Hey there,

I am deciding between these two cameras.  I have to say that price
isn't the most important thing here, but value is- and utility.

I have already checked out the pro's and cons that have been discussed
about these two models.  I am still debating between the two.  I
thought I might describe my needs, and maybe you can help me figure
this thing out.

Though I am mostly a beginner (having used p&s a long time), I am
familiar with basic photography concepts. I know I will have to play
around with the camera to learn its ins and outs, but I am not getting
this to be an amateur photographer- I just want to get the shots I
want- and I want good shots.

Here is what I want-

I need to get good *clear* shots of the bears, eagles, baby racoons,
and fawns in my yard in the early morning, dusk, and in the rain
without a tripod (This has been impossible with my p&s). Mostly I'd
like to get good clear shots of anything in early morning, dusk and in
the rain.  Seems everytime there's a good photo op- it's in that kind
of light.

I need to be able to take clear arena shots- relatively low light-
action shots.

Would also like to take pictures of people surrounded by pyrotechnics.
As well as people in settings like a bowling alley with lasers.

Like many people- I take pictures of gardens, landscapes, and sunsets,
cats and kids.

I am happy with my point and shoot's 4x zoom.

I would prefer the lightness of the Rebel, and having small hands, I
doubt the smallness will be an issue. I would like to be able to put
the camera in a backpack- not have a separate bag to carry. This is a
camera that will go on walks, trips (motorcycle saddlebag), and will
need to be grabbed at a moments notice.

Since I'm really not that concerned about frames per second, it seems
the light metering is the biggest difference between the two right?

won't know what I'm missing, Do I need this?

* If I get the camera body alone, can you recommend a lens that might
fit the bill- and be the most versatile in this case -mostly for the
low light and zoom together - which will be on the camera most of the
time. I am willing to spend serious money on a good lens, but can I
have fast and 4x zoom together?

And now for something completely different- should I be looking at a
camera with image stabilization instead?  I'm usually chasing my
subjects (no tripod), so will the high mps/ iso/ noise qualities/ f/1.4
avail. of the Canons be enough to do the trick in my lighting
situations?

Thanks so much for any advice you can give me!

Ami