebelxt have their ups and downs, it all depends on what you're looking for. personally, i like my d70 better. it has a better functionality and is overall easier to use. plus, manual mode feels like a true slr cameral with two dials that each control apeture and shutter. i havent used a rebelxt but i have used a rebel through school and it just didn't feel right in my hands. the auto focusing didnt seem that great on the rebel, while the d70s is top notch and easily controllable. my info may be in accurate since i havent used the rebelxt yet, but i do know 8mp (xt) > 6mp(d70). go to a camera store, and ask to shoot with both cameras. thats the only way youll be able to tell what you really want.