I like the D70 far better.  The flash sync speed is awesome (1/500s).
I can't compare the features in general, as I am not familiar with all,
but the kit lens (you will want to buy it) that comes with the D70 is
far superior to that of the kit lens that comes with the Rebel XT AND it
is sold at a nice discount as part of the kit.

But, most importantly, all the features have there benefits between the
two cameras, but what makes a very large difference to me is the feel of
the camera.  The Rebel just seems cheap, and feels too small for my
hands.  It feels sort of plastic and thin, unlike the Nikon products
(including the D50).  I have been so happy with my D70 that I have not
even looked at the newer cameras coming out ... no upgrade sickness.

Exactly which lenses do you have? What sort of photography do you do?
Will you continue to buy lenses and new bodies in the future, if so at
what budget?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a Digital SLR -

Do you have lenses for a 35mm camera system that you can use on a
Digital SLR?

This is a very important question.  If you are at all serious about
photography, you may have more money invested in lenses then the cost
of the camera.  I do.  The camera body, is nothing compared to the
amount I have invested in lenes.  So it was a whole lot less expensive
to stay with the same camera system, just go digital!

The Canon Digital Rebel XT has a Smaller body then the Canon Digital
Rebel.  The Digital Rebel is still available.   The Digital Rebel is a
6.3 megapixal, while the XT is an 8 megapixal camera.  The XT has a few
more features.  How large are your hands, and how close is your nose to
your eyes?  Do you need the 8 megapixals, or will the 6.3 megapixal
Digital Rebel fit your needs?  The Canon Digital Rebel will do a 40 x
60 inch print without too much trouble under the right conditions, and
using the right lab.  Do you need to print something larger then that?

If you have Nikon Lenses - buy a Nikon, if you have Canon Lenses, buy a
Canon.
The lab I use that prints some of my work for competitions and such,
they shoot Nikons, however, they think the Canons are a touch better.
Nothing concrete about it.
They see the work that people bring in that people shoot with Nikons,
and that people shoot with Canons.  They just like what they see from
the Canons better.  Now, it could be that they are seeing more artistic
work from people shooting with Canons?

roland

I would say the output quality is just as good, which is good because the
70s could be compared cost wise to the 20D not the XT, BUT go and try one
and see if you like the 'feel' of the XT/350D. Some people don't like the
size.

Also consider if you have any canon or Nikon lenses that could be used with
it.

Speaking as a D70s owner who checked out everything, including my son's
Canon D20 before buying, the answer is NO.....

The D70s is superior itself AND the kit lens is a real winner - head
and shoulders above the kit lens that comes with the Rebel XT.....

PC

 In some ways, yes, in some ways, no.  As they have slightly different
feature sets, you could contrive situations where either one would be simply
unacceptable if you tried hard enough, when in reality, both are fine,
capable cameras.

  So, what to do?  First, sit down and decide which features you want and
need.  Since you've already done some SLR photography, that shouldn't be too
hard.  Once you've done that, look at which camera meets your needs.  C'est
simple, no?

steve

Here is how it stacks up when you consider all facets of the cameras
from image quality to build:
From best to "least best"
1.  Nikon D70s
2.  Canon Rebel XT and Nikon D50

worth a read..and draw your own conclusion

http://www.digitalreview.ca/cams/NikonD50vsD70SvsXT_images.shtml
http://www.digitalreview.ca/cams/NikonD70SvsRebelXT_pg3.shtml

No.

I've got the RebelXT and really appreciate its low noise at high ISO and its
ability to "get the shot." Yeah, I know, that's *really* subjective, but
I've owned a number of cameras, and some do, some don't. Obviously an
interface issue between camera & user... and that's a very relevant thing to
consider. *You* need to pick up the cameras and play with them. And in the
end, the camera that's the most "fun" to use, is probably the better choice,
because that's the one that will probably be better at "getting the shot."

Having said all that, and having read all the nasty stuff about the RebelXT
kit lens (18-55mm), I have to admit I cheated and got mine with the 17-85
IS, which has been great. The IS feature is far more valuable than I thought
it would be, and the range is quite nice. I combine that with a 70-200 F4 L
and I've got a pretty compact, lightweight, relatively-affordable do-it-all
combo.

--Mike--     Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

twotoneto,

Generally, what people buy "is the best". You will find that owners of
D70's and XT's alike have the best camera.

There are very little "objective" opinions here and elsewhere. Most
people intervening know one make, not the other. Even comparisons
suffer (seen through your screen which might favour one colour over the
other).

Finally, we live in a world of "BEST" and superlatives. Why should we
always have the "BEST" is beyond me. I buy what suits me, not what is
best.

My 2 "BEST" cents.

Marcel

This guy's just a troll, and all your well-meaning answers are lost on
him.  Note that after 25 answers he hasn't replied to any, he posted
under a nonsense name, and from Google. Further, the subject is pure
troll bait.

Don't waste your time.

Colin D.