Digital Camera Reviews Rebel

Is the Canon Digital Rebel XTi EOS Digital SLR Camera a good buy for an amatuer photographer?
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256
The reviews that I have read are positive, but I’d like to know from someone who has used it, or has knowledge in the field of photography if it’s a good buy.
I have the older version of this camera. I’ve just used it as a point and shoot. I haven’t gotten into any of the manual settings. It’s very easy to use and the picture quality is very good. I chose this camera over others because my grandfather who is really into photography recommended it and at the time I thought I was going to need a manual camera for a photography class.
Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) review by What Digital Camera