So I’m looking to upgrade from my Point and Shoot to a nice camera. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP SLR or the Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP SLR. (Possibly the 30D, but that’s a bit more pricey) My plan is buy the body only of whatever I choose, and I think the EF 50mm/1.8 lens.
Now here’s the thing, I don’t know enough about photography to really make this decision. I’ve read that you should put your money in the lens over the body of the camera, so is it worth it to fork up the extra 100 dollars for the XSi? Are the features that much better than the XTi?
Also, lens wise. I plan to be mostly shooting social events, weddings, parties, etc, traveling and tourist pictures and maybe some landscape ones. (Nothing professional, just for really nice memories sake ) I don’t want to have to purchase a lens for each, but is there a good one that can be used pretty well for all?

I want to give a Slr camera as a gift for my good friends birthday…. Which one is better?