Should I buy the Canon 30d, Canon XSI, or wait a while and buy the 40d?

STOP!!! Don't buy a film camera! There is a huge advantage of having a digital camera over a film one, the biggest is that you can take a gazzillion pictures and truly LEARN how to improve your photography. Also the aspect of immediate results enables you to experiment and learn right away what you're doing correctly or incorrectly. ALSO since you are on a budget you'll spend a lot on processing and printing pictures. Here is what i suggest.

You mention you are on a budget, then wait for the XSI to come out and then go by the Canon XTI which is an EXCELLENT camera that is dropping in price rapidly due to the introduction of the XSI. Look locally for a used one that you'll soon be able to pick up used for $250. The XTI is a 10 mega pixel camera that yeilds some excellent photos. If this is still to expensive then consider the XT.

For landscape photography you'll eventaully want a super wide angle lens. I use a canon 10-22mm efs however it is friggin expensive ($600). As you save up some cash you can look at the Sigma alternative and try and pick up a used one.

Of the cameras you listed, I would pick the Canon 30D. The 40D is probably more expensive than you want for as few improvements as you are going to get when compared to the 30D. As a low price option I would pick the Rebel XT (350D) over the Rebel XTi or even the new XSi. The 10mp XTi generates an awesome image, but the Rebel XT produces a even better image.

As far as the 50mm lens for portraits, you will be fine. But you have to remember that these cameras have an ASP-C (cropped) sensor which means the are like shooting with a 1.6x converter. So your 50mm lens has an effective focal length of 80mm. The 30D kit came with an EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens that will give you the range that need for landscapes and telephoto shots.

Best of luck with your photography.

Try KEH.com a used camera broker. I bought a used 30D with the kit 18-55 lens all manuals cables CD charger.for $695 plus shipping $35. With new models coming out camera shops that do rentals sell older models when they go to the new one for thier rental stock. All brands are are stocked at KEH. figure out what you want and can spend.

Fhotoace's idea about the film slr is excellent.. and it will keep you busy until you can buy the dslr..

but.. given the choices, I'd wait and get the 40D, it's well worth the wait.

buy the 30D Very good image quality

Great for sport events and outdoors photografy,Low noise performance at 800-1250 is excellent,it is easy to handle and operate. Highly recommended.