Which is the better deal for me?

[psucelticXI]

I'm new to DSLRs, but I've always wanted to get more familliar with them.

Which of the following packages would be the best deal for me? (I want to keep it under or as close to $650 shipped as possible)

1) Buydig.com - $652.95, free shipping, ships in 1-2 business days. Includes:
* Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (Silver) with EF-S 18-55mm II Kit
* Sakar 800mAh Replacement /Extra Battery for Canon NB-2LH
* Dane 2GB Compact Flash Memory Card
* Digital Concepts 58mm Multicoated UV Protective Filter--offers lens protection & clearer pictures
* GGI Compact Flash USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Card Reader
* DigPro Deluxe SLR Holster Case - DP4000


2) B&H Photo - $664.85+12.25 shipping. ($677.25) 3-5 business days. Includes:
*EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (with lens cap and dust cap)
*Sandisk 4GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card
*NB-2LH Battery Pack, Battery Charger, CR2016 Lithium Battery
*USB Interface Cable
*Video Cable, Neck Strap
*Viewfinder & Body Caps
*EOS Digital Solutions v.13.0 CD-ROM (EOS Utility, ZoomBrowser EX, ImageBrowser, PhotoStitch, Digital Photo Professional), Instruction Manual CD-ROM (PDF versions of the instruction manuals)
*User Guides
*1-Year Canon U.S.A. Limited Warranty
*GGI CompactFlash Memory Card Reader - USB 2.0


3) SonicCameras.com - $559.00, free shipping, ships in 8-10 business days. Includes:
* Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body (Black) With 1-Year USA Warranty
* 28-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Auto Focus Lens
* 1GB CompactFlash Card
* CompactFlash Card Reader
* Deluxe Digital Camera Carrying Case
* Deluxe Lens Care & Maintenance Package
* Full Size Tripod
* Pack Of LCD Screen Protectors
* CapKeeper

4) Other (Post a link to a better deal)

I'm leaning towards the Buydig offer, but the other two are tempting also. I haven't heard much on the 28-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Auto Focus Lens. I've also heard the 18-55mm kit lens is sub-par. I'm thinking it should be fine for me as a beginner though.

I'm not worried about the size of the CF card, I can always pick up a larger one later. B&H is offering the highest quality card, both in size and brand. B&H also seems to be the most reputable site, but I've heard they don't always have the best deals. The free 1-2 day shipping would be a big plus to me, I'd want the camera as soon as possible.

Which do you think would be the best for me?

Thanks in advance!

[Hayden]

Mixed reviews for soniccamera

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Sonic_Cameras

just take that into account...

[psucelticXI]

Mixed reviews for soniccamera

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Sonic_Cameras

just take that into account...

Yeah, they didn't seem like they were getting great reviews. I put them into the list mostly for discussion/comparison purposes. For example - Is that lens included miles ahead of the normal 55mm kit lens?